Guided by the Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace, millions of Scouts have enhanced their awareness of the natural world around them, minimizing impact to the land. For Scouts who have a deep interest in the outdoors, nature, and the environment, Scouting’s outdoor ethics will give you an ever-deeper appreciation of the richness of the land and how we fit into it. If you are prepared to venture down the path of really becoming aware of your surroundings, of building the skills that will allow you to leave no trace on the land, then the Outdoor Ethics Awareness and Action Awards are for you.

Note: The Outdoor Ethics Awareness and Action Awards for Cub Scouts and leaders were retired in June 2016.

 

Outdoor Ethics Awareness Award

Scouts interested in learning more about outdoor ethics and Leave No Trace should begin by exploring the Outdoor Ethics Awareness Award. The requirements are as follows:

1. Recite from memory and explain the meaning of the Outdoor Code.
2. Watch the National Park Service Leave No Trace video. 
3. Complete the Leave No Trace online course. Print the certificate.
4. Complete the Tread Lightly! online course. Print the certificate.
5. 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.

 

Outdoor Ethics Action Award

The Outdoor Ethics Action Award challenges Scouts, Scouters, Venturers and Venturing Advisors to take affirmative steps to improve their outdoor skills—so that they can leave no trace and achieve the goals of the Outdoor Code.  Requires for these awards are different of Scouts, Scouters, Venturers and Venturing Advisors. 

Scouts BSA member and Scouter

• Outdoor Ethics Awards for Scouts BSA and Scouters
• Outdoor Ethics Awards Application for Scouts BSA and Scouters

Venturer and Scouter

• Outdoor Ethics Awards for Venturer and Venturing Advisors
• Outdoor Ethics Awards Application for Venturer and Venturing Advisors

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to frequently-asked questions are available at outdoorethics-bsa.org.