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.  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.

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

(Yucca Council has defined the following conditions as requiring a tour plan to be filed in addition to the above: Any trips outside of your own district’s boundaries, as well as for Summer Camp at Camp Dale Resler.)

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.

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.

For more information please see the Tour Plan Frequently Asked Questions.