Outdoor Code

Outdoor ethics is deeply ingrained in the BSA program. No place is this more important than in the outdoors. Scouting has a long, proud tradition of conservation service to the nation. How do we preserve that tradition? By heeding the challenge in the Outdoor Code:

As an American, I will do my best to

Be clean in my outdoor manners,

Be careful with fire,

Be considerate in the outdoors, and

Be conservation-minded.

As an American I will do my best to

Be clean in my outdoor manners

• I will treat the outdoors as a heritage.
• I will take care of it for myself and others.
• I will keep my trash and garbage out of lakes, streams, fields, woods, and roadways.

Be careful with fire

• I will prevent wildfire.
• I will build my fires only where they are appropriate.
• When I have finished using a fire, I will make sure it is cold out.
• I will leave a clean fire ring, or remove all evidence of my fire.

Be considerate in the outdoors

• I will treat public and private property with respect.
• I will use low-impact methods of hiking and camping.

Be conservation minded

• I will learn how to practice good conservation of soil, waters, forests, minerals, grasslands, wildlife, and energy.
• I will urge others to do the same.