Safety
The leadership at Troop 105 takes safety very seriously.
The safety items listed below are items scouts are expect to know and practice.
Failure to respect these rules can result in disciplinary action.
BUDDY SYSTEM -You should never leave camp without a buddy and without asking an adult for permission, EVEN to go to the showers/bathroom. If your destination is beyond clear visibility from the camp, a buddy is needed. The buddy system prevents you from being alone when injured or lost.
CHECK-OUT – Check out with the Scout Master, or the designated adult, AND the SPL (Senior Patrol Leader) before leaving a campout or scouting event. We need to know that all scouts left with an appropriate adult/guardian.
TOT’IN CHIT - With power comes responsibility. A knife gives you the ability cut wood, rope, food, or even yourself and other people. The Totin’ chit proves that you are responsible enough to be given that power. You must carry your chit on your person at all times when carrying a knife at scouting events. It is recommend you keep it in your wallet and laminate it soon after you have earned it. Get caught with a knife and no chit, your knife will be taken away. Break one of the knife rules and a corner will be cut off of your chit. Lose all four corners and you lose the Totin ’Chit and the privilege to carry a knife at scouting events. Fixed blade knives can only be carried by a scout who:
Has served a full term as SPL
Earned Life Rank
Has no corners missing from their ORIGINAL Totin’ Chit
***Your Whittling Chip from Cub Scouts is no longer valid once you join Troop.***
PAUL BUNYAN - This is like an upgrade to the Totin’ chit; it allows you to teach the Totin’ chit to new scouts and run an axe yard. Scouts are not allowed in the axe yard without someone who has their Paul Bunyan or an approved adult.
FIREMAN CHIT - The fireman chit allows you to start and maintain fires. Just like the Totin’ Chit, it proves that you have learned fire safety.
Breaking any rules outlined in your Fireman Chit will result in losing a corner.
Lose all four corners and you lose the Fireman Chit and the privilege to start fires at scouting events.
WATER SAFETY - There are a few main rules that will always apply when swimming in scouts. These rules also apply when in a boat on a scouting event.
BSA Swim Test - You must complete the BSA swim test to be able to swim or boat at a scouting event. The test has three levels: Non-Swimmer, Beginner, and Swimmer. More details on the swim test can be found online at https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/outdoor%20program/aquatics/pdf/430-122.pdf
Buddy system - You must always have a buddy and keep eyes on them. It’s hard to see a drowning person in a large lake with lots of people in it. If every person is responsible for the safety of one other person, it makes things much easier. Depending on the situation, you may be able to help your buddy directly or alert a lifeguard that they are in trouble. Make sure to pair with a buddy who is of the same size/strength as you. When boating, a buddy will be needed to flip the boat back over if you capsize.
Lifeguards - There must always be a lifeguard present to swim. If there are no lifeguards present then do not enter the water. When boating an adult must be on the water with scouts, but you don’t need an adult in every boat.
Barriers - There will often be barriers where scouts cannot go in the water. This may be due to a variety of reasons including drop-offs, gators, a distance too far for the lifeguards to quickly rescue, or debris and sharp objects in the water that could injure swimmers. Don’t test the barriers; they are there for good reasons.
CLIFFS - You won’t see many of these in southern Texas, but it’s possible at out of state scout camps. Never climb without proper gear and adult supervision. As a general rule, don’t come within 15 feet of the edge.
ANIMALS - On a campout we are in the animal’s home. The Scout Way isto make sure we respect wildlife and their home. Do not chase, grab, feed, or harass animals in any way. Avoid dangerous animals such as snakes and gators.
FOOD IN TENTS - Food is not allowed in tents ever. Animals WILL get into your tent regardless of how well you packed and secured your food. (Never underestimate a raccoon.)
First, this creates a safety issue as it increases the chance of someone getting bitten or injured by a half-crazed coon.
Second, tents are troop property. If an animal breaks in due to your negligence you will be expected to purchase a replacement tent.
All food will be kept in the Troop trailer when 'car camping', don't worry, no one will mess with your goodies!
SHOES – Closed toe shoes are required at scouting events. The only exception is flip flops are allowed in the camp shower.
STICKS - Believe it or not scouts being impaled by sticks is a real thing. We take preventative measures because we like your forehead without a hole in it. The proper use of sticks are as follows:
Fire - If you have a fireman chit and you are currently in charge of the campfire you may put sticks in the fire.
Walking Sticks – Walking sticks should be taller than your head, not dead wood, and sturdy enough to support your weight.
Prodding Stick - It is acceptable to take a long stick to prod a log and make sure there are no snakes hiding underneath something that you need to move.
CLIMBING - BSA rules are that you cannot climb over 3 feet without a harness and safety gear. This is another one of those rules that seems stupid but has a reason. Gravity. It’s a thing guys. If you fall out of tree and smack your head on something a concussion or even split head may be the result. This happened to our own troop in the year 2020.
THROWING THINGS - This is like sticks and tree climbing. It results in more injuries that you would expect. There is not a good reason to throw things at another person or in camp.
INJURIES - Accidents happen. Use first aid to your best ability, but always inform an adult as well. The adults will determine if you need professional attention or if it’s something that needs to be monitored, like a cut that could develop an infection.
EMERGENCY MEDICATIONS
If a scout is required to carry emergency treatments, for example an epipen, the parent/guardian AND the scout MUST check in with the Scoutmaster (or other adult in charge) BEFORE the scout is left at camp by the parent. We want to confirm the scout actually has all necessary first aid on their person.
