6. Personal Protection

Complete child protection exercises

6a.
With your parent or guardian, complete the exercises in the pamphlet How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent's Guide .

Personal safety and protection are foundational to everything in Scouting. Scouting America requires every youth joining the program to complete the exercises in the parent guide pamphlet bound inside the front of the Scouts BSA Handbook.

Purpose of the Parent’s Guide

This requirement is unique: it is completed entirely at home with your parent or guardian, rather than with your Scoutmaster or troop leaders.

The goal is to foster open, trusting family communication about personal safety, healthy boundaries, and what to do if you ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe in any environment—whether at school, sports, online, or in youth organizations.

Key Safety Concepts to Discuss with Your Family

When working through the pamphlet exercises together, focus on these essential personal safety principles:

Setting and Respecting Personal Boundaries

  • Every person has a right to privacy and personal body boundaries.
  • Recognize that you have the right to say “NO” if anyone—peer, older youth, or adult—attempts to violate your personal boundaries or make you feel uncomfortable.

Trusting Your Instincts (The “Uh-Oh” Feeling)

  • Your body often senses danger before your mind fully processes it (e.g., butterflies in your stomach, racing heart, sudden anxiety).
  • If a person or situation makes you feel uneasy, trust your instincts and immediately remove yourself from the environment.

Understanding Secrets vs. Surprises

  • A healthy surprise (like a birthday party or gift) is temporary and brings joy to others.
  • An unsafe “secret” involves someone asking you to hide behavior, promises of special favors, or threats not to tell your parents. Never keep secrets about things that make you feel uncomfortable.

Establishing a Network of Trusted Adults

  • Identify at least three to five trusted adults outside your immediate family (such as teachers, school counselors, religious leaders, or Scout leaders) whom you can turn to if you ever need help or need to report unsafe behavior.

Completing the Requirement

  1. Sit down with your parent or guardian in a quiet setting.
  2. Read the pamphlet sections and complete the interactive discussion prompts together.
  3. Have your parent or guardian sign and date the verification line in your handbook once finished.