Guidelines for Scouting Activities to Protect Our Youth From Extremes of Heat and Cold

Leaders are strongly encouraged to follow these guidelines.  Leaders should always use their judgment, and it may be appropriate to be even more cautious than these guidelines, depending upon circumstances. 

Leaders are ultimately responsible for the safety of your youth.  It is appropriate and it is your right to limit your youths' participation in activities in extreme temperature, even when you are at a setting where some other leader is letting their youth participate.

Quick Read Version

Heat

When the National Weather Service reports the heat index is less than 80 F, enjoy yourselves! 

When the heat index is between 80 - 90 F, take brief breaks at least every thirty minutes, reduce strenuous activities, and assure adequate hydration is available.

When the heat index is between 90-105 F, minimize strenuous activities. Take rest breaks at least every twenty minutes and assure adequate hydration is available (that is, there is not a shortage or limited amount of water).

When the heat index is above 105 F, cancel all activities except water activities (e.g., recreational swimming, but NOT swim races or lessons).

Click here to print a quick reference card of these guidelines you can carry.

Cold

When the temperature is below 0 F, all exposed skin must be able to be covered. Wear no metal jewelry. Eye protection should be worn.

When the temperature is below -20 F or the wind chill is below -40 F, cease all outdoor activity and seek warmth.

The Details

Heat

Cold

Hydration

Over-hydration is a problem in heat -- You can drink so much water that you dilute your blood. Not only has this happened in marathon runners, this has been documented to occur in Scouts at Scout camps during extreme heat. This is particularly a problem when youth are drinking large amounts of fluid without eating.  The solution is when we reach very high heat levels, drink sports drinks (NOT soft drinks, soda, or pop), eat some salty foods, or add some salt to your drinking water.

Hydration is also important in cold weather.  Cold air is very dry.  You can easily become dehydrated in cold weather, too.

Please note, soft drinks, soda, and pop are not considered adequate hydration. Caffeinated beverages are not considered adequate hydration. The levels of sugar, artificial sweetener, or caffeine in them cause increased urine production and result in overall fluid loss.

The Science

The temperatures for cold safety are based on the length of time until frostbite can sit in on unprotected skin.  The heat guidelines are more complicated.  Most of the research in heat exposure is done using "wet bulb globe temperature" or WBGT.  This research is very sophisticated, but you need a special WBGT device to know what to do.  The sports guidelines that we use are based on research published in Kulka TJ Kenney WI. Heat balance limits in football uniforms: how different uniforms ensembles alter the equation. Phys Sportsmed 2002:30(7):29-39.  Their research uses temperature and relative humidity, information easily obtained from the weather bureau or listening to a local radio station.  Their black flag conditions represent the conditions when youth not wearing any protective clothing are warming up and cannot lose the heat -- in other words, the youth are at an extreme risk of over-heating.

One particular advantage of these guidelines is they require no special equipment of our leaders.  Another advantage of these guidelines is they should be familiar to many of our youth, as these are the guidelines promulgated by the National Federation of High School Leagues and used in many high school sports.  

Reminders