When you're outdoors—cooking, carving, or splitting wood—safety comes first. One of the most important habits Scouts can learn is how to set up a Safety Zone whenever handling a blade. This simple, essential practice helps prevent accidents and teaches personal responsibility.

You may have heard this called the “blood circle” in the past, but Scouting America now uses the term Safety Zone, and for good reason. It's clearer, more respectful, and reinforces the core value: keep yourself and others safe.

A safety zone (formerly blood circle) is a term used by Scouts to describe the area around a person while using a blade or knife. It is an essential practice for Scouts because it helps ensure safety while cooking and participating in other outdoor activities that involve blades. Scouts should adhere to the safety zone rule to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of everyone. With all the outdoor cooking and grilling, it is way more fun to make an entire meal from start to finish outside (like the silent rule to bring all groceries inside on one trip, no matter what). Setting your Safety Circle is crucial, regardless of the type of blade you are using.

Imagine that you are chopping vegetables outside with your family, and you aren't paying attention, and suddenly, your 3-year-old cousin runs up and slams into your leg (all the while giggling that "she got you!"). We all know how unpredictable little ones are—they could grab the knife or climb up you like a jungle gym. Having your safety zone set up gives everyone, including yourself, a designated space to focus on, reducing the likelihood of accidents. Similarly, the same thing could happen while chopping wood for the fire. You need an extensive range of movement, and if your hands become sweaty, that handle can get slippery! It is your responsibility to establish your circle so that everyone stays safe.

The concept of a safety zone is simple yet effective. Carefully hold the blade of your cutting instrument (never the handle) and slowly turn in a circle with your arm extended. The length of the cutting instrument plus your extended arm creates your circle, and you must keep the area inside your circle clear. If the circle cannot be cleared, safely close or sheath the blade until you find a clear space or can remove it.

The safety zone is one of the many ways Scouts can stay safe while enjoying outdoor activities. It is a simple yet effective way to prevent accidents and ensure everyone has a fun and safe outdoor experience. By following the blood circle rule, Scouts can enjoy all the benefits of outdoor activities without putting themselves or others in danger. Now get to creating your blood circles, and happy fall camping! For pocketknives, hand axes, first aid kits, and more outdoor gear, visit ScoutShop.org—the official store of the Scouting America.