You’ve likely seen us promote our Take Care of Texas Scout badges and pins, but have you considered everything that Scouting offers? If you have children or students who you want to introduce to environmentalism, consider Scouting
Conservation and environmentalism have been fundamental to the ethos of Scouting since the Boy Scouts – now simply known as Scouts – was founded in 1910. For decades Scouts have distinguished themselves by helping to conserve wildlife, energy, forests, soil, and water.
Many of the values, projects and awards that make Scouting special closely align with what we promote through the Take Care of Texas program. We’re exploring some of the platforms that make Scouting an important launch pad for getting young people to learn about, advocate for, and actively improve our environment.
The saying “Do a Good Turn Daily” is instilled in Scouts from day one. Traditionally this means doing Good Turns: holding a door open for someone, helping an elderly person cross the street, or returning a lost grocery cart to the store. More recently, this phrase is used to improve and protect our environment.
Scouts are encouraged to pick up trash, water a plant, and turn off the lights when they leave a room. They understand that we all must work together, make good decisions, and take actions great and small for the betterment and conservation of land, wildlife, air, and water.
The Outdoor Code for Scouts is as follows:
As an American, I will do my best to—
Be clean in my outdoor manners.
Be careful with fire.
Be considerate in the outdoors.
Be conservation minded.
Since its first appearance in the Boy Scout Handbook in 1955, the Outdoor Code has captured the essence of the Scouting outdoor ethic and established their aspirations and commitment to preserving and protecting the outdoors.
Scouts spend a lot of time outside. Whether they’re hiking, camping, building a fire, or birding, Scouts have every reason to treat nature with respect.
Project Learning Tree is a Scout program designed for educators, parents, and community leaders working with students from pre-K through grade 12. The program’s activities are designed to get kids outside, help them make meaningful connections to nature, and grow their understanding of our shared environment.
In addition to building Scouts’ outdoor knowledge, Project Learning Tree activities are great for developing STEM skills., They teach collaboration and teamwork, creativity and imagination, and critical thinking and problem solving. These activities also the sow seeds of opportunity by encouraging youth to explore careers in forestry, environmental science, and natural resource conservation.
The Conservation Handbook is about caring for the Earth. It’s for Scouts and Scout Leaders, parents, park rangers, land managers, and everyone else who wants to be involved in projects that benefit our natural environment.
While the Conservation Handbook bears the emblem of the Scouts, its message is valuable for leaders of many organizations. It’s a great book for anyone who is eager to explore environmental opportunities that can help young enthusiastic people become active and faithful stewards of the land.
Scouts have been leaders in conservation for more than a century. In the next 100 years, they’re taking the initiative to a new level—shifting from stewardship to sustainability, and from “leave no trace” to leaving the world a better place.
The principles of Leave No Trace become clear when you consider the combined effects of millions of outdoor visitors. One misplaced campsite or campfire may have little impact, but thousands of such instances can seriously degrade the outdoor experience for all.
There are seven principles of Leave No Trace.
Did you know that Take Care of Texas offers a merit badge and pin? If you are involved in Scouting and would like learn more, please visit our Scouting page for more details.
