The following information is provided as guidance for the OSG as a national association and for use by scout groups at the local level. OSG will maintain these documents and ensure that the most recent revision is available for viewing/download on this page. If you have any questions, concerns, or comments regarding OSG policies or guidelines, please contact us.
Health and Safety Policies
We strive to build a program that is designed in consideration of the safety and protection of all participants. All registered members must agree to read and abide by our Code of Ethics & Youth Protection Guidelines. These guidelines were adopted and modified from the BPSA BC (Canadian) set of guidelines for use in the U.S. These guidelines SHOULD be distributed to members each year upon registration or renewal, and they will be part of any instructional course for new leaders run by OSG HQ moving forward.
- Youth Ethics and Protection Policy – This document outlines general practices and policies in regard to ensuring the safety of our youth members.
- Criminal History Check Policy – This document provides the steps for the background check process all registered adults in the organization are subject to.
- Tent and Camping Policy – This document provides guidance for setting up campsites.
- Safe Swim Defense Policy and Guidelines – This document provides specific instructions for ensuring a safe environment for swimming.
- Understanding Menstruation in a Scouting Context – This guide gives leaders some advice on how to support scouts who experience menses.
- Scouting Accommodations Policy- This guide outlines how groups will work to include scouts with disabilities and those who are neurodiverse.
- Fundraising Policy – This document specifies policies and guidelines for group fundraising.
Liability Waiver and Medical Release
Part of the registration process filling out the OSG Liability Waiver and Medical Release form. Since OSG does not currently offer group liability coverage to local units, we are currently using a liability waiver for any members that join a group and plan on attending any events, campouts, activities, or other events.
The Medical Release portion of the form simply gives the leaders in the group important information regarding the health or medical needs of your youth upon joining. This might include medications they need to take, special conditions such as diabetes, or other health history that we should be aware of before having them take part in scouting activities which can be on the physically engaging side. It also gives registered adult leaders in the Scout Group permission to treat your child should they become injured or suffer a medical condition. Please read this form thoroughly prior to signing during registration.
Supplemental Registration Forms
Outdoor Service Guides has created an Individualized Scouting Plan form you can download and use for your scouts with additional needs such as learning disabilities or neurodiversity. This form was developed to help scout leaders, scouts, and families to make a plan to meet the needs of each scout. Having open communication with parents is an essential step in having a good scouting experience. This form may be adapted to meet the specific needs of the scout and the group they participate with.
Organization Bylaws
The Bylaws document the way OSG is organized and managed. You can read them here.