Dear Scouters,
I have been on a mission to solve the mystery of Local Tour Permits. I talked with the Director of Insurance and Properties on 11-18-97. He has the final word on Local Tour Permits within the Greater Pittsburgh Council.
This is what I found out:
1. The purpose of a Tour Permit is to prove that your activity is a safe, well planned scouting function. National Parks, military institutions and other organizations may require a Tour Permit for entry to the grounds. Another way to prove that you are participating in a legitimate scouting function is to wear your uniform.
2. Tour Permits insure that drivers are 21 years or older, have insurance, drivers license and are approved by the pack committee. All boys must wear seatbelts.
3. A Tour Permit prevents fraudulent claims. Any group involved in an accident could say that they were on a scouting trip and try to file a claim. This has been tried.
4. A Tour Permit keeps Council informed on the traveling groups location in the event that someone must be located in the event of an emergency.
5. A Tour Permit is a safety net for big trips, it justifies beyond a shadow of a doubt that your function is an approved scouting function.
Okay.... When do you need a Tour Permit?
1. You must have a Tour Permit when you are traveling out of your local area on a trip that will last more than a few hours. There is a gray area deciding on how far is far enough. Use your best judgement.
Carpooling boys to Zelienople, Laurel Caverns, Ohiopyle, etc... does require a tour permit.
Going to the Zoo, Aviary, Library, Science Center, McDonalds does not require a tour permit. You should still plan who will drive and ask if they have the proper auto insurance. Make sure seat belts will be used and that each boy has a signed permission slip.
2. You must have a tour permit for a Webelos overnighter that is not on council property.
i.e. Science Center Overnighter, camping at a state park etc....
Does a Tour Permit have anything to do with insurance?
1. The tour permit is a deterrent for fraudulent claims.
2. All registered leaders are 100% covered by BSA liability insurance on any scouting activity as long as they follow BSA rules. Liability insurance covers being wrongly sued by a parent for negligence. Your individual pack insurance covers personal injuries. Your own personal auto insurance covers your vehicle.
3. A Tour Permit has no bearing on your BSA liability insurance coverage.
Tour Permits are discussed in the "Guide to Safe Scouting" and the "Cub Scout Leader Book"
Check with your Local Council to find out what guidelines you should follow. Different Councils may have different rules!
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