Trek Safely Training Outline
Trek Safely is the Boy Scouts of America's recommended procedure for
organizing and carrying out outdoor treks that involve Boy Scouts, Varsity
Scouts, and Venturers. Trek Safely applies to all types of outdoor experiences
that involve trekking, including hiking, backpacking, canoeing, horseback
riding, caving, rafting, kayaking, sailing, ski touring, mountain climbing, and
mountain biking.
Purpose
Trek Safely is designed to help youth and adult leaders plan and carry out a
safe trekking experience for the members of their unit. Similar to Safe Swim
Defense, Safety Afloat, and Climb On Safely, it is not designed to teach the
skills of trekking. Units that choose to engage in activities requiring
specialized outdoor skills should seek qualified instructors to help members
learn and acquire these skills prior to the outing.
Trainer Qualifications
Training in Trek Safely should be conducted by a skilled trainer who has had
some trekking experience. Because Trek Safely is not designed to teach skills,
the trainer need not have a high degree of skill with any type of trek.
Training Location
Trek Safely training may be conducted at a roundtable, summer camp, camporee,
or any other occasion where youth and adult leaders are present. Ideally, at
least one youth leader and one adult leader from each unit can participate in
this training together. This training may be conducted in conjunction with any
BSA training for Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, or Venturing leaders and can be
offered with any other supplemental training program or roundtable.
The training takes about 40 minutes. The training instructor should use the
following Trek Safely text as a resource.
Learning Objectives
At the end of this session, each participant should be able to
- Explain how each of the seven points of Trek Safely contributes to the
objective of assuring safe treks.
- Understand why the first and last points—qualified supervision and
discipline—are crucial and why all other points rely on these two points.
- Plan and carry out a safe unit trek, observing the seven points of Trek
Safely.
- List the resources available for planning and safely carrying out a trek.
Training Aids and Resources
- Passport to High Adventure, No. 4310
- Passport to High Adventure Training Outline, No. 18-075
- Backpacking merit badge pamphlet, No. 33232
- Camping merit badge pamphlet, No. 33256
- Canoeing merit badge pamphlet, No. 33305
- Cycling merit badge pamphlet, No. 33226
- Hiking merit badge pamphlet, No. 33407
- Horsemanship merit badge pamphlet, No. 33298
- Small-Boat Sailing merit badge pamphlet, No. 33356
- Swimming merit badge pamphlet, No. 33352
- Whitewater merit badge pamphlet, No. 33405
- Fieldbook, No. 33104
- Personal Health and Medical Record Forms—Class 1 and Class 2, No. 34414;
and Class 3, No. 34412
The Problem
Ask participants to relate their personal experiences with an accident or
close call during a unit trek. Supplement their accounts with examples of actual
incidents (news items, personal experiences, reports, etc.). Conclude the
opening session by pointing out ways in which these incidents could have been
avoided.
The Response
Scouting is responsible to provide for the safety of all trek participants.
Trek Safely is designed to promote safety and help prevent accidents. Accidents
occur when Trek Safely procedures are not followed.
The Policy
Explain that before any BSA group engages in a trekking experience, youth and
adult leaders for the activity should have an appreciation for the potential
hazards they might encounter and should be sure steps are taken to reduce risks.
Adherence to the seven points of Trek Safely will help units avoid most
significant risks.
Distribute a copy of the Trek Safely flier, No. 20-125, to each participant.
Explain that you will review each of the seven points.
BSA Youth Protection. Adult leaders should comply with their local
council's youth protection procedures before participating in any Scouting event
or activity involving youth members. Your local council has materials about this
training.
Qualified Supervision
Ask participants to note the first and last points of the plan—qualified
supervision and discipline. These are crucial points of Trek Safely because all
other points depend upon them.
All treks must be supervised by a mature, conscientious adult at least 21
years of age who accepts responsibility for the well-being and safety of
everyone in the group. At lease one additional adult must accompany the unit.
The lead adult is responsible for ensuring that someone in the group is
currently trained in first aid. American Red Cross Wilderness First Aid Basic, a
16-hour course that includes CPR, is recommended.
Keep Fit
Participants need to have a Personal Health and Medical Record—Class 2 or
Class 3 for any trek lasting longer than 72 hours. Point out that when accidents
occur, they are frequently related to unknown physical conditions or are the
unexpected result of some known physical problem. The lead adult should review
the medical record for each participant and adjust the trek and activities to
reduce potential risks associated with individual health conditions. Good safety
requires an understanding of the risk of individual health conditions.
A regular fitness regimen is recommended. Participants should start slowly,
gradually increasing the duration and intensity of exercise.
Plan Ahead
The trek should match the maturity, skill level, and fitness of unit members.
Permits must be obtained to use public or private land. Training in the
principles of Leave No Trace is essential for both safety and consideration of
other visitors to the area.
Gear Up
A qualified youth or adult leader ensures that the group has the proper
equipment and clothing for the trek. Every crew must have a first-aid kit and
the means to carry and treat water. The leader reminds everyone to bring and
take prescribed medications.
Crew members should be trained to use specialized equipment such as climbing
gear, bridles, watercraft, and skiing gear.
Communicate Clearly and Completely
All participants should know what to expect and what is expected of them.
Youth and adult leaders should communicate with each other to avoid unpleasant
surprises.
Details of the itinerary should be shared with parents and a designated
contact person. If the itinerary is changed, one of the leaders shares the
change with the contact person who, in turn, shares it with parents. One of the
trek leaders should consider carrying a means of electronic communication in
case of an emergency.
Monitor Conditions
The leaders are responsible for making good decisions during the trek. They
continually assess conditions including weather, terrain, group morale, food and
water supplies, and group physical condition. If adverse conditions develop, the
group is prepared to stop or turn back.
Discipline
Each participant knows, understands, and respects the rules and procedures
for safe trekking and has been oriented in Trek Safely. The reasons, as well as
the rules and procedures, should be shared to encourage compliance. Youth and
adult leaders must be strict and firm, showing no favoritism.
Ask if there are any questions and respond to them or seek the correct answer
from a knowledgeable person.
Point out that the lead adult must ensure that someone in the group is
currently trained in first aid. A higher level of certification such as first
responder, emergency medical technician (EMT), licensed practical nurse (LPN),
registered nurse (RN), nurse practitioner (NP), physician assistant (PA), or
licensed health care practitioner is also acceptable.
Reemphasize that qualified supervision and discipline are the basis for all
the other Trek Safely points.
Last Updated: 01 AUG 2002
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