Scouting is Smoke & Vape Free

Keeping Scouting "smoke and vape-free" is an important part of your promise as a Scout to be physically strong and mentally awake. The Heart of America Council and the Boy Scouts of America believe in a smoke and vape-free Scouting environment for all. We encourage you, your family, and your Scouting unit to utilize the resources on this page to learn about and to educate others on the harmful effects of smoking & e-cigarettes. 

RESOURCES FOR PARENTS & LEADERS

You've probably heard a lot lately in the news about vaping and e-cigarettes, but what exactly are they? Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are battery-powered devices that deliver nicotine, flavorings, and other ingredients to the user. Using e-cigarettes is sometimes called “vaping.” E-cigarettes do not create harmless “water vapor” – they create an aerosol that can contain harmful chemicals.

What’s the Bottom Line on the Risks of E-cigarettes for Kids, Teens, and Young Adults?

  • The use of e-cigarettes is unsafe for kids, teens, and young adults.
  • Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development, which continues into the early to mid-20s.
  • E-cigarettes can contain other harmful substances besides nicotine.
  • Young people who use e-cigarettes may be more likely to smoke cigarettes in the future.

    Source: CDC: Quick Facts on the Risks of E-cigarettes for Kids, Teens, and Young Adults

Youth use of tobacco products in any form is unsafe, irrespective of whether it is smoked, smokeless, or electronic. If cigarette smoking continues at the current rate among youth in this country, 5.6 million of today’s Americans younger than 18 will die early from a smoking-related illness. That’s about 1 of every 13 Americans aged 17 years or younger alive today.

Utilize the resources below on how to talk to your kids and Scouts about the dangers of tobacco. 

SCOUTING'S STANCE ON VAPING & E-CIGARETTES

The BSA has taken a firm stance against all tobacco usage and the Guide to Safe Scouting now includes e-cigarettes and vaping in its tobacco-use policy.

An important way adult leaders can model healthy living is by following the policies on alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. Leaders should support the attitude that they, as well as youths, are better off without tobacco in any form and may not allow the use of tobacco products at any BSA activity involving youth participants. This includes the use of electronic cigarettes, personal vaporizers, or electronic nicotine delivery systems that simulate tobacco smoking.

All Scouting functions, meetings, and activities should be conducted on a smoke-free basis, with smoking areas located away from all participants.
 

Source: Guide to Safe Scouting

RESOURCES FOR SCOUTS

At some point in your life, someone probably told you not to use tobacco. Maybe it was your parents, your teacher, or a friend. As a Scout, you should be prepared to say no to tobacco and e-cigarettes. It’s easier to say no if you’ve decided ahead of time how you’ll respond. Here are 9 suggestions:

  • Take a stand and stick up for yourself.
  • Say no, and warn about the consequences.
  • Say no, but try to add a little humor to your refusal.
  • Steer clear and avoid the pressure.
  • Say no, and change the subject or suggest something else.
  • Reverse the pressure, put on a little pressure of your own.
  • Say no, and walk away with no explanation.
  • Say no, and ask a question.
  • Say no, and give a reason for your refusal.

Still looking for more information? Check out the websites below that highlight what teens like you are saying about smoking, vaping, and more.