Tour Plan "Permit"
Tour Plans ("Permit")
Tour Plan Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
With every outing there is an opportunity for great adventure but also the risk that something could go wrong. Be Prepared… for the fun and the emergencies. Many changes have been made in the filing and processing of Tour Plans (previously called “Tour Permits”) recently. Here are the answers to some Frequently Asked Questions related to Tour Plans for Units within the Orange County Council.
Q. Why should I complete a Tour Plan?
A. The tour plan is a checklist for best practices to be prepared for safe and fun adventure. Completing the Tour Plan may not address all possible challenges but can help ensure that appropriate planning has been conducted, that qualified and trained leadership is in place, and that the right equipment is available for the adventure. In addition, the plan helps to organize safe and appropriate transportation to and from an event, and defines driver qualifications and minimum limits of insurance coverage for drivers and vehicles used to transport participants. Please complete and submit this plan at least two weeks in advance to ensure enough time to review the plan and assist you in updating the plan if it is found defective. When the review is complete, the second half of the plan is returned to you to carry on your travels.
Q. When do I need to file a Tour Plan?
A. When any of the following apply:
- Trips of 500 miles or more
- Trips outside of Council borders.
- Trips to any national high-adventure base, National Scout Jamboree, National Order of the Arrow Conference, or regionally sponsored event, or when conducting any the following activities:
- Aquatics activities (swimming, boating, floating, scuba, etc.)
- Climbing and rappelling
- Orientation flights (process flying plan)
- Shooting sports
- Any activities involving motorized vehicles as part of the program (snowmobiles, boating, etc.)
- Any overnight camping
Q. My Unit is going to Scout Camp. Do we need a Tour Plan?
A. Yes, you will need a Tour Plan for any BSA Scout camp.
Q. We are leaving for summer camp on Sunday. Can I get my Tour Plan processed the Friday before we depart when I pick up uniforms at the Scout Shop?
A. In order to properly process a Tour Plan, you must allow two weeks (14 days) lead time on filing the Tour Plan. We cannot guarantee the expediting of Tour Plan approvals or letters for proof of insurance for late submissions.
Q. Do we always need a Tour Plan?
A. Tour Plans are not required if the activity is a one day event within the Orange Council boundaries unless it includes swimming, boating, climbing, shooting, etc. when specialized training is required.
Q. Why do I need driver information?
A. Driver information shows that each driver has the minimum required insurance coverage for the state in which they are licensed. If you have a list of all the drivers in your Unit, simply attach a copy and circle those who are driving for each event as needed.
Q. What training should I have for my Tour Plan?
A. At least one registered member of each group must have Youth Protection Training, updated within the past two calendar years prior to the date of departure, as well as the new Planning and Preparing for Weather Hazards training, also updated within the past two years. Other training may be required depending on the event for which the tour plan is requested (such as Safe Swim Defense, Safety Afloat, Wilderness first Aid, CPR, etc).
Q. Can electronic signatures be accepted on the Tour Plan?
A. Yes. Required documents may be faxed in or attached to email (see below).
Q. Do I need to hand-deliver my Tour Plan? Can I email it?
A. Tour Plans may be hand-delivered or mailed to the William Lyon Homes Center for Scouting at 1211 East Dyer Road, Santa Ana, CA 92705 or can be faxed from on the Scout Shops (Anaheim or Laguna Hills) or can be or faxed to 714-546-8706. Tour Plans may be sent via email to
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. If you need to speak to someone call 714-546-4990.
Q. How do I receive my copy of the reviewed Tour Plan?
A. A review of your tour plan will be emailed back to you at the address you provided. (Please always include an up-to-date email address on your Tour Plan). We can also fax the approved tour plan if you provide a fax number.
Q. What is the most common mistake on a Tour Plans?
A. Missing signatures are the biggest delay factor. Please be sure to include the required signatures before submitting your Tour Plan.
Q. If we are using a professional tour company (climbing, rafting, canoeing, or other activities) what do we need to show on our Tour Plan?
A. Council will need the tour company to submit a Certificate of Insurance to ensure this vendor meets the minimum Liability coverage requirements
Tour planning worksheets can be sent to
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or faxed to 714-546-8706.
Attached is the link to the new online Tour Planning Worksheet, where you can fill-in highlighted required information:
If you have questions or need help, please contact Volunteer Services Desk at the William Lyon Homes Center for Scouting.