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What Councils Can Do!

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What Councils Can Do!

Scouting for Clean Waterways is a nationwide initiative that empowers all Scouts and Venturers to take action against aquatic trash.  Support for this initiative on a Council or District level may have a direct impact on your Council’s strategic goals.

 

Join us in protecting our waterways for future generations.

The Problem of Aquatic Trash (Waterway and Marine Debris)

Aquatic trash poses a significant threat to the health of our oceans, lakes, rivers, and associated ecosystems. Each year, millions of tons of plastic and other man-made materials find their way into these water bodies, resulting in devastating consequences for marine life, habitats, and the economy. From plastic pollution to discarded tires, the impact of debris on our environment cannot be overstated. 

 

The vast majority of this  aquatic trash begins its journey to our oceans from land, sometimes miles away from our water resources.

 

The consequences of aquatic trash are profound and far-reaching. Not only does it endanger marine life through entanglement and ingestion killing more than 1 million animals annually, but it also introduces pollutants and contaminants into our diverse ecosystems, affecting the health and behavior of life on land. Addressing this issue is not just an environmental imperative but also a moral and economic one.

Why Should a Council Support Scouting for Clean Waterways

  • Positive Impact: Participating in Scouting for Clean Waterways allows Scout Councils to showcase the positive impact of Scouting on individuals, their communities, and the environment. By organizing Council or District wide Scouting for Clean Waterways projects and quantifying the results of these efforts, Councils can demonstrate the tangible benefits of Scouting beyond traditional activities, reinforcing the organization's relevance and value in today's society.
  • Community Engagement: Supporting this initiative enables Councils to actively engage with their local communities in a meaningful way. By partnering with local environmental organizations and organizing clean-up events, Councils can demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship and civic responsibility, enhancing their reputation and visibility within the community.
  • Educational Opportunities: Scouting for Clean Waterways provides educational opportunities for Scouts to learn about the importance of environmental conservation, responsible waste management, and the impact of aquatic trash. By supporting these educational efforts, Councils can promote environmental literacy and empower Scouts to become informed and responsible citizens.
  • Fundraising Potential: Participation in Scouting for Clean Waterways can open doors to new partnerships and fundraising opportunities for Councils. By collaborating with local businesses, government agencies, and environmental organizations, Councils can leverage support for the initiative and strengthen their capacity to serve their communities effectively.
  • Relevance to Scouting Values: Environmental stewardship and community service are fundamental values of the Scouting movement. By supporting Scouting for Clean Waterways, Councils can align with these core principles and provide Scouts with opportunities to live the Scout Oath and Law in meaningful ways, fostering character development and leadership skills.

Scouting for Clean Waterways Service Projects

Councils may choose to organize a Council or District wide Scouting for Clean Waterways Service Project.

Clean up projects can be held anywhere there is a need. Our waterways and the areas around them, parks, and recreation areas are all ideal locations for Scouting for Clean Waterways service projects. Remember that trash on land will frequently become aquatic trash.

Scouting for Clean Waterways service projects should last between 1-2 hours for Cub Scouts, or 2-4 hours for Scouts Venturers & Sea Scouts.

Scouting for Clean Waterways service projects can easily be included as part of Council or District event.

•Councils can partner with community environmental organizations hosting similar events.

Scouting for Clean Waterways service projects can be held anytime. Scheduling the activity each year between April and June, as an Earth Day, or as a Scouts Trash the Trash Day activity are the most popular options.

Recognize Accomplishments

  • Scouting for Clean Waterways participants may be presented with the Scouting for Clean Waterways’ certificate after logging the service project on Scoutbook.
  • Scouting for Clean Waterways participants may be presented with the Scouting for Clean Waterways’ patch, available from national supply or your local Scout Shop.
  • Council may use the Scouting for Clean Waterways logo to create a customized patch.

Share Your Stories

Tell us about your Scouting for Clean Waterways Council or District event.

  • Email your stories to us at CleanWaterScouts@scouting.org
  • Enter your units information on Scoutbook.
  • Post pictures and stories on our Scouting for Clean Waterways facebook Group at: https://www.facebook.com/CleanWaterScouts/
  • Share the Council’s or units stories with local media. Let our communities know how Cub Scouts, Scouts, and Venturers are taking action to reduce aquatic trash and why it is important. Share your stories with your with local media. Let our communities know how your Council is taking action to reduce aquatic trash and why it is important.

Share The Science

  • Scouts and Venturers are encouraged to participate in the NOAA Marine Debris Program by collecting and reporting data on the Marine Tracker app. Download and share the .csv file from the app with CleanWaterScouts@scouting.org

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Scouting For Clean Waterways supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined by the United Nations, including:

  • Clean Water and Sanitation
  • Life Below Water
  • Life on Land
  • Responsible Consumption and Production
  • Partnerships for the Goals

Bray Barnes

Director, Global Security Innovative
Strategies

Bray Barnes is a recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, Silver
Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Learning for Life Distinguished
Service Award. He received the Messengers of Peace Hero award from
the royal family of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and he’s a life member of
the 101st Airborne Association and Vietnam Veterans Association. Barnes
serves as a senior fellow for the Global Federation of Competitiveness
Councils, a nonpartisan network of corporate CEOs, university presidents, and
national laboratory directors. He has also served as a senior executive for the
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, leading the first-responder program
and has two U.S. presidential appointments

David Alexander

Managing Member Calje

David Alexander is a Baden-Powell Fellow, Summit Bechtel Reserve philanthropist, and recipient of the Silver Buffalo and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the founder of Caljet, one of the largest independent motor fuels terminals in the U.S. He has served the Arizona Petroleum Marketers Association, Teen Lifeline, and American Heart Association. A triathlete who has completed hundreds of races, Alexander has also mentored the women’s triathlon team at Arizona State University.

Glenn Adams

President, CEO & Managing Director
Stonetex Oil Corp.

Glenn Adams is a recipient of the Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the former president of the National Eagle Scout Association and established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award. He has more than 40 years of experience in the oil, gas, and energy fields, including serving as a president, owner, and CEO. Adams has also received multiple service awards from the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers.