Chisos Posted February 13, 2017 Share Posted February 13, 2017 The new Life req's require that 3 of the 6 hours are "conservation related." Obviously stuff like picking up litter, planting trees, etc is ok. But how much latitude are you SM's out there allowing here (I'm looking for suggestions, not an official rule). Volunteering at a nature center? Volunteering at an animal shelter? A recycling center? I'm tending to want to cast a broad net here, but not get too far out of line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle94-A1 Posted February 13, 2017 Share Posted February 13, 2017 I'd count nature center and recycling center. Animal shelter would require more details for me. \ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
qwazse Posted February 13, 2017 Share Posted February 13, 2017 Often communities have mandates but no budget for fulfilling them. Some example: Tagging storm drains with "no dumping" warnings paint/stickers. That I would consider conservation. Take inventory inventory of every tree on every sidelawn. Also conservation. Take inventory of all signage in the neighborhood. Not conservation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Back Pack Posted February 13, 2017 Share Posted February 13, 2017 Someone on ScoutBook had good advice. If the hours would qualify for the service awards below, then they would apply for rank advancement. Have not found any official distinction. http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/OutdoorProgram/ConservationAndEnvironment/Conservation_Awards_and_Recognitions.aspx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Col. Flagg Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 (edited) Anyone find anything on this yet? I cannot believe @@Stosh or @@NJCubScouter doesn't have a website with ready reference for all. Edited February 16, 2017 by Col. Flagg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stosh Posted February 17, 2017 Share Posted February 17, 2017 http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2015/10/09/101-great-scout-service-project-ideas/ Happy now! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Col. Flagg Posted February 17, 2017 Share Posted February 17, 2017 (edited) http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2015/10/09/101-great-scout-service-project-ideas/ Happy now! How did I know this would happen. In all seriousness, I find it very odd that BSA did not define conservation hours. While I feel it is obvious there are things that would border on whether they should or should not be considered. A scout asked if taking care of his church was "conservation". I pointed out that was most likely "preservation", whereas (So I thought) "conservation" was directed toward natural resources. He promptly opened up his pocket Merriam-Webster and noted: Definition of conservation 1: a careful preservation and protection of something; especially : planned management of a natural resource to prevent exploitation, destruction, or neglect <water conservation><wildlife conservation> 2: the preservation of a physical quantity during transformations or reactions So now I am left with anything this as my guide. I think the kid may be related to you @@Stosh. He was just as stoic when pointing out how wrong I was. You should have seen his smile. Edited February 17, 2017 by Col. Flagg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stosh Posted February 18, 2017 Share Posted February 18, 2017 I think the kid may be related to you @@Stosh. He was just as stoic when pointing out how wrong I was. You should have seen his smile. Are you insinuating I may have been promiscuous in my earlier years? I'm offended, NJCubScouter just warned about such slanderous attacks on one's character. I love it when kids do this to me, it assures me that my legacy will live on in future generations! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
qwazse Posted February 18, 2017 Share Posted February 18, 2017 Col., rule #1, don't ask for a rule. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Col. Flagg Posted February 21, 2017 Share Posted February 21, 2017 Col., rule #1, don't ask for a rule. Guidelines would be nice, as in "must be environmental related" or something like that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
qwazse Posted February 21, 2017 Share Posted February 21, 2017 Guidelines would be nice, as in "must be environmental related" or something like that. Yep. Sounds nice. Until some creative scout does something really creative, and a disgruntled committee member spouts off about it not being in the guidelines as if you've just tread on holy writ. This is a question for patrol leaders to resolve. Period. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Back Pack Posted February 21, 2017 Share Posted February 21, 2017 Yep. Sounds nice. Until some creative scout does something really creative, and a disgruntled committee member spouts off about it not being in the guidelines as if you've just tread on holy writ. This is a question for patrol leaders to resolve. Period. Disagree. Since it's part of advancement it should have guidelines in the GTA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chisos Posted February 21, 2017 Author Share Posted February 21, 2017 Good discussion and thanks for the ideas. In cases where it's not obvious, we decided to have the scout make a reasonable argument as to why it should count. The service hours are to be "scoutmaster approved" anyway, so that's part of the approval. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Back Pack Posted February 21, 2017 Share Posted February 21, 2017 Good discussion and thanks for the ideas. In cases where it's not obvious, we decided to have the scout make a reasonable argument as to why it should count. The service hours are to be "scoutmaster approved" anyway, so that's part of the approval. This makes sense. Still would like to see if preservation of a building would be considered "conservation". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stosh Posted February 21, 2017 Share Posted February 21, 2017 Good discussion and thanks for the ideas. In cases where it's not obvious, we decided to have the scout make a reasonable argument as to why it should count. The service hours are to be "scoutmaster approved" anyway, so that's part of the approval. Not patrol leader approved? Sounds like BSA isn't following it's boy led principles, or are they just guidelines that can be ignored? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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