Caring for our patch of the planet

Scouts have always looked after the outdoors — the Environment SIA turns that care into action. Projects in this area explore nature, sustainability and the practical work of protecting the places we play in.

How it works

The young person chooses an environmental issue or interest, sets their own goals and plans a project with their unit leaders. It might be hands-on habitat work, a waste audit at camp, or learning to identify the birds that visit their backyard. Whatever the scale, they do it, then review what they achieved and what they’d do differently next time.

Ideas to get started

• Joey Scouts: build a bug hotel and watch who moves in
• Cub Scouts: run a recycling audit at your hall and present the results
• Scouts: join a bushcare day and learn to identify five local native plants
• Venturers: design a water-saving plan for your next region camp
• Rovers: partner with a local landcare group on an ongoing restoration project
• Any section: track wildlife with a motion camera or nature journal for a month

Why it matters

Environmental projects connect young people to country and community. They see that small actions add up — and that they’re capable of making a visible difference.

Try this

Look around your meeting place or campsite: what’s one thing that could be greener? Could fixing it be your project?