Narragansett Council, BSA

Conservation and Sustainability Committee

The Narragansett Council Conservation and Sustainability Committee was formed in 2020 to provide the council with technical assistance and expertise regarding matters of ecology, conservation, and resources management to guide policymaking and operational decisions regarding the management of the council’s natural and cultural resources, promotion of conservation-related training, and advancement of conservation programs.

The committee comprises environmental and conservation-minded professionals from various types of organizations and experiences involved in the Scouting program.  Committee members have different areas of expertise and professional networks that can help Scouts and adult leaders in various areas related to the environment, conservation, and sustainability. The Narragansett Council Director of Camping is also a member of the committee.

The committee firmly believes that activities and behaviors in the Scouting program should be firmly based on the promise of the Outdoor Code, the principles of Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly, and the overall framework of outdoor ethics articulated throughout scouting. 

The committee initially focuses on four primary areas:  Stewardship, Service, Achievement, and Education. 

Resources from the committee for: 

Scout:  connects the Scout to public land managers and environmental non-profits for service projects (Life, Eagle) and provides BSA-trained advisors for conservation service awards

Unit:  resources/training for Leave No Trace, principles of Tread Lightly, and scouting environmental curriculum

Merit Badge Counselor:  provide subject matter experts and professionals for environmental merit badges, field trips, content resource

Camp Director/Camp staff:  support for nature center staff, review, and advice for camp conservation plans to effectively steward the properties used for the scouting program

Council:  overarching focus on conservation/sustainability (how the council can reduce carbon footprint?) for various council functions

Conservation Awards

The committee will promote the various environmental and conservation awards and recognitions offered in the Scouting program and support youth and adults interested in pursuing those awards.  This includes support for individuals pursuing the prestigious BSA Distinguished Conservation Service Award program (formerly the Hornaday Award) as well as recognitions such as the World Conservation Award and the many environmentally oriented merit badges.  There are many opportunities in Scouting within these areas and the committee aims to increase awareness and provide support.  In addition, Scouts may earn the Narragansett Council Conservation Award.

List of Environmental Merit Badges

• Environmental Science or Sustainability (Eagle Required)
• Nature
• Insect Study
• Mammal Study
• Reptile & Amphibian Study
• Public Health
• Soil & Water Conservation Science
• Forestry
• Oceanography
• Camping
• Hiking
• Animal Science
• Birding
• Fish & Wildlife Management
• Fishing
• Fly Fishing
• Geology
• Plant Science
• Weather
• Wilderness Survival
• Whitewater Rafting

For more information on the Narragansett Council Conservation and Sustainability Committee or the various conservation-related programs and awards in scouting, please visit:

Ncbsa.org/conservation

https://www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/conservation-and-environment/

Or contact the committee at narragansettscoutconservation@gmail.com