Outdoor Ethics Patch and Pictures

Scouting America Outdoor Ethics & Conservation Virtual Roundtables

Past Roundtable Resource Links - see below

Upcoming Roundtables

May 2025 - The American Conservation Movement and the Arts

Wednesday, May 14, 7:00pm Central

Matt Durrant will share his presentation on The American Conservation Movement and the Arts. Just as outdoor ethics are "just what we do," conservation is as well. Recently we explored conservation as part of STEM programs. Did you know that conservation can also be part of our arts programs? Join us as Matt takes us through more thoughts of how we can incorporate conservation into our Scouting programs.

Let us know about topics you would like to see covered in upcoming roundtables - Contact the Roundtable Team at roundtable@outdoorethicsbsa.org

Roundtable Registration

Our 2024-2025 Roundtable program year started in August.

As we have in previous years, the roundtables will be held on the second Wednesday of each month beginning at 7:00pm Central Time. You only need to sign up once to receive a personal Zoom link which you will use to attend all of this program year's roundtables.
Be sure to save the link you receive to reuse the rest of this program year.

Register Here

When you register, it would be very helpful if you would please type out your council name rather than use an abbreviation. Thank you!

(Can't find your registration link? Just register again).

We can't wait to see everyone at our Roundtables!

Have a question? Send an email to roundtable@scouting-oec.org

Past Roundtables - 2025

Roundtable Feedback Form

 

April 2025 - Who We Area & What We Do

April 9

Meet the Program Operations team of the Outdoor Ethics & Conservation subcommittee and learn what their mission is.

The Program Operations team are the people who directly support Scouting America's councils. You'll meet some of the key people on the Program Operations team and learn ways that they can help you make your council's Outdoor Ethics and Conservation programs stronger.

Resources/Links:

Announcements:

 

March 2025 - Outdoor Ethics & Conservation National Outreach

March 12

2026 National Jamboree Service Team Opportunities
2025 National Outdoor Conference - Philmont
FAQ: National Medal for Outdoor Achievement (retired)
Wildland Fire Management Merit Badge potential

Resources/Links:

2026 National Jamboree Service Team Opportunities

2025 National Outdoor Conference - Philmont

Wildland Fire Management Merit Badge potential

Announcements:

 

January 2025 - Scouting for Clean Waterways

January 8

Scouting for Clean Waterways is an exciting new conservation opportunity for all Scouts!

Scouting for Clean Waterways is a nationwide Scouting effort designed to inspire all Scouts to reduce personal consumption of disposable plastics, properly dispose of trash, recycle trash when appropriate and actively participate in cleaning waterways in their local communities.

Resources/Links:

  • See the Roundtable Slide presentation above for resource links.
  • Partner Ideas
  • FAQ (Scott Anderson): Serving on the Outdoor Ethics and Conservation Staff at the 2026 Jamboree

Announcements:

Past Roundtables - 2024

Roundtable Feedback Form

 

December 2024 - STEM, Outdoor Ethics, & Conservation -- Better together!

STEM experts from the Greater St. Louis Area Council's' STEM committee.

STEM experts from the Greater St. Louis Area Council STEM committee shared the background of their committee, and some examples of council STEM programs that leverage the complementary relationship between STEM, outdoor ethics, and conservation. It's not just candy bars that are better together!

Resources/Links:

 

November 2024 - Outdoor Ethics & Conservation in the 2024 Cub Scout Program

We explore the ways that outdoor ethics and conservation are integrated into the new 2024 Cub Scout program updates.

Resources/Links:

 

October 2024 - Up your Conservation Game with Scout Naturalists

Marty Brazeau from the Baltimore Area Council Conservation Committee tells us about their council's innovative Seton Scout Naturalist program.

This weekend program includes a wide variety of outdoor activities which equip Scouts and adults to serve as naturalist leaders. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about this popular program!

Resources/Links:

 

August 2024 - Best of Outdoor Ethics & Conservation Roundtables: Volume 1

We've been presenting these roundtables for almost 4 years now--since November 2020. We've had some excellent speakers and topics over that time. And best of all, you can watch those roundtables any time you want! Please join us as we take a walk down memory lane to find some great information that can help you right now as you start into the new program year. We can't wait to see you at the roundtable!

Resources/Links:

 

May 2024 - Leave No Trace for High Adventure Treks

How do you move from teaching Leave No Trace skills to applying those learned skills in high adventure?

