Safety comes with good planning. The Tour and Activity Plan reinforces leadership requirements and basic safety in Scouting—specifically two‑deep leadership, transportation, aquatics, rappelling, and youth protection. Boy Scout Councils general liability insurance is required for many outings, trips, meetings and activities. Advance planning helps prevent hazards and protects leaders and participants. For guidance on how the Tour and Activity Plan coordinates with council coverage, see Boy Scout Council General Liability & Tour and Activity Plan. What this coverage helps with

• Liability for registered volunteers when claims arise out of scouting activities.
• Allegations of negligence that result in personal injury.
• Excess coverage for volunteers above a local council’s liability policy for automobiles and watercraft.
• Bodily injury claims that arise out of scouting activities.
• Trips outside of council borders not to a council-owned property.
• Aquatics activities.
• Motorized vehicle activities, such as snowmobiles and boats.

Who typically needs it Short‑term events and regular meetings run by clubs, associations, and volunteer organizations commonly use this coverage. Event organizers or group leaders who arrange transportation, aquatic activities, rappelling, or off‑site trips should confirm coverage. For broader policy options and additional program coverages, see Boy Scouts Insurance. Common risk factors and exposures Plan for transportation risks, aquatic hazards, equipment accidents, and spectator injury exposures. A simple risk scenario: a canoe trip where a participant is injured and a volunteer driver is involved in an auto incident—those are the kinds of exposures general liability and excess auto coverages are intended to address. Related coverage types to consider - Participant accident coverage for medical expenses - Event liability for large gatherings - Commercial auto exposure for rented or owned vehicles - Equipment coverage for rented ropes, boats, or camping gear - Property coverage for rental facilities Risk management and underwriting considerations Councils and underwriters will look at supervision levels, two‑deep leadership adherence, transportation safety, and prior loss history. Common exclusions or limitations typically include intentional acts, certain professional services, and some high‑risk activities unless specifically endorsed. These are underwriting factors your council or agent will review when arranging limits and endorsements. Proof of insurance & compliance Bring certificates or the council’s proof of coverage to off‑site events and facilities that require verification. Confirm any facility or landowner requirements before arrival so participants are covered and permit rules are followed. Planning checklist (short) - Complete a Tour and Activity Plan with two‑deep leadership confirmed. - Verify council general liability applies for the activity and location. - Check whether excess automobile or watercraft coverage is needed. - Document participant waivers and emergency contacts. - Review equipment condition and safety procedures. Always plan ahead of time and consider all possibilities. Advance planning will not only help prevent hazards, but will also help protect yourself and others on an outing. A qualified and local insurance expert can help you with advice and insurance quotes for your scout activity specific needs. A qualified and local insurance expert can help you with advice and insurance quotes for your scout activity specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do volunteers need personal insurance in addition to council coverage?

Council liability typically covers registered volunteers for covered scouting activities, but volunteers may still want personal health or auto insurance for non‑scouting incidents. Check your council policy for details.

Are watercraft and motorized vehicles automatically covered?

Some motorized vehicle and watercraft exposures are covered, but limits or endorsements may apply. Confirm whether excess auto or watercraft coverage is included before the activity.

How do I prove coverage for a rental facility or landowner?

Obtain a certificate of insurance from your council or program administrator showing the applicable limits and add the facility as an additional insured if required by the agreement.

Still have questions? Talk to a local insurance expert.