Outdoor Ethics

The Outdoor Code is Scouting's aspirational statement of Outdoor Ethics.
To support the Outdoor Code with proven principles and skills, Scouting has incorporated Leave No Trace, for non-motorized outdoor activities, and Tread Lightly!, for motorized activities and shooting sports.
The Land Ethic challenges us to be committed to conservation and stewardship of our environment.
The Outdoor Ethics Guide Handbook guides units in developing a culture that effectively demonstrates responsible outdoor choices that reduce impacts of Scouting activities. It identifies the responsibilities of the outdoor ethics guide, provides ideas on how to carry out this role, and lists resources. It also provides methods for leaders to support Scouts selected for this position and a way to evaluate success.

Requirements:

Recite from memory and explain the meaning of the Outdoor Code.
Watch the National Park Service Leave No Trace video.
Complete the Leave No Trace online course . Print the certificate.
Complete the Tread Lightly! online course . Print the certificate.
Participate in an outdoor ethics course, workshop, or training activity facilitated by a person who has completed the BSA outdoor ethics orientation course or is a BSA outdoor ethics trainer or master.

Do the following:
1. Unless already completed, earn the Outdoor Ethics Awareness Award.
2. Complete the BSA outdoor ethics orientation course.
3. Explain how each of the four points of the Outdoor Code guides your actions when outdoors.
Do the following:
1. Read Chapter 7 of the Boy Scout Handbook on Outdoor Ethics.
2. Teach a skill related to the Outdoor Code or Leave No Trace to another Scout in your troop or another Scouting unit.
Complete one of the following:
1. Successfully complete a term as your troop Outdoor Ethics Guide.
2. Participate in an outing that emphasizes the complete set of Leave No Trace or relevant Tread Lightly! principles. All members of the troop participating in the outing should use the outdoor ethics and the specific skills needed to minimize impacts from their use of the outdoors.
Follow the Outdoor Code, Leave No Trace, and Tread Lightly! principles on three outings. Write a paragraph on each outing explaining how you followed the Outdoor Code, Leave No Trace, and Tread Lightly! Share it with your unit leader or an individual who has completed the BSA outdoor ethics orientation course.
On a troop outing, help your troop on a service activity that addresses recreational impacts related to the type of outing. The project should be approved in advance by the landowner or land manager and lead to permanent or long-term improvements.
Participate in a report at a court of honor or similar family event on the service activity in Requirement 5.

Learn more at Scouting.org and download the PDFs and Applications.