Conservation Good Turn Award

Since 1910, conservation has been an integral part of the program of Scouting America. Scouting America has been a positive force in conservation and environmental efforts. Scouts have rendered distinguished public service by helping to conserve wildlife, energy, forests, soil, and water. Past generations of Scouts have been widely recognized for undertaking conservation Good Turn action projects in their local communities.

Scouts of today have grown up hearing words such as ecosystem, biodiversity, and climate change. They recognize the need for, and the benefits of, conserving natural resources. Scouts understand that we all must work together for the betterment of the land, forests, wildlife, air, and water.

Much has been accomplished in recent years by individual Scouts and through unit conservation Good Turns. Much more needs to be done.

Conservation and environmental organizations typically have a backlog of needed projects that they have been unable to carry out for lack of funding or volunteers. The list of possible Good Turn projects is limited only by the needs of the conservation organization and the willingness of the Scouting unit. In every community, whether urban, suburban, or rural, worthwhile projects await all Scouting units.

When project has been completed, submit the completed Conservation Good Turn Award Application to your local council service center.

Patches may purchased at the Scout Shop to provide to individuals who participated in the project work. This patch may be worn as a temporary patch on the right pocket of the Scout uniform or on the back of the sash.

Conservation Good Turn Award Requirements

The Scouting unit contacts a conservation organization, (or land manager, Camp Ranger or other appropriate official) and offers to carry out a Conservation Good Turn project.

The conservation organization identifies a worthwhile and needed project that the unit can accomplish.

Working together, the unit and the conservation organization plan the details and establish the date, time, and location for carrying out the project.

The Scout, Venturer, Sea Scout or Cub Scout earns the Conservation Good Turn Award by participating in the planned conservation project to the satisfaction of the unit leader. Projects can be conducted in partnership with any conservation organization, land management agency, Council Conservation Committee, Camp Ranger or Ecology Program at a Scout Camp or Scouting Event. Working with the unit to assist a Scout, Sea Scout or Venturer who is working to complete an approved Scouting America Distinguished Conservation Service Award project is a suitable opportunity for earning the Conservation Good Turn Award.