Safe from Harm Week 2026 is an opportunity for local Scout groups, coordinated and supported by National Scout Organizations (NSOs), to promote safeguarding awareness and strengthen a culture of safety within Scouting.
During this week, Scout groups are encouraged to organise engaging activities that help young people and adults understand the importance of creating safe environments in Scouting.
An activity guide, available on Treehouse in English, French, Spanish, and Arabic, provides practical ideas and tools to help Scout groups implement meaningful, impactful activities.
Background
Safe from Harm is a key priority of the Scout Movement, ensuring that Scouting remains a safe and supportive environment for all young people and adults.
Safe from Harm week 2026 aims to raise awareness and strengthen safeguarding practices across NSOs by engaging Scouts in educational and interactive activities.
Through this contest, impactful initiatives will be recognised and shared to inspire others across the Movement.
Objectives
- Strengthen the integration of safeguarding culture across all levels of Scouting
Support NSOs in promoting a strong culture of safety, respect, and protection within Scout groups.
- Encourage young people to understand their role in creating safe environments
Encourage Scouts of all ages to learn about safeguarding through engaging and educational activities.
- Promote knowledge sharing between NSOs around safeguarding educational activities
Showcase good practices and innovative activities on Treehouse to inspire other NSOs.
How to participate
This contest is open to local Scout groups registered under NSOs across all regions of World Scouting.
- Explore the activity guide: Scout group leaders are encouraged to review the Safe from Harm Activity Guide and start planning suitable activities for their groups.
- Review the reporting requirements: Scout group leaders should familiarise themselves with the reporting form in advance to understand the required information and expectations.
- Implement activities: Organise and deliver Safe from Harm educational activities during the week.
- Submit a report: Complete and submit the reporting form within one week after Safe from Harm Week.
- Share on social media: NSOs are encouraged to share their Scout groups’ activities and tag the regional Scout Support Centre Instagram account.
- Recognition of outstanding groups: Outstanding Scout groups in each region will be announced one month after the submission deadline.
What to focus on
To make your activities more impactful and stand out:
- Be creative: Design engaging and interactive activities.
- Engage all age groups: Include different Scout sections.
- Think big: Reach as many participants as possible.
- Set clear objectives: Link activities to safeguarding learning outcomes.
- Show your impact: Share your work on social media.
- Involve the community: Engage parents and partners where possible.
- Celebrate culture: Integrate local traditions and folklore.
- Highlight safeguarding: Clearly reflect Safe from Harm principles.
Recognition
Outstanding local Scout groups in each region will be recognised for their efforts in delivering engaging Safe from Harm educational activities during Safe from Harm week 2026. Submissions will be reviewed based on creativity, impact, participation, and alignment with Safe from Harm principles.
Selected groups will:
- Be featured on the Safe from Harm page on Treehouse
- Be highlighted as examples of good practice in safeguarding education
- Receive special recognition from World Scouting
Timeline
- 22 April 2026: Contest announcement
- 11 May 2026: Start of Safe from Harm Week
- 22 May 2026: Submission deadline
- June 2026: Outstanding local Scout groups announced
Submission form
Call to action
We encourage all NSOs to actively encourage local Scout groups to participate and contribute to building a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for every young person in Scouting.
This is your opportunity to showcase your impact, inspire others, and be recognised across the global Scout Movement.