Join us on May 8 as Aaron Collins and Michelle Bierstedt showcase the Missouri River High Adventure Base in Sioux Council. Michelle and Aaron wrote the program working with private landowners, the National Park Service, and both SD and NE State Park officials to give scouts a river experience while applying Leave No Trace Principles. From camping in a young Cottonwood forest to watching for nesting Plovers, scouts follow the Outdoor Code for 63 miles in the Missouri National Recreational River pristine area.

Resources/Links:

 

April 2024 - Coral Reef Restoration and Protection at BSA Sea Base

Dr. Abigail Clark, the Brinton Center STEM Program Director at BSA Sea Base, presented the Coral Reef Restoration Project at Sea Base and the need for conservation and protection of the coral reef in the Florida Keys.

Resources/Links:

 

March 2024 - Tell me about Outdoor Ethics Orientation and BSA Leave No Trace Basics courses!

March 13

Many people have lots of questions about these courses. Why were these courses created? Who should take those courses and why? Who can teach these courses? How do others teach these courses? How can we make these courses valuable and fun for the participants? Come learn the answers to these questions and more. Bring your own questions to ask as well!

Resources/Links:

 

January 2024 - Making our Programs More Special Needs Friendly

January 10

It's important that every youth feels welcome and well-served by our programs. How can we better include youth with special needs?

We're passionate about outdoor ethics and conservation within the BSA. We want to have every BSA member, youth and adult, to be appropriately outdoor ethics and conservation trained. It's important that every youth feels welcome and well-served by our programs. How can we better include youth with special needs? We'll learn from Malinda Pitts, a Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor from the Natural State Council, and Eleanor Philips from the Greater St. Louis Area Council. Both are members of the BSA National Special Needs and Disabilities subcommittee. Eleanor and Malinda will share some tips and tools they've learned through years of experience to help us better serve youth with special needs.

Resources/Links:

Past Roundtables - 2023

Roundtable Feedback Form

 

December 2023 - Connecting Urban Youth with Nature

December 13

Many of our youth do most of their Scouting in an urban setting.

Within the BSA, most of our Outdoor Ethics and conservation efforts are centered on camps and other areas far from most of our homes. For many of our youth, however, the great majority of their lives, and most of our interactions with them in Scouting, take place in developed areas. Grace VanDerhei, an Environmental Educator from the Aldo Leopold Nature Center in Monona, Wisconsin shared experiences and some of the lessons she's learned working outdoors with urban youth.

Resources/Links:

 

November 2023 - Leave No Trace Meals

November 8

What makes a "Leave No Trace" meal? Tips, techniques and meal ideas.

Cooking and cleanup can potentially be impactful activities on our outings. This roundtable was a presentation of practices and tips, and some menu ideas at the same time.

Resources/Links:

 

October 2023 - Interviews with Experienced and New COEAs

October 11

Interviews with several COEAs on the challenges they face, what they've tried, and what has worked for them.

Probably the most common request the Roundtable team receives is "What can I do to get an effective Outdoor Ethics program started in my Council?" Our October Roundtable heard from other COEAs on the challenges they face, what they've tried, and of course what has worked for them. These COEAs come from councils across the country, and every one will offer valuable real-life insights from their experiences.

 

August 2023 - Leave No Trace Training Program Updates

August 9

Learn about Leave No Trace's Training for All, presented by JD Tanner, Leave No Trace Director of Education and Training.

JD updated us on the additions and changes that Leave No Trace is making to their online and in-person educational offerings to help Leave No Trace reach its goal of Training for All. It's very important that Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructors, Level 2 Instructors, and COEAs learn about these changes and how they can be leveraged to enhance our Leave No Trace outreach, skills, and offerings.

 

June 2023 - Tech for Teens Outdoors

June 14

How To Use Free Tech Apps for Maximizing Outside Discovery

Summer is coming and the outdoors are teeming with growing vegetation, cool bugs, calling birds, and hatching amphibians. Edwin Guevara from the Maryland DNR will introduce a few apps that can be used by youth and leaders to make their outdoor experience more exciting. Using the tools provided in this digital age, we can use our phones as tools for learning more about the world around us.

 

May 2023 - Introducing the Green Crew

May 10

The Green Crew is a conservation-focused Venturing Crew sponsored by the Izaak Walton League.

You read about them in Aaron on Scouting back in November. Join us at the May Roundtable to hear from the Crew's leadership about this unique and hugely successful conservation partnership between a Venturing crew, their chartering Izaak Walton League of America chapter, and their community.

 

April 2023 - Tell Me About Project Learning Tree!

