Conservation Good Turn Award

Since 1910, conservation has been an integral part of the program of Scouting America. Scouting America has been a positive force in conservation and environmental efforts. Scouts have rendered distinguished public service by helping to conserve wildlife, energy, forests, soil, and water. Past generations of Scouts have been widely recognized for undertaking conservation action projects in their local communities through the Conservation Good Turn Award.

Scouts of today have grown up hearing words such as ecosystem, biodiversity, and climate change. They recognize the need for, and the benefits of, conserving natural resources. Scouts understand that we all must work together for the betterment of the land, forests, wildlife, air, and water.

Much has been accomplished in recent years by individual Scouts and through unit conservation Good Turns. Much more needs to be done.

To Earn The Conservation Good Turn Award

The Conservation Good Turn Award is an opportunity for Cub Scout Packs, Scouts BSA Troops, Sea Scout Ships, and Venturing Crews to join with conservation or environmental organizations (federal, state, local, or private) to carry out a conservation Good Turn in their home communities, camp properties, or on public lands.

The Scouting unit contacts a conservation organization, (or land manager, Camp Ranger or other appropriate official) and offers to carry out a Conservation Good Turn project.
The conservation organization identifies a worthwhile and needed project that the unit can accomplish.
Working together, the unit and the conservation organization plan the details and establish the date, time, and location for carrying out the project.
The Scout, Venturer, Sea Scout or Cub Scout earns the Conservation Good Turn Award by participating in the planned conservation project to the satisfaction of the unit leader. Projects can be conducted in partnership with any conservation organization, land management agency, Council Conservation Committee, Camp Ranger or Ecology Program at a Scout Camp or Scouting Event.

Project Ideas

Conservation and environmental organizations typically have a backlog of needed projects that they have been unable to carry out for lack of funding or volunteers. The list of possible Good Turn projects is limited only by the needs of the conservation organization and the willingness of the Scouting unit. In every community, whether urban, suburban, or rural, worthwhile projects await all Scouting units.

Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts

Cub Scouting conservation projects could involve the entire Cub Scout pack, or one den, plus adult leaders and family members. Hands-on projects help Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts realize that everyone can do things to care for the environment. Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts participating in the Conservation Good Turn can also meet some advancement requirements. Suggested projects include, but are not limited to

Plant grasses, trees, shrubs, and ground cover to stop soil erosion.
As a den or pack, adopt a park. Remove litter and garbage from a favorite neighborhood recreation area or park.
Organize or participate in a recycling program in your neighborhood or visit a recycling center.
Arrange a natural resources awareness program. Invite natural resource professionals such as wildlife biologists, soil conservationists, foresters, or conservation officers to speak to your pack.
Participate in a beach or waterfront cleanup. Record the items collected and determine the possible harmful effects to wildlife. With youth participation, develop a plan to educate the public about the dangers posed to wildlife.
As a den or pack, visit a public utility to learn about the wise use of resources, and become involved in programs offered by utilities to help consumers conserve resources.

Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts

Scouts participating in the Conservation Good Turn can meet certain rank and merit badge requirements. Troops, crews and ships should consider advancement requirements when selecting projects to carry out. Suggested projects include, but are not limited to:

Plant shrubs to provide food and cover for wildlife.
Build and set out bird and squirrel nesting boxes.
Conduct stream improvement projects to prevent erosion.
Plant grasses and legumes to provide ground cover in schoolyards, public parks, and recreation areas.
Plant tree seedlings as part of a managed forestry plan.
Help thin and prune woodlands in a managed tree improvement project.
With a local forester, take part in or conduct a forest fire prevention or hazardous fuel reduction program.
Develop a nature trail in a public park.
Assist a local forester in a tree insect- and disease-control or public education project.
Conduct a stream, river or lakeside trash collection project.
Assist a local agency with a trout stream restoration project.
Participate in a wildlife or wildfowl count.
Conduct a rodent-control and public health education program under the guidance of the local health department or agency responsible for rodent control
Conduct an invasive species (plant or animal) management project.
Install an erosion control practices on a hiking trail.
Conduct an Outdoor Ethics conservation project to minimize recreational impacts to a campsite.
Install or maintain a pollinator garden.

TAC Conservation Projects

Across the Transatlantic Council, Scouts are making a meaningful impact through conservation projects that protect local environments and strengthen community partnerships. The following examples highlight how units have turned service into action. These projects are shared to inspire you to plan and carry out your own conservation efforts, showing that every Scout can help make a difference.

Troop 324 Puts Outdoor Ethics Into Action

Scouts removed over 1,000 cigarette butts and learned how small choices can have a lasting impact on their community and local wildlife.

Eagle Scout Project Protecting Sea Turtles in Abu Dhabi

Erin of Troop 36 led a meaningful conservation project protecting Hawksbill sea turtle nests in Abu Dhabi, demonstrating how service and leadership can create lasting environmental impact.

TAC 75th Anniversary Spirit Award: Leadership Starts Early
Tenderfoot Anderson led flower bed clean-up project at his church, demonstrating that leadership, service, and conservation can begin at any age.

Certificate Application

When project has been completed, submit the completed Conservation Good Turn Award Application to your local council service center.

Recognitions

A Conservation Good Turn certificate is available at the council service center for units that participate and report on their efforts. A Conservation Good Turn patch is also available for purchase at the council service center or ScoutShop.org to recognize individual youth and adult members who participate in a meaningful conservation project.

Scouting America Distinguished Conservation Awards

For Scouts and units that want to take their conservation work to a higher level, the Scouting America Distinguished Conservation Service Award program encourages and recognizes units, Scouts, Venturers Sea Scouts and Scouters who design, lead, and carry out conservation projects that are based on sound scientific principles and practices. The projects should contribute to sound conservation and long-term environmental improvement in the local community, the region, or the nation.

For more detailed information on the Scouting America Conservation Good webpage. For information about the Distinguished Conservation Service Award Program, visit the Scouting America Distinguished Conservation Service Award Program here.

Questions? We know who to contact.

For questions related to conservation, conservation-related awards and outdoor ethics, please contact Andrew Wright, Council Outdoor Ethics Advocate and Co-chair of Conservation and Sustainability Committee.