We are about to kick off our 2008-2009 Scouting Program Year, and as Cubmaster of Pack 112, I have a very important goal for our camping trips this year: Green Camping.
Many of the boys in our pack have already earned the BSA Leave No Trace award. This patch shows that the boy is aware of the need to keep our frontcountry (parks, campgrounds) and backcountry (trails, rivers) natural areas free from trash and harm. This award is fantastic, and one of my goals is to see every boy in Pack 112 earn it this year.
When we go camping as a pack, we traditionally server Saturday night dinner as a Pack function. The Pack purchases food and supplies, and we all eat together. When we are done, the boys and leaders ensure that all our trash is picked up, and put where it belongs.
However, we are generating too much trash. We use disposable plates, utensils, and cups, and we throw it all away at the end of the meal. While simple for us and the boys, it's a horrible practice.
What I would like to see is for every Scout, and Scout family, to provide their own, reusable, eating utensils, cups, plates and bowls. I don't want to put a financial burden on families, but I think that this is very achievable, and will greatly reduce the amount of trash we produce while camping.
Since the Pack purchases plates, utensils, etc. this will also serve as a cost saving measure for us.
I'm going to present this at the next Pack Committee Meeting, and we'll see how it goes.
Wednesday, August 13
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1 comment:
Sounds like a great idea; good luck! Are scouts still encouraged to earn the money for their own uniforms? When I was a kid, I earned the money collecting aluminum cans and taking them to the recycling center. Maybe Sportsman's Warehouse or another local place will cut you a bulk deal on equipment or offer a discount.
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