Are You Ready To Be A Part Of the Adventure?
Both Parents and Volunteers must complete youth protection procedures. Please read carefully. We ask that parents help the Pack run by volunteering for at least one activity during the year. Please submit the form at the bottom of this page and let us know how you might be able to help.
Youth Protection Policy
PURPOSE - For Parents and Youth to have fun they must first feel safe both with the environment and the people to whom they are entrusting the care and well being of their children. Since 1991 the Diocese of Arlington has required employees and volunteers with substantial contact with children and youth to be trained in youth protection procedures. This document provides a summary of the youth protection training requirements for parents and volunteers.
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Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Youth Protection Policy - The Basilica of Saint Mary Parish has a yearly charter with the Boy Scouts of America to use its Scouting Program as part of its youth ministry program. While Pack 301 belongs to the Parish, Pack 301 also agrees to abide by the BSA’s program and its policies. The following is a short list of BSA policies:
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Diocese of Arlington Policy on the Protection of Children and Young People and Code of Conduct - Scouting, as a youth ministry program of the Parish, is required to follow the Diocese of Arlington’s Policy on the Protection of Children and Young People and its Code of Conduct. Volunteers who have substantial contact with youth are required to be compliant with Diocesan policies regarding volunteering with youth. The following volunteers must be compliant with the Diocesan Protecting God’s Children Program (Background Check and Virtus Program):
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What is the procedure to complete the Diocesan Protecting God’s Children (PGC) youth protection program?
Carmen Federle is the Parish’s Liaison with the Diocese for obtaining the necessary paperwork for the PGC Program and submitting completed documents to the Office of Child Protection. Carmen Federle can be reached at CFederle@stmaryoldtown.org.
Carmen Federle is the Parish’s Liaison with the Diocese for obtaining the necessary paperwork for the PGC Program and submitting completed documents to the Office of Child Protection. Carmen Federle can be reached at CFederle@stmaryoldtown.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How long does it take to complete the paperwork for the PGC Program?
There are two parts to the Protecting God’s Children Program: (1) two background checks, one conducted by the Diocese of Arlington and the other by the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Child Protective Services, and (2) the Virtus training session that provides adults with an understanding of issues and a plan to address those issues. The time it takes to complete and submit the background check documents varies by individual. Clearance of the background checks can take up to 8 weeks after submission to the Office of Child Protection. Completion of the Virtus training program requires volunteers to attend one 4-hour training session. A 45-day temporary waiver may be granted when one of the individual’s background checks has cleared and he/she has completed the Virtus training session. The Parish Liaison will contact the pack leaders and advise them of the volunteer’s 45-day Temporary Waiver status. |
As a Lion or Tiger Adult Partner can I participate in Den and Pack activities while my application is being reviewed?
Lion and Tiger Adult Partners who have been granted the 45-day temporary waiver may participate in Den and Pack activities while their application review is being completed. The BSA requires that Lion and Tiger Adult Partners participate in the program with their youth. Since these adults will be spending substantial time with both their child and other children, these adults must be compliant with the Diocesan PGC Program. |
Will my Lion or Tiger Scout miss out on the program because it takes too long to complete the paperwork?
No. Cub Scouting is a combination of Family, Den, and Pack activities. While Lion and Tiger Adult Parents are waiting to complete the Protecting God’s Children Program there are a number of Adventures they can complete within the family. During this time the youth can work on his Bobcat requirements (learning the Scout Oath, Scout law, Scout Motto, etc). There are also elective belt loops youth can work on as a family while the paperwork is processing. Lion and Tiger Den Leaders will be in constant contact with families to ensure they have the help they need during this time. |
Adult Leader Requirements
Pack 301 is part of the Basilica of Saint Mary Youth Apostolate programs. In addition to the requirements of the BSA, all adult leaders must be compliant with the rule of the Diocese of Arlington regarding youth protection. Individuals seeking to be volunteers with Pack 301 will need to complete the following:
1. BSA Membership Application & Fee (Click Here)
2. BSA Youth Protection (approximately 45 minutes) (Click Here)
3. Protecting God's Children Program (Diocese of Arlington Background Check and Virtus session) (Click Here)
4. Sign the Annual Memorandum of Understanding with the Diocese of Arlington (Click Here)
Leadership roles are approved by the Pastor or his designee and will be selected either from Catholics who themselves exemplify our Catholic Faith or from spouses of registered parishioners, living in valid marriages, who practice their faith, agreeing to support the MOU.
1. BSA Membership Application & Fee (Click Here)
2. BSA Youth Protection (approximately 45 minutes) (Click Here)
3. Protecting God's Children Program (Diocese of Arlington Background Check and Virtus session) (Click Here)
4. Sign the Annual Memorandum of Understanding with the Diocese of Arlington (Click Here)
Leadership roles are approved by the Pastor or his designee and will be selected either from Catholics who themselves exemplify our Catholic Faith or from spouses of registered parishioners, living in valid marriages, who practice their faith, agreeing to support the MOU.