FOREWORD
The purpose of this handbook is to guide units in developing a culture that effectively demonstrates responsible outdoor choices that reduce impacts of Scouting activities. The handbook 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.
The outdoor ethics guide is a troop position of responsibility that counts for the leadership requirement for Star, Life, and Eagle ranks. It was instituted in the 13th edition of the Scouts BSA Handbook. This replaces the role of the Leave No Trace trainer, which was also a Star and Life leadership position. Venturing crews may elect to assign the responsibility of outdoor ethics guide to a member, but it is not a leadership position.
Specific information about the principles of Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly! are not addressed in this handbook. Information about specific skills and how to demonstrate them can be found in the Scouts BSA Handbook and the fifth edition of the BSA Fieldbook. Information on these are also found at the Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly! websites.
1—NOTHING. 2—YOUR THANKS.
You can download the Outdoor Ethics Guide Handbook, here.
Outdoor Ethics Guide Contents
THE PRACTICE: MAKING RESPONSIBLE OUTDOOR DECISIONS
HOW TO BE MOST SUCCESSFUL IN THE ROLE
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE OUTDOOR ETHICS GUIDE
- EXPLAIN AND DEMONSTRATE ADVANCEMENT REQUIREMENTS
- HELP YOUR UNIT PLAN AND CONDUCT AN EFFECTIVE OUTDOOR ETHICS PROGRAM
- PREPARE DEN CHIEFS TO SHARE PRINCIPLES
- HELP SCOUTS TO UNDERSTAND AND PLAN CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES
- ENCOURAGE SCOUTS TO COMPLETE OUTDOOR ETHICS AWARDS AND MERIT BADGES
- COMPLETE SELF-EVALUATION
OUTDOOR ETHICS GUIDE ADVISOR HANDBOOK
- OUTDOOR ETHICS GUIDE GOALS AND EVALUATION
- THE TEACHING EDGE METHOD
- OUTING DUTY ROSTER
- TROOP ASSESSMENT FORM
- PLANNING AN OUTING WORKSHEET
- CONSERVATION PROJECT PLANNING CHECKLIST