A Scout is Kind…to The Environment
Service projects related to sustainability and the environment are a great way to engage in the Summer of Service. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking what might be appropriate for you, your family, your Scouting Unit, or your council. Whether your opportunity is big or small, get creative! Make it your own, and make it count!
Ideas to get you started…
- Take a trash bag and gloves with you on your next run or family walk – pick up any trash you see
- Beautify the school grounds or community public areas
- Adopt a local park
- Commit to fewer plastic bags
- Plant a rooftop garden
- Build a bird habitat or house to attract a specific bird species that is threatened
- Perform an energy audit of your home
- Set up a recycling system where there isn’t one
- Organize a clean-up day at a national or state park
- Create rain barrels to conserve water and prevent run-off
- Send advocacy letters to school or local officials promoting environmental stewardship
- Host a neighborhood recycling forum
Source: learningtogive.org,
What is an appropriate project?
As you are developing your ideas, please keep the following in mind:
- The service should adhere to and follow BSA standards and guidelines (i.e., Cub Scouts should not use power tools, YPT standards must be followed, etc.)
- The impact of any project should not benefit Scouting (i.e., trail maintenance at camp)
- Although Scouting should not directly benefit from the project, Scouting events can be launch points for serving the community (i.e., days of service as part of summer camp programming)
- You have flexibility to define what “service” is to you and identify topic areas that best resonate with you.
Safety Guidance
Ask
When in doubt, ask! If you have questions about the appropriateness of a service project, talk with your unit leader. Unit leadership will be able to provide guidance as needed.
