Why take this course?

"The Boy Scouts of America has adopted the principles of Leave No Trace, which are easy to learn and apply.  Every outing and activity should be conducted with Leave No Trace in mind.  As young people mature, we will enjoy an increasingly beautiful environment because of the impact of their training in Leave No Trace.  As members of the Boy Scouts of America, we should be good stewards of our environment through knowledgeable use of resources. ... We all must take responsibility for our decisions when we use the outdoors, and we should treat the environment with respect so future generations can enjoy the outdoors as we do today." - Teaching Leave No Trace (BSA No. 21-117)

This five-day course (split over two weekends) trains Scouts and Scouters ages 18 and up to serve as Leave No Trace Master Educators. Master Educators can conduct Leave No Trace Trainer courses (two-day) and awareness workshops (one-day or shorter).

What will I learn?    

This invaluable training is recognized and highly regarded throughout the world, especially by the outdoor industry, as well as government land management agencies.  Successful graduates are certified to train others in Leave No Trace skills and ethics.  The Master Educator Course provides participants with a comprehensive training in Leave No Trace skills and ethics through practical application in a field-based setting. The first weekend is a mix of classroom and outdoor instruction, introducing the course and schedule, providing in-depth information on the overall Leave No Trace program, how to conduct training courses, and the science behind the Leave No Trace principles.  The second weekend is spent in the field on a short backcountry trip, learning and practicing Leave No Trace skills and techniques hands-on.  

Each course is staffed with a minimum of two highly experienced outdoor professionals who are Master Educator instructors. Participants will learn Leave No Trace techniques through skits, discussions, and hands-on activities.  To practice Leave No Trace teaching strategies in a supportive, educational environment, each participant will teach a short session focused on the seven Leave No Trace principles.

• Prerequisite:  Leave No Trace Trainer or approval from Council Outdoor Ethics Advocate
• Instructed by:  Nationally-designated Leave No Trace Master Educator Instructors
• Participants receive:  Leave No Trace Master Educator card from BSA, Leave No Trace Master Educator Handbook, Leave No Trace Master Educator patch and lapel pin, a certificate from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, and National Park Service Leave No Trace video.
• Equipment list, and other course details will be emailed to participants several weeks before the course start date.
• Each participant will have an assignment to prepare for the training.