What Does Leave No Trace Mean to Scouts?

Bloomington, Indiana: Every three years those members of the Boy Scouts of America who have been inducted into the prestigious Order of the Arrow, which recognizes scouts for their exemplary leadership and service, gather for a week of fun, learning, and community building.

The National Order of the Arrow conference is scouting’s second largest conference behind the jamboree, and Subaru Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers were there to talk to scouts about minimizing their outdoor impact and what Leave No Trace means to them.

Leave No Trace has long counted the Boy Scouts of America as a partner. The Boy Scouts of America teaches scouts the principles and skills of Leave No Trace as they rise through the ranks and earn merit badges. The Outdoor Ethics program within the Scouts works to ensure there are Leave No Trace Master Educators involved in scouting, equipping its members with the ability to not only practice Leave No Trace, but to teach others as well.

During the National Order of the Arrow conference, scouts and troop leaders alike stopped by the Leave No Trace booth in Conservation Village to test their knowledge, learn more about ways to minimize their outdoor impact, and talk about what Leave No Trace means to them.

Many attendees were also able to take part in a Leave No Trace Trainer Course during the conference, gaining a more in depth understanding and the tools to teach Leave No Trace to their troops and communities when they return home.

To learn more about the Boy Scouts of America’s outdoor code and conservation awards, such as the Hornaday Medal, visit their website.

Leave No Trace’s Erin Collier and Brice Esplin are part of the 2018 Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainer Program that provides free, mobile education to communities across the country. Proud partners of this program include Subaru of America, REI, Eagles Nest Outfitters, Deuter, Thule, Taxa, and Klean Kanteen.