Youth Safety & Protection Policy

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Adventure Idaho Inc.
Updated Dec 2026

 

Adventure Idaho is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and professionally supervised environment for all youth participants. We regularly serve youth groups, schools, churches, scouting organizations, and family groups, and we recognize the heightened responsibility that comes with working with minors in outdoor and wilderness settings.

 

This Youth Safety & Protection Policy exists to protect youth participants, parents, group leaders, guides, and the company by establishing clear expectations, boundaries, supervision standards, and reporting requirements.

 

1. Scope and Applicability

 

This policy applies to:

 

• All Adventure Idaho employees, guides, managers, contractors, and volunteers

• All trips involving minors, including day trips, multi day trips, camps, and youth group programs

• All interactions with youth, whether on the river, in camp, during transportation provided by Adventure Idaho, or during Adventure Idaho led activities

 

This policy applies at all times during Adventure Idaho operations, including off water activities, camps, shuttle periods, and overnight programs when applicable.

 

2. Zero Tolerance Policy

 

Adventure Idaho maintains zero tolerance for:

 

• Sexual abuse or exploitation

• Grooming behavior

• Harassment or intimidation

• Inappropriate physical contact

• Sexual, romantic, or flirtatious behavior involving minors

• Inappropriate language, jokes, or comments involving minors

• Digital or in person boundary violations

 

Any violation of this policy is grounds for immediate removal from duties and may result in termination and referral to authorities.

 

3. Supervision Standards

 

Group Based Supervision

 

Adventure Idaho operates using group based and observable supervision standards.

 

• Guides do not place themselves in isolated, one on one situations with minors

• Youth activities are conducted in group settings where interactions are observable by others

• No guide or staff member may take a youth participant on a private walk, hike, swim, errand, or conversation

• Youth are not permitted to leave group areas without guide and leader awareness

 

These standards protect both youth and staff and eliminate situations where allegations can arise without witnesses.

 

4. One on One Prohibition

 

Guides and staff are not permitted to be alone one on one with a minor at any time.

 

This includes but is not limited to:

 

• Walking or hiking alone

• Sitting or riding alone

• Private conversations away from the group

• Solo swims or scouting

• Transportation in a vehicle without another adult present

• Digital or phone communication outside approved channels

 

This rule applies even if:

 

• The youth requests it

• The interaction seems harmless

• The guide believes it is helpful or appropriate

 

If a one on one situation unintentionally occurs, it must be ended immediately and reported to management.

 

5. Physical Contact Guidelines

 

Physical contact with youth must be:

 

• Non sexual

• Non invasive

• Appropriate to the activity

• Limited to safety, instruction, or first aid

 

Permitted contact includes:

 

• Assisting a youth into or out of a raft

• Stabilizing a youth in moving water

• Providing first aid or medical care

• Helping adjust safety equipment such as PFDs or helmets

 

Prohibited contact includes:

 

• Prolonged or unnecessary touching

• Sitting on laps

• Back rubs, massages, or embraces beyond brief, appropriate reassurance

 

When possible, physical assistance should be performed in the presence of other adults or guides.

 

6. Digital Communication and Media

 

Adventure Idaho does not engage in private digital communication with youth participants.

 

• Guides and staff do not privately message minors

• All communication with youth occurs through parents, legal guardians, group leaders, or approved organizational channels

• Guides do not request or accept private social media connections with youth

 

Photos and video of youth are handled according to our Media Release policy and are not posted or shared without proper authorization.

 

7. Group Leaders and Chaperones

 

Adventure Idaho operates in partnership with designated group leaders and chaperones.

 

• Group leaders retain responsibility for participant supervision outside of guided activities

• This includes free time, transportation not provided by Adventure Idaho, and overnight accommodations when applicable

• Group leaders are expected to actively supervise youth and support guide instructions

 

Adventure Idaho guides maintain authority over all on river safety, trip operations, and emergency response decisions.

 

8. Behavioral Expectations for Youth Participants

 

Youth participants are expected to:

 

• Follow guide instructions at all times

• Remain with the group

• Respect physical, behavioral, and personal boundaries

• Refrain from harassment, bullying, or unsafe behavior

 

Failure to meet these expectations may result in:

 

• Removal from specific activities

• Removal from the trip

• Early evacuation without refund

 

9. Mandatory Reporting Obligations

 

Adventure Idaho staff are mandatory reporters under applicable law.

 

Any staff member who:

 

• Observes

• Suspects

• Receives a disclosure of

• Becomes aware of

possible abuse, neglect, exploitation, or inappropriate conduct involving a minor is required to report it immediately.

 

Reports are made to:

 

• Company management

• Appropriate child protection authorities

• Law enforcement when required

 

Staff are not permitted to investigate, resolve, or dismiss concerns internally.

 

10. Incident Response and Confidentiality

 

If a youth related incident occurs:

 

• The Incident Commander will coordinate all response actions

• Parents, guardians, and organizations will be contacted only by designated leadership

• Staff and guides will not discuss incidents with others

• All documentation and evidence will be preserved

 

Confidentiality is required to protect youth, families, and the integrity of investigations.

 

11. Training and Enforcement

 

All Adventure Idaho guides receive training in:

 

• Youth supervision standards

• Professional boundaries

• Mandatory reporting

• Emergency response involving minors

 

Failure to follow this policy may result in:

 

• Immediate removal from duties

• Termination

• Reporting to authorities

• Loss of future employment eligibility

 

12. Policy Integration

 

This Youth Safety & Protection Policy is:

 

• Incorporated by reference into Adventure Idaho’s Terms & Conditions

• Referenced in our Critical Incident Response Plan

• Enforced through guide training and operational procedures

 

13. Commitment Statement

 

Adventure Idaho is committed to maintaining a culture of safety, professionalism, accountability, and trust. Youth safety is not a formality or a checkbox. It is a core responsibility shared by every member of our team.