In the Order of the Arrow, as in Scouting, safety is out first priority. If you have any questions or concerns, contact our lodge leadership.
BSA Medical Forms
Whenever you participate in an OA event – from Ordeals to NOAC, we should have your BSA Medical Forms on file. Bring a completed copy of parts A & B to your Chapter Adviser at the start of any Chapter/Lodge event. For events outside the Lodge, submit them to the Lodge Contingent Adviser.
Chapter Camping Policies
https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/yp-faqs
Tipisa Lodge will abide by all national YPT standards, including the following:
- Definitions for these policies: “Youth” are under age 18. “Adults” are 18 years old or older.
- Youth males and females within a chapter will be considered separate, single-gender, “units.”
- Two registered adult leaders 21 years of age or over must be provided for each unit.
- Scouts, of the same gender, who are 18-20 years old may tent with one another, as they are considered adults. They may not tent with scouts who are less than 18.
- Because they are considered adults, 18-20 year olds must be YPT trained, but they do not meet the age requirement for adult supervision in the campsite.
- A registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over must be present for any activity involving female youth or female adult program participants.
- All adults staying overnight in connection with a Scouting activity must be currently registered as an adult volunteer or an adult program participant. Registration as a merit badge counselor position does not meet this requirement
- Separate tenting arrangements must be provided for male and female adults as well as for male and female youth.
- The buddy system must be used and buddy pairs must be single gender. Therefore, each (unit) must have at least two members attend the outing in addition to adult supervision, meeting the leadership requirements outlined in Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse.
- Youth sharing tents must be no more than two years apart in age. Solo tenting is permitted.
- A single girl or boy may not be in the campsite. They must be in a campsite with another same-gender youth with whom they can be “safety-buddies.” Chapters are permitted and encouraged to collaborate on this point.
- The campsite’s layout and amenities meet all the requirements of Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse, including privacy and separate accommodations.
- The use of smartphones, cameras, mirrors, drones, etc., in places or situations where privacy is expected is prohibited.
- All aspects of the Scouting program are open to observation by parents and leaders.
- The BSA does not recognize any secret organizations as part of its program.
- Hazing and initiations are prohibited and have no part during any Scouting activity.
- All forms of bullying and harassment including verbal, physical, and cyberbullying are prohibited.
- Inappropriate public displays of affection are prohibited.
- Sexual activity is prohibited.
- Appropriate attire is required for all activities.
Note: To avoid a separate female-only campsite, chapters who cannot meet “buddy” or adult supervision requirements are encouraged to collaborate with other chapters to achieve YPT compliance. “Teamwork makes the dream work.”