Scouting for the Environment at Euro Scout Academy
Exploring the local park, considering the biggest environmental challenges facing the planet and discussing how Scouts connect with nature were all part of the training provided to Scouts at the Euro Scout Academy. Fourteen participants from Denmark, Lithuania, Portugal, Iceland, Malta, Belgium, Slovenia, Slovakia and Finland explored the World Scout Environment Programme and how this can be of benefit to their own National Scout Organizations.
Using experiential environment education techniques, the participants braved the cold weather in Kralupy, Czech Republic to get out into nature and try out some of the activities which can help Scouts to explore nature. Even in an urban setting, we can do many things to introduce the wonders of the environment into our Scouting programme. With smiles and stories the group was able to consider their own experiences as a child and how this may have helped to build a connection with nature.
Many different objects can be discovered in the park
Other aspects of the training explored how we could develop new programme resources to cater to local environmental issues. Elements of the World Scout Environment Programme such as SCENES (Scout Centres of Excellence for Nature and Environment) and the World Scout Environment Badge set imaginations running as to how the participants could implement this when they returned home.
An environmental twist to a getting to know you game
Examples of successful partnerships that WOSM has established with other environment organisations also featured into the programme, highlighting initiatives Scouts worldwide can join in, such as the WWF Earth Hour, UNEP Seal the Deal Campaign, Volvo Ocean Race and Race for the Environment, plus the recent Clean Up the World campaign.
The World Scout Bureau would especially like to acknowledge the support of the Alcoa Foundation who provided financial assistance to develop the World Scout Environment Programme and a further grant to train leaders to implement the programme. For more information on the World Scout Environment Programme please see the environment section of the World Scouting Website or contact at the World Scout Bureau. For more information on the Euro Scout Academy please visit their website.
Download PDF version of this page
