Scouting and Conservation
The conservation program emphasis is designed to incorporate throughout
the Scouting program and activities an awareness and understanding
of conservation as wise and intelligent management of natural resources.
The development of good citizens is one of Scouting's aims, and citizens
need to practice sound environmental living and conservation of natural
resources. There is need for an extended program that will encourage
young people to
- Look at the entire process of resource use
- Analyze how actions and judgments often create problems
- Understand decision-making processes related to the environment
- Seek out common sense methods that can be applied at home, in
the community, in the state, and in the nation
- Help improve the quality of life
This emphasis is directed toward making all those active in Scouting—youth,
adult members, and their families-aware of their responsibility for
the future. There is an increasing awareness that Scouting members and
other individuals are an integral part of their environment and that
their action or inaction affects the quality of life throughout this
nation and the world.
Personal experience teaches the most lasting lessons. The conservation
program emphasis has been developed to create a positive commitment
to improving the environment and conserving natural resources through
first-hand experiences and "learning by doing."
Program Emphasis
Because Scouting's youth generally have an active interest in the
outdoors, they possess a ready curiosity that can be expanded. These
young people can find their own answers, learn how to make sound judgments,
and find social and environmental significance in actions that they
undertake.
Every Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, and Venturer—and
their units—can join in so that 100 percent of Scouting's members
can become committed to the importance of conservation.
Wilderness Use
All private or publicly owned backcountry land and designated wilderness
areas are included in the term "wilderness areas." The Outdoor
Code of the Boy Scouts of America applies to outdoor behavior generally,
but for treks into wilderness areas, the principles of Leave No Trace
apply. Scouts, Varsity Scouts, and Venturers who complete the requirements
can earn a Leave No Trace patch. Within the outdoor program of the
Boy Scouts of America, there are many different camping skill levels.
Camping practices that are appropriate for day outings, long-term
Scout camp, or short-term unit camping may not apply to wilderness
areas. Wherever they go, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturers need
to adopt attitudes and patterns of behavior that respect the rights
of others and make it possible for others and future generations to
enjoy the outdoors.
In wilderness areas, it is crucial to minimize our effect on all
ecosystems, such as mountains, lakes, streams, deserts, and seashores.
Since our impact varies from one season to the next, it becomes important
for us to adjust to these changing conditions to avoid damaging the
environment.
Conservation Good Turn
The conservation Good Turn is an opportunity for Cub Scout packs,
Boy Scout troops, Varsity Scout teams, and Venturing crews to join
with conservation and environmental organizations (federal, state,
local, and private) to carry out a conservation Good Turn in their
home communities. A new conservation Good Turn emphasis was launched
in January 1995 and is ongoing. These organizations typically have
a backlog of necessary projects that they have been unable to carry
out because of lack of funding or volunteers. The list of projects
is limited only by the willingness of the Scouting unit.
William T. Hornaday Award
The William T. Hornaday Award is presented to individuals or units
in recognition of distinguished service in conservation. There are
seven forms of the award: certificate, badge, bronze medal, silver
medal, gold certificate, gold badge, and gold medal. Applicants for
the awards work under the guidance of a local conservation professional
or agency or with the help of a qualified layperson in conservation.
The effort must meet a local or regional need and help arouse public
recognition of the importance of adequate protection and management
of air, soil, water, mineral, forest, grassland, wildlife, and energy
resources with full consideration of environmental conservation. Young
men who have earned the Eagle Scout rank should consider striving
to earn a Hornaday medal.
World Conservation Award
The World Conservation Award provides an opportunity for individual
Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, and Venturers to "think
globally" and "act locally" to preserve and improve
our environment. This program is designed to make youth members aware
that all nations are closely related through natural resources and
that we are interdependent with our world environment.
Council Action
Each council should have a conservation committee. It may be a separate
committee with authority, accountable to the executive board; or it
may be a subcommittee of the council's camping committee. It should
include representation of three qualifications in its membership:
local conservation and environmental professionals from state or federal
agencies or college or university faculties; laypeople representing
local environmental organizations or local chapters of national organizations;
and active Scouters with an intense interest in conservation.
The conservation committee should prepare and regularly update the
council's master conservation plan. It should also supervise the ongoing
activities of natural resource management called for in the plan.
This includes identifying and prioritizing projects that range from
individual boy or unit projects to major development needs affecting
all council properties. Finally, the committee should seek ways to
encourage and publicize activities by individuals and units that further
the cause of conservation.
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