REAFFIRMING SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR ACTIVITIES

Following are general guidelines for planning activities for members, especially children, youth, and young single adults.  Additional guidelines and policies are found in chapter 13, "Activities," of Handbook 2: Administering the Church and at safety.lds.org.

General Guidelines

1. Plan activities that are safe and have minimal risk of injury or illness.  Activities that pose greater risk, such as a white-water rafting or rock climbing, should not be undertaken unless led by trained or certified guides, or in conjunction with Scout-sponsored camps or High Adventure bases.
2. Activities should be appropriate for the participants' ages, ability, maturity, and health.  Well before the activity, instruct participants in safety practices and minimum fitness requirements unique to the activity, and observe safety precautions at all times during the activity.
3. Be prepared for emergencies that may occur.  Know in advance how to contract law enforcement and emergency services.  Leaders who plan, conduct, and supervise activities should be knowledgeable about Church Activity Medical Assistance (CAMA) and insurance guidelines.  For more details, see Handbook 2 (13.6.9) or visit www.dmba.com/churchactivitywww.dmba.com/churchactivity.
4. Use the parental or Guardian Permission and Medical Release form (33810) and the Activity Plan form (33809) for all out-of-area overnight travel.  These forms are available at safety.lds.org or through Church distribution centers.
5. Activities normally should not require long-distance travel.  However, in the case of approved long-distance travel, use commercial transportation whenever feasible.  Be sure to verify that commercial transportation providers are licensed to operate and are protected by liability insurance (see http://www.fmea.dot.gov/safety-security/PCS/Consumers.aspx for more guidance.)
6. When using private passenger vehicles, instruct drivers in safe driving practices before each outing.  Ensure that each vehicle is in safe operating condition and properly insured and that each person in the vehicle uses a seat belt.  Each driver should be a licensed, responsible adult.
7. Ensure that two or more adult supervisors are present at every activity.  For overnight activities involving young women, two or more Melchizedek Priesthood brethren should be present.  The number of adult supervisors will vary depending on the type of activity and the maturity and number of participants.
8. Notify the bishop and stake president promptly if an accident, illness, or injury occurs on Church property or during a Church-sponsored activity.  If the accident involves a fatality or overnight hospital stay, notify the Risk Management Division at Church headquarters (telephone 1-801-240-4049 or 1-800-453-3860, extension 2-4049).

Guidelines for Scouting Activities

Scouting functions as part of the Church's activity program for boys and young men.  As such, all adult leaders who participate in Scouting activities should be registered with and have completed Youth Protection Training from the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) or Scouts Canada through their local councils.

For mor information, see section 8.9 ("Safety") in the Scouting Handbook at scouting.lds.org.  Safety training is also available to Scouting leaders through local Scouting roundtables and other Scout-sponsored meetings.