Scouting for Clean Waterways, Scouting America’s new initiative aimed at addressing the issue of marine debris, is designed to be a simple, easy and fun way to get Scouts of all ages involved in doing a Conservation Good Turn.
First announced last summer, the program is now live, and reports of successful projects are already flowing in.
Though Scout units and their families may choose to participate in a Scouting for Clean Waterways project on or around Earth Day 2025 (April 22), Scouts can participate in a project any time of the year that’s convenient for them.
“Marine debris is a global crisis,” says Scott Anderson, chair of the Scouting America outdoor ethics and conservation subcommittee. “It’s a substantial threat to the well-being of our ecosystems. We hope this initiative will empower Scouts to make a difference in our world going forward.”
And you don’t even have to live near the water to participate.
Millions of tons of plastic and other human-made materials enter our water bodies each year, and much of it comes from dry land miles away from the nearest water resources. That means anyone — no matter how far from the closest body of water you live — can participate in a project to help reduce marine debris that endangers marine life, disrupts habitats and imposes high economic costs.
Here’s what you need to do to participate in a Scouting for Clean Waterways project.
For Cub Scouts …
Any Cub Scout den, pack or individual family can participate in a Scouting for Clean Waterways project at any time.
Additionally, the Champions for Nature elective Adventure, across all of the ranks of the Cub Scout program, is conservation-themed, and there’s a Scouting for Clean Waterways option for each one.
Requirement 6 of the Champions for Nature AOL Adventure, for example, has dens plan and complete a project that should last no longer than two hours.
There are similar options for the Champions for Nature electives in the Lion, Tiger, Wolf, Bear and Webelos dens.
Click here to learn more about how Cub Scouts can participate in Scouting for Clean Waterways.
For Venturers, Sea Scouts and Scouts BSA members …
An appropriate Scouting for Clean Waterways service project can count for service hours toward requirements in each of Scouting America’s programs for older youth. However, since some projects could be very simple, Venturers, Sea Scouts and Scouts BSA members should talk with their unit leaders beforehand to make sure the project will satisfy the program requirements.
Can a community event count as a Scouting for Clean Waterways project?
Yes!
Scouting units can organize the service project on their own, or they can participate with community organizations that host similar events. Keep in mind, however, that an event organized by a community organization might not satisfy the requirements for the Cub Scout elective Adventure or for merit badge and rank advancement in the Scouting America programs for older youth.
Scouts are encouraged to participate in community events because it’s great for both the Scout and their community! Just be sure to check with an adult leader in advance about what you need to do if you also want to earn any Scouting America program requirements.
All Scouting America safety and Youth Protection requirements apply to Scouts participating in community events. Consult the Service Project Planning Checklist for more information.
Seriously, what if we don’t live near the water?
That’s OK!
Cleanup projects can be held anywhere there is a need. Our waterways and the areas around them are great locations for Scouting for Clean Waterways projects. However, parks and recreation areas will also work because trash on land will frequently become aquatic trash.
What should we do after our project is complete?
Scouts are encouraged to share their project with others once it’s done. Anderson calls this, appropriately enough, the ripple effect.
“Just like a small stone creates expanding circles when it’s dropped into water, Scouts doing individual actions to clean waterways will have far-reaching positive impacts,” he says.
Scouts and families can share their stories in a variety of ways.
- Post pictures on the official Facebook group.
- Email photos and details of your project.
- Log your Scouting for Clean Waterways service hours on Scoutbook. You can add a project to an event that’s already on your Scoutbook calendar, or you can create a new event. Just make sure you classify the project as “Environmental/Conservation” and select the initiative as “Scouting for Clean Waterways.”
- Scouts and Venturers are encouraged to participate in the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Program by collecting and reporting data on the Marine Tracker app.
Reporting your data is important because, thanks to an official partnership with CleanHub, our impact on improving waterways will be doubled: CleanHub will match Scout cleanups of plastic debris pound for pound.
Is there a Scouting for Clean Waterways patch?
Yes!
You can order the patch online or get it from your local Scout Shop.
Keep in mind that Scouting for Clean Waterways is not an award. That means there are no requirements to earn the patch.
Unit leaders are encouraged to hand out patches to Scouts who complete a project. However, anyone who wants to support the Scouting for Clean Waterways program can purchase and display the patch.
Photo by Shutterstock
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