Leave No Trace Training Principles

The tremendous rewards of high-adventure treks are drawing more and more people to the backcountry. At the same time, the vast territory suitable for treks is shrinking in size. More people and less land mean we all must be careful not to endanger the wild outdoors we have come to enjoy.

A High-Adventure Ethic

A good way to protect the backcountry is to remember that while you are there, you are a visitor. When you visit a friend you are always careful to leave that person's home just as you found it. You would never think of dropping litter on the carpet, chopping down trees in the yard, putting soap in the drinking water, or marking your name on the living room wall. When you visit the backcountry, the same courtesies apply. Leave everything just as you found it.

Hiking and camping without a trace are signs of an expert outdoorsman, and of a Scout or Scouter who cares for the environment. Travel lightly on the land.

The Principles of "Leave No Trace"

"Leave No Trace" is a nationally recognized outdoor skills and ethics education program. The Boy Scouts of America is committed to this program. The principles of Leave No Trace are not rules; they are guidelines to follow at all times.

The Leave No Trace principles might not seem important at first glance, but their value is apparent when considering the combined effects of millions of outdoor visitors. One poorly located campsite or campfire is of little significance, but thousands of such instances seriously degrade the outdoor experience for all. Leaving no trace is everyone's responsibility.

• Plan Ahead and Prepare
• Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
• Dispose of Waste Properly
• Leave What You Find
• Minimize Campfire Impact
• Respect Wildlife
• Be Considerate of Other Visitors

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Leave No Trace Training

As Scouters it is our duty to "Leave No Trace" when we are camping in the backcountry, or in our own backyard. We need to learn how to do it and establish the ethics that it takes to remember the rules while on the road. There are several levels of training that can be taken.

1. Leave No Trace Course - This is a hour-long awareness course where you are taught the princples of Leave no Trace. This course is usually tought at Wood Badge and is often taught at Scout Camp
2. Leave No Trace Trainer - This course is over-night and trains someone to teach others principles of Leave No Trace.
3. Leave No Trace Master Educator Course - This is a tegional weeklong intense focus on Leave No Trace principles. Master educators can instruct LNT Trainers

The Grand Teton Council teaches and supports training at the Leave No Trace Trainer level. If you are interested in learning more about LNT, or if you need to take the course for camping standards, please register for an upcoming course below.

Register for Upcoming Leave No Trace Trainer Course >>