If there’s one thing Scouts do best, it’s stepping up and taking action. And when it comes to protecting our natural spaces, Scouting for Clean Waterways is where adventure meets impact. Whether you're a Scout, a parent, or someone who loves the outdoors, this isn’t just another service project—it’s a chance to make a real, lasting difference in the places we call home. With spring around the corner, now’s the perfect time to gear up, rally your crew, and dive into a mission that matters.

From lakes and rivers to creeks and coastlines, every waterway plays a vital role in our environment—and every bit of effort counts. By removing litter, restoring habitats, and raising awareness, you’re not just cleaning up; you’re setting an example for future generations. The best part? Anyone can get involved. Whether you’re leading a group cleanup, spreading the word, or taking small steps in your daily routine, your actions add up.

Ready to make waves? Here’s everything you need to know to make the biggest impact possible.

From shimmering lakes to winding rivers, the waterways we enjoy are under threat. Pollution, litter, and runoff from urban areas are harming ecosystems, endangering wildlife, and making it harder for us to enjoy the outdoors we cherish. Plastic waste clogs shorelines, chemicals seep into the water, and fragile habitats are disappearing. But the good news? Scouting for Clean Waterways is all about changing that.

Scouts across the country are rolling up their sleeves, pulling on their boots, and working together to remove trash, restore habitats, and educate their communities. These efforts don’t just clean up the environment—they inspire others to take action and help create a lasting culture of conservation. Every bottle collected, every invasive species removed, and every lesson shared makes a difference. And the best part? You can be part of it. Whether you join a local cleanup, start a project in your neighborhood, or simply make more eco-friendly choices every day, your contribution matters.

Many councils and troops are organizing clean-up days. Check with your local Scout council, parks department, or environmental groups to see what’s happening near you. No event? No problem—start your own! Gather your fellow Scouts, friends, and family, and pick a local waterway that needs attention. Even a small group can make a big impact by removing trash, planting native vegetation, or raising awareness about conservation. With the right supplies, a little planning, and a lot of enthusiasm, you can turn a simple cleanup into a community-wide movement.

To clean up properly, you’ll need the right tools:

• Work gloves (because mystery sludge is real)
• Reusable trash bags (sustainability for the win!)
• Grabbers (great for avoiding questionable things)
• First aid kit (because safety always comes first)
• Proper footwear (hello, waterproof boots!)
• Hydration gear like reusable water bottles (stay fueled and ready to go)
• Scout Shop Clean Waterways Patch (because, yes, you should totally show off your good work!)

Find all your essentials at ScoutShop.org! Outfit your entire unit or pack with official Scouting apparel, so everyone matches while making an impact. These shirts aren’t just about looking good—they’re a symbol of your commitment to conservation and a great way to inspire others to get involved. Stay safe and hydrated with durable reusable water bottles designed for all-day cleanups, and don’t forget a first aid kit to prepare your crew for anything. And when the work is done, proudly display your Scouting for Clean Waterways emblem—a badge of honor that represents your dedication to protecting our natural spaces. Every purchase supports Scouting and helps fuel the mission to keep our waterways clean for generations to come!

Cleaning up is serious business, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Turn it into a challenge:

• Who can find the weirdest piece of trash? (Spoiler: There’s always a random shoe.)
• Can your team collect the most recyclables?
• Who can log the most miles while scouting for litter?

Pro tip: Take before-and-after photos to see your impact in real time! Plus, these make for epic social media posts—don’t forget to tag @ScoutShopBSA and use #ScoutingForCleanWaterways.

Grab a water testing kit (many local conservation groups offer them) and analyze what’s in your local waterways. This simple but powerful tool can reveal the presence of pollutants like nitrates, phosphates, heavy metals, and even bacteria that could be harming aquatic life. By testing different locations, you can compare results and identify problem areas that need attention. You might find surprising results—even seemingly clear water can contain contaminants that affect both wildlife and human health.

But testing is just the first step. Use your findings to raise awareness in your community and advocate for cleaner water. Share your results with local environmental organizations, city officials, or school groups to spark conversations about conservation and policy changes. Organizing a reporting session or social media campaign can help others understand the importance of protecting waterways and encourage more people to take action. When Scouts step up to investigate and educate, they don’t just clean up the environment—they become leaders in conservation.

