Safety and wellbeing in the Scouts

Safely Together

A cornerstone of scouting, based on our educational goals and Scout ideals, is a safe and supportive environment for children and young people. We do not accept any form of bullying, discrimination, harassment, mistreatment, or violence. If such behaviour occurs, we will address it immediately. Our goal is that everyone, regardless of their background, feels safe in scouting.

The The Guides and Scouts of Finland has developed the Safely Together guidelines, which aim to prepare volunteers to handle issues related to these topics and to commit to practices that promote safety and wellbeing. All leaders in Tavastin Liljat complete the Safely Together training regularly. We have also created our own equality and inclusion plan, with the aim of promoting practices that help as many people as possible feel welcome in Tavastin Liljat. You can request a copy of the plan by contacting the safeguarding contact person.

Safeguarding contact person (“turva-aikuinen”)

In the Scouts, a safeguarding contact person is an adult (18+) whose role includes ensuring that all leaders complete the Safely Together training, advising members on matters related to safety and wellbeing, assisting in conflict situations when needed, and acting in matters related to child protection. The safeguarding contact person is also responsible for checking the criminal background records of leaders who work one-on-one with minors, as required by the Safely Together guidelines. If you or your child experience bullying, harassment, mistreatment, or other inappropriate behaviour in the Scouts, you can contact the safeguarding contact person. In such situations, you can also always contact your child’s group leader or the Local Group Leader (Mette Hämeenaho).

Our safeguarding contact person is Oskari Virtanen (oskari.virtanen2@gmail.com
/ +358 44 5141298).

Data protection

Members’ personal data is handled confidentially and is only accessible to those whose role requires it (such as the membership secretary, group leader, or camp leader). You can read more about data protection practices on the Scouts’ website under Henkilötietojen käsittely (in Finnish).

Accidents and safety

Scouting activities may include elements with an increased risk of accidents, such as woodworking or outdoor activities. In Tavastin Liljat, we prevent accidents in several ways: Children always use potentially dangerous tools (such as knives or axes) under supervision. When learning new skills, correct and safe use of tools is essential. First aid is a key scouting skill that is taught from the youngest age groups onward, and our leaders are also trained in basic first aid. First aid supplies are always available at meetings and on trips. In outdoor settings (such as hikes), we ensure adequate food and water supplies and take weather conditions into account. Fire safety with campfires or camp stoves is carefully managed. For camps, we collect information about participants’ allergies, special diets, and any important medications (this information is not stored after the trip for data protection reasons). Camp leaders are responsible for being aware of potential risks, emergency procedures, evacuation routes, and other safety-related matters. If you have any questions or concerns about safety, feel free to ask – we are happy to provide more information.

Scout insurance

All members who have paid the membership fee to the The Guides and Scouts of Finland are covered by liability, accident, and travel insurance through LähiTapiola during scouting activities. The Scout insurance is a secondary insurance, meaning that compensation is primarily claimed from any personal insurance first. You can find more information about Scout insurance on the Scouts’ website.