The Outdoor Code

Be clean in my outdoor manners

Treating the outdoors as a heritage means seeing it as something valuable. Just like a family treasure, we need to take care of nature so it can be enjoyed by others. This includes the forests, lakes, and trails we use when camping or hiking.

One way to take care of nature is to leave no trace. This means we clean up everything we bring with us. If we bring snacks, we take the wrappers home. If we set up camp, we make sure to leave it looking the same—or even better—than when we arrived.

Scouts can take simple actions to keep nature clean. Use designated trash cans or pack your garbage home if none are available. Don’t leave food scraps behind, even if they seem natural. Pick up trash you see, even if it’s not yours. These small efforts make a big difference.

Sometimes we notice a campsite or trail that is messy when we get there. Cleaning it up, even though it’s not our mess, helps protect the outdoors. When we leave a place better than we found it, we show respect for nature and for other people who will visit after us.

Be careful with fire

Fires can be dangerous if they are not handled carefully. Wildfires can spread quickly and destroy forests, homes, and wildlife habitats. Scouts can help prevent wildfires by being careful and responsible when using fire.

One way to stay safe is to only build fires in designated fire pits or rings. These areas are designed to keep fires contained. If there is no fire ring, use a fire pan or a mound fire to protect the ground. Always check for fire bans or restrictions before starting any fire.

It is important to fully extinguish a fire before leaving it. Pour water over the fire and stir the ashes until everything is cold. Check the area with your hand to make sure no heat is left. Never leave a fire unattended, even for a short time.

Scouts should also leave no trace of their fire. This means removing fire scars when possible. Scatter any unused wood and ashes to make the area look natural again. By following these steps, Scouts protect the outdoors and make it safe for others to enjoy.

Be considerate in the outdoors

When camping or hiking, it is important to respect both public and private property. Always get permission before going on private land. Follow all rules for parks, trails, and campgrounds. Leaving things as you found them shows respect for the people who own or manage the land.

Use established trails and campsites to reduce your impact on nature. Walking off trails can damage plants and soil. Camping in marked areas helps protect natural spaces from overuse. If you need to camp in a new spot, choose a place that will not harm plants or wildlife.

Be mindful of noise and behavior in the outdoors. Loud noises can scare wildlife and disturb other campers. Keep your voice low, especially in quiet areas. If you are in a group, try to avoid shouting or playing loud music. Respect the peace of the outdoors.

Small actions can make a big difference. For example, close gates after passing through them to protect livestock. Do not carve into trees or damage structures. Always follow the Scout slogan, “Do a Good Turn Daily,” by helping others enjoy the outdoors responsibly.

Be conservation-minded

Conservation means using natural resources wisely and taking care of the environment. It is important because it helps protect the earth for future generations. If we do not take care of nature now, others may not be able to enjoy it later.

Scouts can practice conservation in many ways. Save water by turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or using only what you need to clean dishes. Use a refillable water bottle instead of disposable ones. Conserve energy by using flashlights and lanterns only when necessary and turning them off when not in use.

Another way to conserve is to reduce waste. Avoid using single-use items like plastic utensils. Recycle when possible, and pack out all trash, including food scraps. Choose reusable gear, like metal camping dishes, instead of paper or plastic.

Sharing what you know about conservation can make a bigger impact. Teach friends and family to protect nature by following the Outdoor Code. Invite others to join a cleanup event or practice recycling at home. By setting a good example, Scouts can inspire others to care for the environment too.

Leave No Trace

The Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace both teach us to care for nature. Leave No Trace means protecting the land, plants, and animals by leaving things as we found them. It helps us avoid harming the environment when we hike, camp, or explore. Small actions, like picking up trash and staying on trails, keep outdoor spaces clean and safe for everyone.

The Outdoor Code reminds us to be clean, careful, considerate, and conservation-minded. By following these principles and Leave No Trace, we can enjoy the outdoors while keeping it healthy and beautiful for future generations.

The Outdoor Code is an important guide for Scouts. It helps us enjoy nature while protecting it. By being clean, careful, considerate, and conservation-minded, we show respect for the outdoors and for others. Following the Outdoor Code helps keep nature beautiful and safe.

Small actions make a big difference. Picking up trash, using less water, and staying on trails may seem small, but they protect the land and wildlife. Extinguishing a campfire properly can prevent a wildfire. Sharing conservation ideas can inspire others to take care of nature too.

Scouts should practice these principles on every outing. Whether you are hiking, camping, or just enjoying a park, the Outdoor Code reminds us to leave no trace and to care for our environment. By following it, we can make sure nature stays wild and wonderful for years to come.