Incident Reporting in Scouting

April 8, 2025

At Scouting America, the safety and well-being of our members are of paramount importance. We are dedicated to providing a secure environment where Scouts, leaders, and volunteers can confidently engage in enriching Scouting experiences. Your role in promptly reporting incidents is crucial in maintaining the safety of our Scouting community. By reporting an incident, you help ensure a timely, clear, and effective response, which is essential for continuous improvement and a safer environment for everyone involved.

Whether you are a Scout, parent, leader, or volunteer, your commitment to incident reporting supports the core values of preparedness, responsibility, and integrity that define Scouting.

Why Incident Reporting Matters

Incident reporting plays a vital role in strengthening Scouting America’s safety culture. By raising awareness of potential risks, reporting helps us take swift preventive actions and drives continuous improvement in our programs. Clear, concise, and thorough reports provide the insights needed to address potential hazards and refine policies—ensuring a safer and more enriching experience for all.

The 5-Step Guide for Managing Incidents:

Immediate Safety:

- When an incident occurs, the safety of everyone is the first priority. Assess the situation for hazards, provide first aid if necessary, and call 911 for emergency services if required.
- If needed, move individuals to a safer location to prevent further risk.

Grasp the Full Situation:

- Gather comprehensive information to understand what happened. If minors are involved, immediately inform their parents or guardians.

Document the Incident Thoroughly:

- Record all essential details, including the who, what, when, where, and why of the incident.
- Create a timeline of events and gather statements from witnesses. Include photographs of injuries, damage, or the incident scene when possible.

Notify the Local Council:

- Promptly inform your local Council about the incident. Use the Council Locator if unsure how to contact them.
- If the incident is an emergency, use the Riskonnect Emergency Use Portal. For non-emergencies, contact your Council directly to report the incident.

Follow Up with Care:

- After addressing the immediate incident, continue supporting those involved. Stay in touch with families, answer questions, and provide reassurance throughout the process.

Important Incident Reporting Details:

When submitting a report to your local Council, be sure to include the following:

Basic Information: Date, time, location, and contact details of the reporter.
Nature of the Incident: Describe the incident type (accident, injury, illness, behavioral issue, etc.).
Involved Individuals: Names, ages, and roles of those affected (e.g., Scout, leader, volunteer).
Incident Description: A clear, factual account of the events leading up to and following the incident.
Witness Information: Contact info and statements from those who witnessed the event.
Injuries or Damage: Describe any injuries or property damage, along with any medical treatment provided.
Contributing Factors: Identify possible factors that contributed to the incident (unsafe conditions, lack of supervision, etc.).
Follow-Up Actions: Detail any actions taken to address the situation and ensure safety moving forward.
Photos and Documentation: Attach relevant photos, documents, or medical records to support the report.

By reporting incidents promptly, you ensure that Scouting America continues to provide a safe environment where all can grow, learn, and thrive. Your active participation in this process reflects the values of responsibility and integrity that are at the heart of Scouting. Together, we maintain a safer, more enriching Scouting experience for everyone.

Thank you for your commitment!

You can visit the official Scouting America Incident Reporting landing page for more details on incident reporting at this link.