Instilling values in young people and preparing them to make moral and ethical choices throughout their lifetime is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America. Leave No Trace helps reinforce that mission, and reminds us to respect the rights of other users of the outdoors as well as future generations. Appreciation for our natural environment and a knowledge of the interrelationships of nature bolster our respect and reverence toward the environment and nature.

 The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace

1. Plan ahead and prepare
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces
3. Dispose of waste properly. (Pack it in, Pack it out)
4. Leave what you find
5. Minimize campfire impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be considerate of other visitors

LEAVE NO TRACE TRAINER COURSE

When/Where: Saturday, October 24, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. until Sunday, October 25, 2009 at noon.  Day hiking and tent camping at Camp Pokanoka near Ottawa, Illinois.
Who:This trainer course is for adults and teens wishing to become qualified to teach the principles of Leave no Trace outdoor ethics to adults and children.
Cost: The cost is $75 per participant which covers all training materials including a copy of the reference book Soft Paths, meals for the weekend, group equipment and camping fees.
Description: We will spend the weekend in our outdoor classroom learning to apply and teach the Leave No Trace principles in both frontcountry and backcountry settings.  This is an excellent opportunity to work with two trainers who are not only Leave No Trace Master Educators, but who also have many years of experience in adult and youth education in the out-of-doors.  Various teaching methods will be utilized throughout the training so you can gain confidence in planning workshops to share Leave No Trace with adults and children in a variety of settings.  Because this is a training to prepare you to teach others, you will be asked to select a Leave No Trace principle to teach the group in a 10-15 minute lesson.  Upon the completion of this trainer course you will be registered as a trainer with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and will receive a certificate of completion and a trainer pin.
Gear: You will need to bring personal gear for day hiking and overnight camping (clothing appropriate for the weather, sleeping bag, mess kit, water bottle, hot beverage cup, etc.).  Tents, stoves and other group gear will be supplied.
Instructors: Debbie Dodt and Lis Christensson, Leave No Trace Master Educators
Contact:Debbie Dodt, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to register.  Registration deadline for this trainer course is October 14th.

• LNT Registration - Please fill out & send in
• LNT Release - Course Release Form

Cub Scouting's Leave No Trace Awareness Award 

As more people use parks and recreation facilities, LEAVE NO TRACE® guidelines become even more important for outdoor visitors.

Leave No Trace is a plan that helps people to be more concerned about their environment and to help them protect it for future generations. Leave No Trace applies in a backyard or local park (frontcountry) as much as it does in the wilderness (backcountry).

We should practice Leave No Trace in our attitude and actions--wherever we go. Understanding nature strengthens our respect toward the environment. One person with thoughtless behavior or one shortcut on a trail can spoil the outdoor experience for others.

Help protect the environment by remembering that while you are there, you are a visitor. When you visit the outdoors, take special care of the area. Leave everything just as you find it.

Hiking and camping without a trace are signs of a considerate outdoorsman who cares for the environment. Travel lightly on the land.

• Leave no Trace Awareness Award for Cub Scouts - Requirements

Boy Scouting's Leave No Trace Awareness Award  

Boy Scout Requirements

1. Recite and explain the principles of Leave No Trace.
2. On three separate camping/backpacking trips demonstrate and practice the principles of Leave No Trace.
3. Earn the Camping and Environmental Science merit badges.
4. Participate in a Leave No Trace-related service project.
5. Give a 10-minute presentation on a Leave No Trace topic approved by your Scoutmaster.
6. Draw a poster or build a model to demonstrate the differences in how we camp or travel in high-use and pristine areas.

Online Resources

• The Principles of Leave No Trace for Outdoor Adventures
• Teaching Leave No Trace
• Leave No Trace Awareness Award - Boy Scout/Venturing Award Application