Youth Personal Protection Training

Dear Parents -
On Wednesday, January 11th our troop will conduct the BSA’s Youth Protection Training. This training consists of a video which is age appropriate and designed to teach the youth the 3 R’s of Youth Protection. Recognize. Resist. Report. This video will take up the entire meeting and although there is opportunity for discussion either before, during, or after the tape the video is essentially meant to open the minds of the youth to the knowledge of what can happen and how to deal with it.

The video, entitled “A Time to Tell” was developed by the BSA to address the problem of sexual abuse of boys ages 11-14. The tape is approximately 90 minutes long so it will be essential that the meeting begin promptly at 7:00 PM. In order to allow parents the opportunity to preview the tape prior to this meeting we will be showing it for adults only at the troop meeting on Wednesday, January 4th. If you are unable to make it I do have an extra copy that can be loaned out as well. This will be on a first come, first serve basis.

I encourage you to bring your son to this viewing and you, as well, are invited to stay and view it with him. Child abuse professionals unanimously agree that open communication between parents and children is vital to preventing child abuse. Your knowledge of this video and its content is essential to allowing your son the ability to discuss with you further the information found within.

BSA also requires the adults of the troop be trained in Youth Protection as well. Many of our adults have already taken the Youth Protection Training Course offered through BSA and we as a troop will be offering it again soon in the near future. Furthermore, we are committed to maintaining the high standards of protection set down by the BSA by following the Two Deep Leadership guidelines established by the BSA meaning no less than two leaders at any time may be present at a scouting event.

If there are any questions regarding the information in this letter or you wish to view a copy of the tape on your own time please feel free to contact me. Thank You – Vicki Savory, Scoutmaster – Troop 1.