From the Scouts BSA Handbook: Living the Outdoor Code and Being Considerate

Yay! It is the perfect time to dive into nature’s playground! And here’s the deal. As Scouts, we have a responsibility to get really intentional on how we are being considerate of the outdoors and our environment, but to also set the example and teach others how to do the same. It’s more than just picking up that piece of trash that the last person left on the park picnic bench.

Created by the BSA, the Outdoor Code defines outdoor ethics for Scouts:

As an American, I will do my best to –

Be clean in my outdoor manners.

Be careful with fire.

Be considerate in the outdoors.

Be conservation-minded.

The Scouts BSA Handbook states that being considerate means, “keeping your voice down on the trail, avoiding brightly colored clothing, staying on established trails, and crossing private land only with permission.”

I recently had the good fortune to travel to Italy for vacation, and my husband and I decided to hike the trail from Monterosso to Vernazza in Cinque Terre. It is a gorgeous hike filled with insane views that make you feel like you are looking at a painting, along with a million (only slightly exaggerating) steps, and skinny trails that really force you to “think skinny” if you need to pass someone (haha). As we were walking along, in complete awe of this hike, we heard the loudest music booming from behind us. A couple had their music as loud as their phone would blast as they were walking… and it totally ruined the mood of enjoying our natural surroundings. Don’t be that person. Don’t let your friends be those people. Voices and music carry out in the middle of nowhere, so be reverent and take a chill pill on any crazy dance parties that you may have the urge to throw whilst camping.

In the same vein as “loud”, it is great to select neutral clothing. Keeping clothing in-line with the color scheme of the outdoors helps to contribute to the feeling of peace and solitude. Unless you are hiking in management areas during hunting season (in that case, please invest in an article of clothing that is hunter-orange!), it is good to keep your clothing color scheme neutral. Bright colors do not blend in and are easy to spot, making the hiking trails and camping areas seem much more crowded than they actually may be. This is just another great way to practice the Leave No Trace principles as well!

Moving on to the next piece of Being Considerate, stay on established trails! Trails are carefully planned to have minimal impact on the environment, ensuring that our parks and recreation areas stay beautiful for generations to come. Think about it this way… if one person strays from the trail, not really a huge deal. But over time, as more people stray from a trail, the natural foliage and vegetation can be worn down and soil/animal habitats will be corroded. It is best to leave everything as you found it, and in that way, you are being considerate – not just to future adventurers, but also to the plants and animals that live there!

Lastly, in regards to crossing private land, remember to plan your excursions carefully! Be sure that if you do need to cross private land, you obtain permission to do so. It is important to pay attention to property lines both out of respect and courtesy, AND for your own safety as well.

We have a duty to our country to protect our land and treat it with reverence and gratitude. The BSA Outdoor Code helps lay down the guidelines for us to do just that, along with the Leave No Trace principles. As you get outside and enjoy nature, be sure to tag us in your photos and adventures by using #ScoutShopBSA!

Happy adventuring!