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Previous Issues > July 2007 > Come Out & Play > Boy Scouts Encourage Campers To Leave No Trace
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 Come Out & Play
Boy Scouts Encourage Campers to Leave No Trace
2007 is the 100th anniversary of the scouting movement. It all started with an experimental camp in 1907 on Brownsea Island, for 20 boys from a variety of backgrounds, where Robert Baden-Powell tried out his ideas. Following the success of this camp, Baden-Powell started to publish "Scouting for Boys." The scouting movement quickly spread around the world. Over four million scouts all over the world will celebrate the 100th anniversary in July.
Also during the month of July, we celebrate National Recreation and Parks Month to encourage all Americans to use the resources of national parks as well as local parks and recreation departments.
 "The BSA has always strived to be a good steward of our countrys natural resources and ecosystem," said Ed Woodlock, director of camping and conservation, Boy Scout Division, BSA. "We believe national parks and forests, as well as local parks and recreation departments, are indispensable sources of education and activities. July is an opportunity to appreciate these resources and encourage users to get active and 'Leave No Trace' when using them."
During July, the BSA encourages all Americans to adopt the Leave No Trace principles for outdoor activities, particularly those in national parks and recreation areas. Leave No Trace is a national, nonprofit education program that promotes practical skills and an outdoor code of ethics that preserve the integrity of protected lands and high-quality
recreational experiences.
The BSA's Leave No Trace principles include:
Plan Ahead and Prepare Know regulations and concerns for the area. Prepare for extreme weather, hazards and emergencies. Schedule activities to avoid high-use periods. Keep groups small. Use a map and compass to eliminate the need for environmental markers.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces Durable sites include established trails, campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow. Camp at least 200 feet from lakes or streams. Do not alter sites to fit your needs rather, find one that meets your needs. Use existing trails and travel single file in groups on the middle of the trail. In pristine areas, disperse use to prevent creation of new trails or sites. Avoid places where impacts are new.
Dispose of Waste Properly If you bring it with you, take it with you this includes food and trash. Dispose of human waste properly. Do not leave toilet paper or hygiene products behind. Carry water used for cleaning dishes, equipment or bathing at least 200 feet from its source to reduce contamination. Use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Strain dish water and scatter it around.
Leave What You Find
Observe but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts. Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them. Avoid introducing or transporting nonnative species of animals. Do not build structures or furniture or dig trenches.
Minimize Campfire Impacts As campfires cause lasting impact, use stoves for cooking and lanterns for light. Where permitted, use a fire ring, fire pan, or a mound fire lay. Keep fires small use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand. Remove partially burned garbage, including that left by others. Burn all wood and coals to ash, extinguish the fire completely, then scatter cool ashes.
Respect Wildlife Observe wildlife from a distance do not follow or approach animals. Never feed animals. Protect wildlife and your food by storing food and trash securely. Leave pets at home. Avoid wildlife during sensitive times, such as mating and nesting season, wintertime or when they are with their young.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience. Be courteous yield to others on trails. Take breaks and set up camp away from trails and other visitors. Let natures sounds prevail avoid loud voices and noises. Respect others who might be seeking solitude.
In addition to adopting these principles during National Recreation and Parks Month, the BSA also encourages Americans to contact their local parks and recreation department for a list of available programs, outdoor activities and available parks and areas for recreation.
For more information on your local parks and recreation department activities, please contact your local government information offices or visit www.nrpa.org. For more information on Leave No Trace and the Outdoor Code of the BSA, please visit www.scouting.org.
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