I am preparing to help a few local Boy Scouts work on their Fly Fishing Merit Badge and as I was looking at the material provided, I was impressed with the simplicity and accuracy of the following:
OUTDOOR CODE
As an American, I will do my best to –
BE CLEAN IN MY OUTDOOR MANNERS
I will treat the outdoors as a heritage.
I will take care of it for myself and others.
I will keep my trash and
garbage out of lakes, streams,
fields, woods, and roadways.
BE CAREFUL WITH FIRE
I will prevent wildfire. I will build my fires only where
they are appropriate. When I have finished using a fire,
I will make sure it is cold out.
I will leave a clean fire ring, or
remove all evidence of my fire.
BE CONSIDERATE IN THE OUTDOORS
I will treat public and private property with respect. I will
use low-impact methods of hiking and camping.
BE CONSERVATION-MINDED
I will learn how to practice good conservation of soil,
waters, forests, minerals, grasslands, wildlife,
and energy. I will urge others
to do the same.
If a teenager is taught to do these things wouldn’t it be great if adults took the responsible role of “leading by example”.
Until next time, I am off to organize more thoughts on educating the next generation of fly fishers! (Or maybe I will get the education)