BSA Emergency Preparedness Award

Emergency Preparedness BSA, a new award offered by the Boy Scouts of America, builds on the very foundations of Scouting. From the beginning, the Scouting movement has taught youth to do their best, to do their duty to God and country, and to help others. It has prepared them physically, mentally, and morally to meet these goals. The basic aims of Scouting include teaching youth to take care of themselves, to be helpful to others, and to develop courage, self-reliance, and the will to be ready to serve in an emergency.

The emergencies of today’s world demand more than ever that our young people and adults be trained as individuals and as units to meet emergencies. The importance of this training is not new to the Boy Scouts of America, as Scouting has always taught youth to be prepared for all types of emergencies. Since Scouting began in the United States, Scouts have responded to the needs of their communities and nation in time of crisis.

The Emergency Preparedness BSA award program, initiated by Chief Scout Executive Roy L. Williams, was developed in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to encourage families to be prepared in case of national emergency.

The award can be earned now, with a recognition pin being available. The pin is appropriate for wear on BSA uniforms and civilian clothes. This award builds upon the emergency and safety requirements involved with the rank advancements through our programs.

When an emergency occurs, it affects every youth and adult member of the BSA in the immediate area, creating the responsibility to respond first, as an individual; second, as a member of a family; and third, as a member of a Scouting unit serving the neighborhood and community. Because of these multiple levels of responsibility, the Emergency Preparedness BSA plan includes training for individual, family, and unit preparedness. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity for you and your Scouts to be even better prepared!

Requirements for Boy Scouts:

• Participate in creating an emergency plan for your home and for your troop or team's Scouting activities. Be sure you know the details of both emergency plans.
• Earn the First Aid or the Emergency Preparedness merit badge.
• With your troop or team, including its adult leaders, participate in emergency preparedness training conducted by community emergency preparedness agencies.

Resources:
Emergency Preparedness Kit
Emergency Preparedness Plan