The Boy Scouts of America have committed to supporting the goals of Leave No Trace. Camping and Hiking Merit Badges, required for Eagle, have been revised to incorporate the Principals of Leave No Trace, and learning, applying, and teaching the Principals of Leave No Trace is one of eight Core Requirements for Venturing's Ranger Award.
LNT is also a part of the new Outdoor Skills course, the 21st century Wood Badge course, and the Powder Horn.
The BSA has an additional growth program called the Leave No Trace Awareness Award, available to all Scouts & Scouters, Venturers and Advisors.
The Requirements for the Leave No Trace Awareness Award are as follows:
Scout and Venturer Requirements Scouter and Venturing Leader Requirements
The Principals of Leave No Trace
Plan ahead and prepare Travel and camp on durable surfaces In popular areas: In pristine areas: Dispose of Waste Properly Leave What You Find Minimize Campfire Impacts Respect Wildlife Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Recite and explain the principles of Leave No Trace.
On three separate camping/backpacking trips demonstrate and practice the
principles of Leave No Trace.
Earn the Camping and Environmental Science merit badges, or do No. 3 under the
Scouter requirements.
Participate in a Leave No Trace related service project.
Give a 10-minute presentation on a Leave No Trace topic approved by your
Scoutmaster.
Draw a poster or build a model to demonstrate the differences in how we camp or
travel in high-use and pristine areas.
Recite and explain the principles of Leave No Trace.
On three separate camping/backpacking trips demonstrate and practice the
principles of Leave No Trace.
Share with another Scouter or Venturing leader your understanding and knowledge
of the Camping and Environmental Science merit badge pamphlets.
Actively assist (training, advice, and general supervision) a Scout in planning,
organizing, and leading a service project related to Leave No Trace.
Assist a minimum of three Scouts in earning the Leave No Trace Awareness Award.
Plan and conduct a Leave No Trace awareness for Scouts, Venturers, Scouters, or
an interested group outside Scouting.
Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
Visit in small groups. Split larger parties into groups of 4-6.
Repackage food to minimize waste.
Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or
flagging.
Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry
grasses or snow.
Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.
Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or
spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter.
Deposit solid human waste in cat holes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet
from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cat hole when finished.
Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes
and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
Preserve the past: examine, 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 non-native species.
Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove
for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound
fires.
Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool
ashes.
Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural
behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or
winter.
Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.