Protect the Outdoors. Preserve the Legacy of Scouting.
Outdoor ethics is deeply rooted in the core identity of Scouting America. Scouts and Venturers who embrace the Outdoor Code and the principles of Leave No Trace learn not only to enjoy nature responsibly, but to protect and preserve it for future generations.
The Outdoor Ethics Orientation (OEO) course is designed to introduce youth and adult leaders to the core concepts of environmental stewardship in a fun, engaging, and practical way. Whether you are leading a Cub Scout pack, a Scouts BSA troop, or a Venturing crew, this course will help you build a culture of conservation within your unit.
Who Should Attend?
Scouts BSA & Venturing Youth: Especially youth leaders serving in the Outdoor Ethics Guide position or pursuing conservation awards.
Adult Unit Leaders: Scoutmasters, Assistant Scoutmasters, Crew Advisors, and Den Leaders who want to bring best practices in outdoor stewardship to their units.
Outdoor Enthusiasts: Any Scouter looking to deepen their understanding of conservation and environmental ethics.
What You Will Learn
This course provides a comprehensive foundation in outdoor responsibility, helping participants understand and implement Scouting’s outdoor ethics framework:
The Outdoor Code: Understanding how to be clean in outdoor manners, careful with fire, considerate in the outdoors, and conservation-minded.
The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace: Practical strategies to minimize your impact when camping, hiking, and exploring wilderness areas.
The Land Ethic: Inspiring Scouts to extend their care beyond humanity to the broader natural environment—its forests, wildlife, and ecosystems.
Rank & Award Requirements: Guidance for adult leaders on how to teach and evaluate outdoor ethics requirements across Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturing.
Upcoming Course Dates & Locations
Join us for an upcoming session to earn your Outdoor Ethics Orientation certificate:
- Outdoor Ethics Training (Nov 19th, 2026, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM)
