Safety for our youngest members

This page explains what safety looks like at Joey Scouts (5–7) and Cub Scouts (8–11) meetings and camps. At these ages, safety means close supervision, simple rules and lots of gentle repetition.

What we do at meetings

• Two-adult presence. Leaders never work alone with youth members; supervision is always shared.
• Sign in and sign out. Children are only released to the adults listed by their family.
• Age-appropriate rules. Simple ideas like “stay where the Leader can see you” are practised until they’re habits.
• Buddy systems. Pairing up is taught early and used everywhere — from toilets on camp to water activities.

Camps and sleepovers

First nights away are big milestones. Accommodation arrangements are planned carefully: separate sleeping areas for youth and adults, bathroom protocols, and clear routines shared with parents before camp. You’ll always know where your child is sleeping and who’s responsible.

Talk about it at home

Try this: Ask your Joey or Cub “who helps keep you safe at Scouts?” Their answer tells you they’ve been listening — and gives you a natural opening if anything feels wrong.

Questions about a specific activity? Ask your Leader before the night. There’s no such thing as an over-cautious question.