Host a mini-workshop for your troop or community on why clean water matters—a hands-on way to inspire action and spread awareness. Start with an eye-catching display of fun facts (like how a single plastic bottle can take 450 years to decompose) and scary stats (such as how 80% of ocean pollution starts on land). Show real-world examples of how pollution affects wildlife, from turtles mistaking plastic for food to fish populations declining due to chemical runoff.

Make it interactive! Use a water testing demo to reveal hidden contaminants, or set up a small-scale filtration experiment to show how water can be cleaned. Invite a local conservation expert or park ranger to speak about regional issues and solutions. Wrap up with an action plan—encouraging attendees to join a cleanup, reduce single-use plastics, and educate others. By leading a workshop, you’re not just sharing knowledge—you’re building a movement for cleaner waterways.

Commit to maintaining a specific section of a river, lake, or stream throughout the year, turning a one-time cleanup into a long-term impact project. Choose a location that’s meaningful to your troop or community—maybe a nearby fishing spot, a popular kayaking route, or a creek that runs through your town. By adopting a waterway, you’re taking responsibility for its health and ensuring it stays clean and thriving for years to come.

Plan quarterly clean-ups where Scouts, families, and community members come together to remove litter, clear debris, and restore natural habitats. Take it a step further by monitoring water quality, planting native vegetation, or installing signs to educate others on how to keep the area clean. Keep track of your progress with photos and data, and share updates on social media or with local news outlets to inspire more people to get involved.

With consistent care and effort, your troop can create a lasting legacy of conservation, showing how small actions, repeated over time, can lead to big changes for our waterways and the wildlife that depend on them.

Want to show off your hard work? Celebrate your commitment to conservation with the Scouting for Clean Waterways Emblem, available at ScoutShop.org! More than just a patch, this emblem is a symbol of action, dedication, and making a real difference in protecting our waterways. Whether you’ve led a cleanup, tested water quality, or helped educate your community, this emblem represents the impact you’ve made.

Wear it proudly on your uniform or display it on your gear as a reminder of your efforts and inspiration for others to join in. It’s also a great way for troops and packs to recognize Scouts who step up to protect the environment, reinforcing the values of stewardship and responsibility. Plus, every purchase supports Scouting programs, helping more Scouts across the country take action for cleaner, healthier waterways. Get yours today and show the world you’re part of the movement!

Every piece of trash you pick up, every bottle cap you remove, and every person you inspire adds up to something bigger than you can imagine. Each small action contributes to healthier ecosystems, safer habitats for wildlife, and cleaner outdoor spaces for everyone to enjoy. By participating in Scouting for Clean Waterways, you’re not just cleaning up—you’re becoming a leader in conservation, setting an example for your troop, your community, and future Scouts.

Your efforts ensure that the next generation of Scouts has clean lakes to swim in, rivers to paddle, and streams to explore—places where adventure and nature thrive together. But the impact doesn’t stop there. When people see Scouts taking the lead, it inspires more individuals, families, and communities to get involved, creating a ripple effect of environmental stewardship. Keep showing up, keep making a difference, and keep proving that small actions can lead to big change!

So, what are you waiting for? Rally your troop, invite your friends, and make a real impact in your community. Whether it’s a lakeside cleanup, a river restoration project, or spreading awareness about conservation, every action counts. Let’s turn small efforts into big, lasting changes—one piece of litter at a time.

And when you do, make sure you’re geared up for the mission! Head over to ScoutShop.org to grab your official Scouting for Clean Waterways apparel, reusable water bottles, first aid kits, and more—so you can stay safe, stay hydrated, and show off your Scouting spirit while making a difference. Plus, don’t forget to pick up your Scouting for Clean Waterways emblem to commemorate your hard work!

Because when it comes to protecting the great outdoors, every Scout counts. And for all your Scouting adventures, shop at ScoutShop.org—the official retail store of Scouting America!

#AdventureOn, and see you out there!