Outdoor Ethics in Scouting

Developing a deep respect for the plants, animals, land, water, and other essential parts of Nature and the Outdoors as well as protecting and preserving our natural world are fundamental aspects of Scouting...from its origin. The following pledges guide Scouts as they encounter the Outdoors to be sustainable and “leave no trace” or “leave it better than they found it.”

The Outdoor Code (originated in BSA Handbook, 1955)
As an American, I will do my best to --
Be clean in my outdoor manners. I will treat the outdoors as a heritage. I will take care of it for myself and others. I will keep my trash and garbage out of lakes, streams, fields, woods, and roadways.
Be careful with fire. I will prevent wildfire. I will build my fires only when and where they are permitted and appropriate. When I have finished using a fire, I will make sure it is cold out. I will leave a clean fire ring or remove all evidence of my fire.
Be considerate in the outdoors. I will treat the land and other land users with respect. I will follow the principles of outdoor ethics for all outdoor activities.
Be conservation-minded. I will learn about and practice good conservation of soil, waters, forests, minerals, grasslands, wildlife and energy. I will urge others to do the same.

The Land Ethic (Aldo Leopold in “A Sand County Almanac”)

1. That land is not merely soil;
2. That the native plants and animals kept the energy circuit open; others may or may not;
3. That man-made changes are of a different order than evolutionary changes, and have effects more comprehensive than intended or foreseen. These ideas, collectively, raise two issues: Can the land adjust itself to the new order? Can the desired alterations be accomplished with less violence?
4. A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability, and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise.

The 7 Leave No Trace Program Principles

• Plan Ahead and Prepare
• Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
• Dispose of Waste Properly
• Leave What You Find
• Minimize Campfire Impacts
• Respect Wildlife
• Be Considerate of Other Visitors

​Chief Rover Scout, Ken Pataky

Learn more at:

http://outdoorethics-bsa.org/programs/

https://www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/outdoor-ethics/land-ethic/

https://www.treadlightly.org/

​http://lnt.org