What Councils Can Do!
What Councils Can Do!
Scouting for Clean Waterways is a nationwide initiative that empowers all Scouts and Venturers to take action against aquatic trash. Support for this initiative on a Council or District level may have a direct impact on your Council’s strategic goals.
Join us in protecting our waterways for future generations.
The Problem of Aquatic Trash (Waterway and Marine Debris)
Aquatic trash poses a significant threat to the health of our oceans, lakes, rivers, and associated ecosystems. Each year, millions of tons of plastic and other man-made materials find their way into these water bodies, resulting in devastating consequences for marine life, habitats, and the economy. From plastic pollution to discarded tires, the impact of debris on our environment cannot be overstated.
The vast majority of this aquatic trash begins its journey to our oceans from land, sometimes miles away from our water resources.
The consequences of aquatic trash are profound and far-reaching. Not only does it endanger marine life through entanglement and ingestion killing more than 1 million animals annually, but it also introduces pollutants and contaminants into our diverse ecosystems, affecting the health and behavior of life on land. Addressing this issue is not just an environmental imperative but also a moral and economic one.
Why Should a Council Support Scouting for Clean Waterways
- Positive Impact: Participating in Scouting for Clean Waterways allows Scout Councils to showcase the positive impact of Scouting on individuals, their communities, and the environment. By organizing Council or District wide Scouting for Clean Waterways projects and quantifying the results of these efforts, Councils can demonstrate the tangible benefits of Scouting beyond traditional activities, reinforcing the organization's relevance and value in today's society.
- Community Engagement: Supporting this initiative enables Councils to actively engage with their local communities in a meaningful way. By partnering with local environmental organizations and organizing clean-up events, Councils can demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship and civic responsibility, enhancing their reputation and visibility within the community.
- Educational Opportunities: Scouting for Clean Waterways provides educational opportunities for Scouts to learn about the importance of environmental conservation, responsible waste management, and the impact of aquatic trash. By supporting these educational efforts, Councils can promote environmental literacy and empower Scouts to become informed and responsible citizens.
- Fundraising Potential: Participation in Scouting for Clean Waterways can open doors to new partnerships and fundraising opportunities for Councils. By collaborating with local businesses, government agencies, and environmental organizations, Councils can leverage support for the initiative and strengthen their capacity to serve their communities effectively.
- Relevance to Scouting Values: Environmental stewardship and community service are fundamental values of the Scouting movement. By supporting Scouting for Clean Waterways, Councils can align with these core principles and provide Scouts with opportunities to live the Scout Oath and Law in meaningful ways, fostering character development and leadership skills.
Scouting for Clean Waterways Service Projects
Councils may choose to organize a Council or District wide Scouting for Clean Waterways Service Project.
Clean up projects can be held anywhere there is a need. Our waterways and the areas around them, parks, and recreation areas are all ideal locations for Scouting for Clean Waterways service projects. Remember that trash on land will frequently become aquatic trash.
Scouting for Clean Waterways service projects should last between 1-2 hours for Cub Scouts, or 2-4 hours for Scouts Venturers & Sea Scouts.
Scouting for Clean Waterways service projects can easily be included as part of Council or District event.
•Councils can partner with community environmental organizations hosting similar events.
Scouting for Clean Waterways service projects can be held anytime. Scheduling the activity each year between April and June, as an Earth Day, or as a Scouts Trash the Trash Day activity are the most popular options.
Recognize Accomplishments
- Scouting for Clean Waterways participants may be presented with the Scouting for Clean Waterways’ certificate after logging the service project on Scoutbook.
- Scouting for Clean Waterways participants may be presented with the Scouting for Clean Waterways’ patch, available from national supply or your local Scout Shop.
- Council may use the Scouting for Clean Waterways logo to create a customized patch.
Share Your Stories
Tell us about your Scouting for Clean Waterways Council or District event.
- Email your stories to us at CleanWaterScouts@scouting.org
- Enter your units information on Scoutbook.
- Post pictures and stories on our Scouting for Clean Waterways facebook Group at: https://www.facebook.com/CleanWaterScouts/
- Share the Council’s or units stories with local media. Let our communities know how Cub Scouts, Scouts, and Venturers are taking action to reduce aquatic trash and why it is important. Share your stories with your with local media. Let our communities know how your Council is taking action to reduce aquatic trash and why it is important.
Share The Science
- Scouts and Venturers are encouraged to participate in the NOAA Marine Debris Program by collecting and reporting data on the Marine Tracker app. Download and share the .csv file from the app with CleanWaterScouts@scouting.org
Reporting Your Event
After the completion of your Scouting for Clean Waterways’ project, we need you to report your event so that we can truly show the ripple effect being accomplished by Scouting America units.
If you are doing the project as an individual or unit, please have your leadership report it through Scoutbook+. Click here to learn how to record it. This way the individual Scouts will get the information recorded on their records.
If the council or district is doing the event as a large event, click here for fillable PDF and then email the completed form to cleanwaterScouts@scouting.org
Resources
Promotional Materials
Program Information
- Cub Scout Fast Start
- A Quick Guide to Scouting for Clean Waterways - Cub Scouts
- How to run a Scouting for Clean Waterways Service Project - Cub Scouts
- Scouts, Venturers, Sea Scouts Fast Start
- A Quick Guide to Scouting for Clean Waterways - Scouts, Venturers, & Sea Scouts
- How to run a Scouting for Clean Waterways Service Project - Scouts, Venturers, & Sea Scouts
More details coming soon!
Suscribe to Updates
Scouting For Clean Waterways supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined by the United Nations, including:
- Clean Water and Sanitation
- Life Below Water
- Life on Land
- Responsible Consumption and Production
- Partnerships for the Goals
