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Laser Tag in Scouting
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Recently the Innovation and Strategy Group conducted a survey to determine the level of interest in various high adventure activities. The survey was nationwide in scope and the respondents were 50.3% male and 49.7% female. Those responding to the survey were between the ages of 7 and 19 and lived, in almost equal parts, in each of the regions of the country. The question before them was what activities do you like or would you like to participate in?

Four of the top choices by youth on this survey are currently on the list of unauthorized activities in the, “Guide to Safe Scouting”. Each of these four choices is being vetted independently on the Innovation Engine to see what you think about each idea separately.

This idea is to explore the possibility of Laser Tag as a sanctioned activity. If accepted, would this idea help attract and retain youth in the program?
Idea # 354Other
Moderator Comments
8/21/09

Merril Davis, Innovation Coordinator

Based on the initial assessment of this activity; including the potential and frequency for injury, the BSA will not pursue Laser Tag at this time. The suggestion of potentially including Laser Tag as a sanctioned Scouting activity has been reviewed by a cross functional team including; Council Solutions, Outdoor Program, Risk Management, Health & Safety and Innovation. Please direct further questions to Merril Davis of the Innovation Team.
Comments
pcowan 11 months ago
Many units are already doing this activity just not under the auspices of the BSA. I admit I don't know much about this activity, but if the warning label on my lazer pointer says don't point it into someone's eye, then what is the difference between lazer tag? Is the danger still not there?
sjnelson 11 months ago
The packet of silica in my kids shoe box says not to ingest and all these years they have managed to not eat it... Let's spend time teaching our kids how to make good choices and take the restraints off of fun activities!
pcoviell 10 months ago
I am a member of the Risk Management Advisory Panel and our group has addressed this topic for more than 2 years now with some positive movement. The topic came up after I attended a Laser Tag birthday party for one of my 9 year old son's friends (he was 7 at the time). I was very impressed with the positive atmosphere, emphasis on safety and especially how much fun the kids were having. It was ironic that when my own Pack wanted to go there for an activity I had to put a stop to it. Eventually I had my son's birthday at the laser tag facility and one of the Dad's there is an eye surgeon, so I asked him about the safety of such an activity; he explained that it is very safe as the laser power is very minimal (less than a lser pointer). After much discussion and debate by the RMAP it was determined to endorse the concept of allowing laser tag and removing it from the unauthorized activity list with the CSE's approval of. The matter was brought to the National Health and Safety Committee which ammended the suggestion to allow laser tag only when aiming at non-living targets/representations; the issue being that there is a feeling that the laser device represents a firearm. Having personally observed and participated in this activity I must say that is a far stretch, but yes you are pointing the device at an opponent and aiming at the target they have on their laser vest. I don't want to seem fecetious, but is the next step to place water gun fights on the unbauthorized activity list?
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