April 12

PLT works with Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to provide scouting leaders with ideas and outdoor, hands-on activities to help support Cub Scouts adventures and Scouts BSA merit badges.

PLT provides fun and inspiring activities that can help scouts advance! Marnie Lammle, PLT's South Dakota Advocate, will introduce us to this nationwide program and its instructional materials. Our Roundtable speaker is Marnie Lammle, Project Learning Tree South Dakota State Advoocate. 605-881-1399

 

March 2023 - What is interpretation and how can it improve my outdoor program?

March 8

Craig Hensley shared his insights into Interpretation.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Craig Hensley, a long-time interpreter and naturalist, now Texas Nature Trackers Biologist, will share his insights into this thing called interpretation. Maximizing your impact when working with youth requires you to share your passion and love of the natural world in a way that is genuine and done with skill. This presentation will provide you insights on how to accomplish this, and in the process inspire you to become a better presenter/educator/teacher and indeed, interpreter.

 

February 2023 - Conservation at BSA's High Adventure Bases

February 8

We learned about conservation based programs and projects that happen at our high adventure bases!

 

January 2023 - Tips & Tricks for First Year Camper Programs

January 11

Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers Elena and Jesse will offer their ideas on ways to make the Outdoor Ethics content of your first year camper programs fun and effective.
(Elena-and-Jesse@LNT.org)

Past Roundtables - 2022

Roundtable Feedback Form

 

Advancing the Ball at the University of Scouting

December 14

Your council's University of Scouting offers a great training opportunity. Join us for December's roundtable to learn how you can leverage University of Scouting to advance your Council's outdoor ethics and conservation game.

Other Resources, Links

 

Understanding Land Management

September 14

Have you ever wondered about the difference between State and National Parks and Monuments or what a Wilderness Area is?

We covered these topics and many more about understanding how public lands are managed and how your planning and preparations might differ depending on what lands you choose to use. We also had a presentation on special considerations for designated Wilderness by Dave Hatch, retired Forest Landscape Architect and Recreation Specialist from the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest in Utah.

Other Resources, Links

 

Leave No Trace Goes Fishing

August 10

Our guest speaker wass Howard Kern, the person who literally "wrote the book" on Fishing and Leave No Trace.

Other Resources, Links

 

I'm a Council Outdoor Ethics Advocate. What do I do now?

May 11

At this Roundtable we covered basic information about the recommended job of a Council OE Advocate--ways to start, different ways councils work the OE programs within their councils, and ideas on how to partner with other council committees.

Other Resources, Links

 

OE Games for Summer and Day Camps

April 13

At the April Roundtable, we discussed:

  • Cub Scout activity plans
  • Games and activities
  • OE in 1st year camper programs
  • OE Camporee Program

This roundtable will be of interest to Council Outdoor Ethics Committees and anyone who is planning or leading outdoor ethics games and activities at Scouting events.

Other Resources, Links

 

Distinguished Conservation Service Award

March 9

  • The new BSA Distinguished Conservation Service Award (DCSA).
  • Training modules that are now available for Advisers.
  • An online tool box of resources to assist Council Conservation Committees with administering the award program.

Full Roundtable

Main Program

BSA Website - Conservation and the Environment

Council Conservation Committee Guidebook

Resources, Links

 

Outdoor Ethics Guides and Advisors

February 9

In this roundtable we'll learn about the Outdoor Ethics Guide position of responsibility for Scouts.

We'll hear from Scouters who helped to create the Outdoor Ethics Guide Handbook. What is the position intended to be? What resources are available to support Outdoor Ethics Guides? Even better, we'll hear real-life experiences directly from Scouts who are Outdoor Ethics Guides, and from the Scouters that advise them.
 

A Committee! A Committee! I Need a Committee! OR DO I?

January 12

Ask yourself "Why do I need a committee?" We will explore options and best practices on your answer and much more.

Past Roundtables - 2021

Roundtable Feedback Form

 

Who We Are and What We Do

December 8

We showed the organization of the newly merged National Outdoor Ethics & Conservation Subcommittee, introduced some members, explained the new Division/Zone/Council support structure, and showed resources for the new Distinguished Conservation Service Awards.

The National Outdoor Ethics Subcommittee Round Table has been going for an entire year. Lots of new and exciting things happened last year. As we go forward the best is yet to come. As we merge with the Conservation Committee we add a new dimension to the activities and training we can bring to you. This Round Table will give you a small look into Who We Are and What We Do.!

