Safety Guidelines for Pathfinder Leaders

Planning
•     Activities should begin with prayer and careful planning
•     Planning should be methodical, purposeful and organized
•     Get a free Trip Planner Checklist at www.adventistrisk.org
•     Activities/outings should be church board approved
•     Before the activity, visit off-site locations to determine hazards and risks

Volunteer Screening
Volunteers should be interviewed as though they are applying for a paying position. It is important that all who wish to work with children follow this process.
•     Applicants must be church members at least six months prior to service
•     Check references
•     Background check (when possible)
•     Announce nominees in church bulletin

Click here to download the Volunteer Screening form

Permission Form/Medical Release
Provisions should be made to bring these forms to all offsite activities in case of emergencies.
•     Parental permission forms are mandatory (including for children of
       workers/volunteers)
•     Permission slips per session
•     Parents must be informed of specific activities
•     Securely file signed permission forms
•     Include details regarding food and drug allergies
•     In the event of an emergency, reasonable effort must be made to
       contact parents or guardians

Risk Levels
Consider the following when assessing risk levels:
•     Instructor’s qualifications and experience
•     Type of activity (inherent risks)
•     Number of participants
•     Location of activity
•     Condition of equipment
•     Allotted time for activity
•     Proper insurance coverage has been obtained

Supervision
Maintain an adequate staff/camper ratio:
High risk—one staff to four pathfinders
Mild risk—one staff to six pathfinders
Low risk—one staff to ten pathfinders
Qualified staff—or an expert with proper qualifications

Transportation
•     Vehicles must be insured in compliance with local state laws
•     Inspect vehicle prior to use to determine road worthiness
•     Driver at least 21 years of age
•     Drivers shall have an acceptable driving record with not more than two
       traffic citations and no at-fault accidents while driving any vehicle
•     Riders not to exceed seat belt and seating capacity
•     Gross vehicle and tire weights not to be exceeded
•     Open vehicles should not be used to transport Pathfinders

Premises
Premises should be inspected for hazards.
•     Clutter
•     Combustibles near fire
•     Broken glass
•     Inadequate lighting
•     Exposed electrical outlets
•     Trip hazards

Equipment
•     Kept in excellent condition
•     Proper equipment for each activity
•     Faulty or broken equipment removed or destroyed         

Activities
•     Campfires in designated areas only
•     Gas stoves operated only by staff or trained Pathfinders
•     Fuel stored in proper containers away from heat sources
•     Food handling and storage requirements followed
•     Swimming areas inspected for hazards and closely supervised by at least
       one certified lifeguard

In the Event of an Accident
Procedures should be developed for any type of emergency. When a loss occurs the incident should be reported within 24 hours to the Pathfinder Club Director and forwarded to the appropriate Conference official.

Protecting Against Abuse and Sexual Molestation
•     Each activity should have at least one registered adult leader 21 years
       or older and another adult, 18 years or older
•     No private one-on-one contact
•     Respect for privacy
•     Separate accommodations
•     No secret organizations
•     Appropriate attire
•     Constructive discipline
•     Hazing and initiations prohibited
•     No harmful/hurtful teasing
•     Junior leader training

Youth need to learn the proper way to lead. Strict supervision must be provided to ensure that potential abuses are avoided.