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Nobody likes discover an overgrown campsite after a long day of hiking or paddling. Why not make a difference for future campers by doing a little service work as you travel?
Can you think of any little-traveled routes that could benefit from your team’s work?
When will you go on your Adventure? How long will you go for?
What equipment do you need?
Do you need permission or do you need to inform anyone about the campsites you will be clearing?
Do
As you plan your next hiking or paddling adventure, plan a route that takes you to high traffic areas.
Stop and visit as many unoccupied campsites as you can and clean up litter, dismantle structures, and tidy campfire rings.
This can be a great linking activity with another Section.
It can also be a good activity for a single day of hiking, sailing or paddling.
Review
What do you know now that you did not know before?
How did you feel before, during and after this experience?
How did your team get along?
What problems did you encounter, and how did you solve these problems?
Did you encounter as much trash as you expected?
Keep it Simple
Rather than planning a whole day around campsite clearing, clear during breaks on your next adventure. Rather than just hanging around during your lunch break, take the time to pick up garbage or debris around you.
Take it Further
If you have a Scout Camp near you, plan a clean-up day! Work with the camp staff or volunteers to create a list of tasks to be done, then organize volunteers to do the tasks. It may be hard work, but you’ll feel proud the next time you camp there!
