The New BSA Tour Plan
Effective March 1, 2011, what are currently known as Local and National tour permits will no longer be used. The Local and National Tour permits are being replaced with the new BSA Tour Plan (680-014) [832 kB]. As of March 1st, the online Tour Permit system will no longer be in operation. The new Tour Plan form is currently posted on the LHAC website and units can use either the new Tour Plan or older Tour Permit up to March 1st. Beginning on March 1st, however, only the new Tour Plan can be used. This update is the accumulation of work by a cross-functional team of volunteers and staff including the Health and Safety Support Committee, Council Solutions, Outdoor Program Group, and Risk Management Advisory Panels. (see below in the section-" What is not changed" for local council tour plan requirements.)
Units are to complete the Tour Plan when planning for local, national, or international adventure. The plan helps ensure the unit is properly prepared, that qualified and trained leadership is in place, and that the right equipment is available for the adventure.
What's different?
1) The council is the reviewer of all tour plans; there is no regional review required.
2) The tour plan consists of a tour planning worksheet to be completed by the unit/contingent. It is retained by the council and a tour plan is returned to the unit after processing.
3) It's on standard 8.5 x 11-inch paper!
4) There is a 21-day advance notice requested for units to submit the plan for your review.
5) A single point of contact (not on the tour) for council use is included.
6) Defined reasons/times when a tour plan must be submitted for council review:
a. Trips of 500 miles or more
b. Trips outside of council borders not to a council-owned property
c. Trips to any national high-adventure base, national Scout jamboree, National Order of the Arrow Conference, or regionally sponsored event
d. When conducting the following activities outside of council or district events:
· Aquatics activities (swimming, boating, floating, scuba, etc.)
· Climbing and rappelling
· Orientation flights (process flying plan)
· Shooting sports
· Any activities involving motorized vehicles as part of the program (snowmobiles, boating, etc.)
e. At a council's request (allows council to add review times based on local needs)
7) There is an updated Pledge of Performance.
What is not changed?
1) A council can define "local" tour plan review needs in addition to the above. The current council policy is:
"A tour plan is required to be filed with the local council at least 21 days prior to any Scouting group participating in an activity or event that requires travelling to a location other than your normal meeting place. This includes: Unit events, district events, council events, and summer camp.
2) The Scout executive still needs to have in place a policy/procedure for tour plans.
3) Requirements for qualified supervision, training, insurance, etc., remain unchanged - for example, CPR and Wilderness First Aid requirements for high-adventure camps.
The Lake Huron Area Council is currently reviewing our tour permit/plan policy and will accept the new Tour Plan via US mail, FAX, e-mail, or in person at the Gerace Serice Center. Units must adhere to the 21-day advance notice request to have their Tour Plan reviewed. All information requested by the Tour Plan must be completed or it will be found to be defective. All units and volunteers are encouraged to refer to the Tour Plan FAQs currently posted on the National BSA website. The Lake Huron Area Council will continue to require a Tour Plan for any unit activity that requires travel to a location other than the unit's normal meeting location.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Council Service Center.