Links Mentioned or posted to Chat:

Questions and Answers

  • Q: Question: Is there going to be a medal for the Distinguished Conservation Service Award?
  • A: No medal planned at this time. (Ted Weiland)
     
  • Q: Will the Outdoor Ethics & Conservation Subcommittee have a booth at the National Meeting in May?
  • A: The Outdoor Programs and Properties Committee will have a booth. The Outdoor Ethics & Conservation Subcommittee is planning on providing some promotional materials and providing some support. (Scott Anderson)
     
 

They'll Eat it Up! Using Meals for Hands-On Learning

November 10

Presenters: Mark Hammer, Maria Brown

Meal preparation and cleanup is too good a training opportunity to waste on simply feeding staff and participants!

Meals are key elements of many of our outdoor activities. With Scouting's wide range of cooking methods, our meal planning, preparations, cooking and cleanup provide excellent opportunities for hands-on learning. Our Trainings should take full advantage of course meals to practice not just the range of cooking and cleanup skills, but to emphasize the associated Leave No Trace best practices.

Using the Leave No Trace Trainer course as one example, this presentation will also include ideas for an activity emphasizing planning, various menus using a range of cooking methods, and an example meal planning spreadsheet.

Resource Links:

Ideas/Questions (from the Chat)

 

It's All About Cub Scouts

October 13

The Cub Scout OE Initiative workgroup announces several plans you can use to bring the Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace easily into your meetings.

Guests shared some great events for Cub Scouts and their Leaders. Have you ever attended a Big Cat Weekend? Do you know what an Akela's Council is? Or enjoyed a Traveling Day Camp?

Resources for This Roundtable

Links Mentioned

 

The Land Ethic - Aldo Leopold and Green Fire 10 Years Later

September 8

Join us as together we listen to a discussion by the conservation leaders who collaborated 10 years ago to create the film Green Fire. Think of what you personally can do to better energize our 21st century youth to protect the land.

NOTE: This Roundtable was not recorded.

Every time we say the Outdoor Code, we close with "Be conservation-minded." That simple statement expands the Scout Oath and Law to include our relationship with the natural world around us. That fits perfectly with Aldo Leopold's Land Ethic, which "simply enlarges the boundaries of the community to include soils, waters, plants and animals, or collectively the land." Join us as together we listen to a discussion by the conservation leaders who collaborated 10 years ago to create the film Green Fire. What does a Land Ethic mean in today's world? How do we build a Land Ethic within our communities? This conversation will stimulate a lot of thought and creativity as we bring the Land Ethic to our youth and our communities through Scouting.

If you haven't watched the Emmy-winning film Green Fire, or haven't watched it recently, we encourage you watch it soon. The Aldo Leopold Foundation has made it available to watch for free.

The video presented:

Green Fire - Then, Now, and Tomorrow: Examining an Evolving Land Ethic

As you watch this video, think of what you personally can do to better energize our 21st century youth to protect the land. Here are some starter ideas to stimulate your thoughts.
  • Unit leader: Work with a local land manager to find a suitable parcel of land that your unit can help care for over time. Let the youth get to see the changes in the land over time and through the seasons. Build a connection between the youth and a parcel of land.
  • Urban unit leader: Get involved with--or start--a tree planting initiative. Have your youth visit the site before any planting, then go back to plant the trees, then go back to check on how the trees are doing.
  • High adventure advisor: Add fly fishing in a mountain stream to a high adventure trip itenerary.
  • Citizenship in the community MB counselor: Guide your youth toward a community meeting that deals with nature-related community issues. Have your youth interview a government representative concerning that nature-related issue.

Links referenced in the opening and chat:

 

Outdoor Ethics Camporees and Events

June 9

Presenters: Dr. Jeff Marion, Matt Durrant

Whether your event theme promotes Outdoor Ethics or you just want to be sure those hundreds of stomping feet aren't damaging camp, this roundtable will inspire you to incorporate the lessons of Leave No Trace and the Outdoor Code into your plan.

Resource Links:


A Camporee is many things; camping fun for Scouts, the stomping of hundreds of feet on the way to the evening campfire, and the smell of burning stew. It's the ripple of wind-blown flags in the morning sun. It's working together for a common goal and learning how rewarding that can be. It is an opportunity for patrols to learn about Scouting and for older Scouts to help and teach their younger counterparts. Camporee is an opportunity for Scouts to get together and compete against one another in friendly competition. Hopefully, friendships will grow out of this adventure.

