Tour Plans Are Now Required!

The online fillable Tour Plan application (formerly tour permit form) must now be used.
Click here to download the fillable 2011 Tour Plan form. 

Tour Plan Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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 National Capital Area Council, BSA (Council):

Q.  Where do I find the online Tour Plan link?

A.  Click here to download the fillable 2011 Tour Plan form.

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 National Capital Area Council (Council) borders not to a council-owned property. (Camp William B. Snyder and Goshen Scout Reservation are Council owned)
  
• Trips to any national high-adventure base, National Scout Jamboree, National Order of the Arrow Conference, or regionally sponsored event
  
• When conducting the following activities outside of Council or district events:
  • 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.)
    

Q. My unit is going to Scout Camp. Do we need a Tour Plan?

A. If your unit is attending a Scout camp belonging to our council (Goshen, for example) you do not need to file a Tour Plan. If your unit is attending an out-of-council camp, you will need to file a Tour Plan and a letter of proof of insurance will be provided with your approved Tour Plan to present to the camp attending.

Q. We are leaving for summer camp in Pennsylvania 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 three weeks (21 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 for travel to/from and participation in a National Capital Area Council camp or Council/district event such as a training course, camporee, etc. Otherwise, follow the guidelines in the first FAQ above.

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 Marriott Scout Service Center at 9190 Rockville Pike, Bethesda MD 20814, or faxed to 301-564-9513. Tour Plans may be sent via email to Sandra Escoto, ncactourplan@scouting.org. Please reference "Tour Plan" in the subject line of your email.

Q. How do I receive my copy of the approved Tour Plan?

A. Your approval 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.