Important - New Leader Requirements for Texas Camps

[CapXK]

The Texas Youth Camp Safety Act requires that all summer camps (also winter camps, Cub Scout Day Camps, Webelos Resident Camps, etc.) in the state of Texas are now required to have the following documentation on file for all staff and unit leaders/volunteers (all adults other than visitors):

A completed volunteer application form

A copy of a Sex Offender Database Check

A copy of the Test Page Score of the online Youth Protection Training course

A copy of the Preliminary Certification Card from the online Youth Protection Training course

The paperwork has to be left at the camp - they are required to maintain the files for 2 years. The Act requires that a written and graded exam must be taken on youth safety - that's why the online version is required.

Any adult who shows up without the required paperwork will not be allowed into camp.

This is the current information available through Circle 10 Council. Since this is the first year the Act is in effect - expect changes and variances in interpretations.

[evmori]

Sounds like overkill to me. What's the point?

[CapXK]

Well, the point is that this is the new addition to a state law and I'd hate to see somebody get blind-sided when they got to camp. I don't think it is too excessive when you consider that the State Health Department, the entity which certifies that a camp meets all applicable licensing requirements, and the camp staff really doesn't know if:

You are, in fact, a registered leader and, for that matter, who are these adults that you have brought with you? Except for updating my MBC status I think the last time I filled out an adult leader application was at least 4 years ago.

Has anyone done a simple background check on every individual? I'm assuming that everyone is fine since we ask for a background check on all registered members - but I don't have any proof of this. I also don't think background checks are run on already registered members - what if something has happened in the meantime.

I have my YPT card and the camp usually asks to see if at least 1 of us has one in their possession - but I keep that. How can the camp say with any certainity that even the majority of the adults wandering around camp have taken and passed a course in youth safety? The fact that a Scout is Trustworthy really doesn't cut it with a government inspector or a lawyer.

An aquaintance runs a Girl Scout day camp and she had an adult volunteer (parent) drop out because of the new requirements - they were on the Sex Offenders database.

Except for the written proof of passing the YPT exam this is all stuff we are doing anyway - we just have to have evidence of it.

Be Prepared - these pieces of legislation have a way of spreading from one state to another.

[wagionvigil]

That is why everyone going camping should be a registered leader

[evmori]

Still seems excessive to me.

The last time I completed a leader application was over 15 years ago! And if you passed the online YPT, what's the difference what the score is?

[CapXK]

Why a written exam? I don't know. That's what the statute requires. Laws are screwy. We were at a summer camp in Colorado a few years ago and we had to provide a written report on how many boys had milk with their meal. In Colorado a summer camp is considered a day care facility and is thus eligible for a milk subsidy. We also couldn't have OA candidates who were called out maintain silence because this had been deemed hazing by the state. Considering some of the other requirements I have had to meet when helping run a Cub Day Camp the new law isn't that much more.

[riverwalk]

True it is, because I received this news also at our last Council meeting. One problem a Scouter already contacted me with, is regarding the page with the score. He can't get a score for his exam, and I didn't think it ever gave one, but perhaps I should go take it again, haha.

Yes, after this summer's Twilight Camps (local term), I'm sure things will be reviewed. It's tough enough to just learn of these requirements, and Camps are now weeks away. But we're spreading the word. Oh well.

[deweylure]

I was at our council office and was making sure they had given me credit for child protection. They printed a copy and told me to keep it handy as some camps were requiiring proof. To me its no problem.

Has anyone heard of camps giving out colored wrist bracelets to denote camper or visitor? i was told this was part of child protection.


Dewey

[evmori]

We've been doing the wrist band thing for three years now.

[Mrw]

Our camp has been doing the wristband thing for the last couple years.

They also offer the YPT training for leaders during the week.

[ynotquilt]

We are having a problem with this in our troop. We all just received the informaion from the out-of-state camp we are going to at last night's meeting stating that every adult attending had to be a registered adult. Needless to say, the money and roster are due today.We have one father who is VERY upset about this as he was going to summer camp with his son (if parent doesn't go with child, son can't go due to some medical issues) but does not want to become a registered leader. This is the first we had heard of this - including one of our ASM's who is on our council camping committee. Seems odd when cub resident camp, parents are required to attend, and most are not registered leaders.

[JazerNorth]

Father doesn't want to be a registered leader for only $10.00? Seems suspicious to me.

JazerNorth

[wagionvigil]

You can not compare Cub/webelos camp to Boy SCout Camp. Different set of rules and regulations

[ynotquilt]

Nothing suspicious at all - I've known the gentleman for about 20 years. He participates as much as he can with the troop activities, but doesn't want to take on the responsibilities of being a registered leader - doesn't have the time. Don't see why someone should be forced to register as a leader just to take part in an activity so their son can attend.

[wagionvigil]

SAd to say it is a sign of the times. More and more camps will probably be adopting these rules.

[Mrw]

We have had very involved parents who didn't want to fill out an application because they didn't want to feel like they HAD to be there every time. These are folks that were registered with Cubs, but wanted their son to be involved in the troop without them necessarily being there as the leader all the time.

[vpalango]

It's definitely a sign of the times, and mostly a legal issue being forced on the BSA councils/camps by legislation/court decisions in each region.

In our troop, we simply let everyone know who want's to come camping that they must register as a an "at large" member of the troop committee. (Basically, we register them, but don't specifically ask them to take on a responsibility). It does cost the troop some money in registration fees, but it's the easiest way to deal with the issue here.

We haven't had any issues with parents on this here, as they undertstand the child protection/legal issues invloved. (The objection they really have is about the SSN on the application form).

[Lynda J]

Yes if you are going to summer camp. If someone is registered they don't need a letter, just a copy of their membership card.

When I e-mailed our Director of Camping this was the response I got from our Council Office.

If you have a current registration card and a YPT card dated prior to 12/1/05 you should be covered.