But where does Outdoor Ethics fit into the picture? Whether the theme promotes Outdoor Ethics or you just want to be sure those hundreds of stomping feet aren't damaging camp, this roundtable will inspire you to incorporate the lessons of Leave No Trace and the Outdoor Code into your plan. Our discussion will begin with planning the type of event, awards and competitions, and games to promote Outdoor Ethics. We'll take a look at materials and resources to draw from, including state and national agency resources. Finally, we'll look at how to promote and prepare for the big event.

 

BSA's Summer of Service

May 12

Presenter: Scott Anderson, Chair of BSA National Outdoor Ethics Committee

Our May Outdoor Ethics Roundtable includes background on service and shares a variety of "Outdoor Ethics" service project ideas that you can bring back to your unit.

As we have throughout our history, Scouts are answering the call to work together in service and now more than ever, our world needs that Scouting spirit once again. The BSA has just announced that we can all join in a Summer of Service. Together, we can answer the call to make positive contributions to our neighborhoods and communities.

Our Scouting Outdoor Ethics community has long held the aspirational goal of helping our Scouts develop a "Land Ethic". When Scouts work to repair the damages caused by our collective recreational impacts they internalize the value of lands we love.

Our May Outdoor Ethics Roundtable includes background on service and shares a variety of "Outdoor Ethics" service project ideas that you can bring back to your unit.

 

National Membership Marketing Webinar - Tech Edition

April 7

Topics: BeAScout.org, My Scouting and Facebook Geofencing

Instead of an April OE Roundtable, we encouraged our outdoor ethics community to join the National Membership Marketing Webinar.

 

Where Is Leave No Trace in Your Camp?

March 10

Presenter: Andrew Leary, National Outreach Manager, Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics

Learn how the Leave No Trace Seven Principles have found a home in nearly every corner of the camp experience.

Leave No Trace is just for trails and overnights right?
Think again! In this interactive workshop, you will learn how the Leave No Trace Seven Principles have found a home in nearly every corner of the camp experience. We'll even talk about ways the Leave No Trace ethic can be applied to reduce camp waste. Come prepared to learn more about Leave No Trace and walk away with list of ways that you can integrate the Seven Principles into new areas at your camps.

Leave No Trace Center Logo

Andrew manages Leave No Trace for Every Kid, the national youth initiative that reaches young people in camps, school, scouts and after-school settings. Andrew oversees curriculum and program development, outcomes evaluation and collaboration with the Center's youth serving partners.

He will share some of the many programs and essential tools to enhance the impacts of Leave No Trace education in our camps helping our youth learn how responsible actions can help protect the outdoors.

 

Women: Doing Outside What We Do Inside!

February 3

Kerin Farrell

Description: We choose our clothes, use the bathroom, manage our temperature and intake just fine at home. How do we manage it when we are outside? Come gain some background knowledge, learn about products on the market, along with tricks and skills needed to make your outdoor life easier!

This discussion is intended for any Scouter working with youth, or active Trainers and Master Educators, not just for female participants.

Disclaimer: Due to the nature of topics, we encourage parents to attend with their youth.

 

Short-Term Camp Administrator and Leave No Trace Trainer Courses

January 12

Learn how the new Short-Term Camp standards and the Short-Term Camp Administrator role will impact our BSA-sponsored Leave No Trace Trainer courses.

Panel:
Eric Hiser, National Camp Accreditation Program Standards Chair
Paula Boothe, Western Region Outdoor Ethics Coordinator
Andrea Watson, Director - Outdoor Programs and Properties

Past Roundtables - 2020

Roundtable Feedback Form

 

OE Website Tour and Highlights / COEA Reporting Tools

December 2

Mark Hammer, OutdoorEthics-BSA.org Webmaster

Part 1 - OE Website Tour and Highlights - for everyone.
Presentation (powerpoint)
Video (YouTube)
 
Part 2 - COEA Reporting - Tools to make it Easier! - for Council and Area Outdoor Ethics Advocates.
Presentation (powerpoint)
Video (YouTube)
OE Event Reporting
 
 

How To Do Online Trainings

November 1

Chandra Clark, Matt Durrant, Paul Schimke, Victor Bieniek, Paula Boothe

Video
BSA Guide to Safe Scouting in a Digital World (pptx)
Social Media Discussion Guide
Tools for Teaching OE Online (pptx) (pdf)
Teaching OE Online - Resources (pptx) (pdf)
Interactive Games & Activities (pptx)
Scouting America Action Folio, Copyright notice