Join the Guiding and Scouting Movement (Change 96)

I was a Girl Guide when I was a little girl.  DH was a Cub Scout.  It seemed only natural that we should enroll DD1 and DS in these activities when the time came.

What I hadn't realized was how these activities involved environmental change.  Both programs have adapted from the ones we remember when we were little in the 1970s and 1980s.  Yes, hiking, camping and other associated activities were part of the regular program, but I don't remember so many specific environmental actions taking place.

Move to the 21st century.  There are now specific environmental badges the children can earn, from recycling, water use, and specific camping badges, to changes to the Mission Statements and other official policies of the two movements.

For example, the Guiding Movement sent delegates to the 16th Conference of the Parties of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that took place in Cancun, Mexico, from November 29 to December 10.  The Scouts have a Position Statement on the Environment, "Scouts Canada believes that environmental stewardship is critical for future generations. Scouts Canada’s programs develop youth as environmental stewards. Through progressive experiential opportunities youth develop and practice sound environmental ethics. Active participation in our programs enables members to minimize their impact on the environment." (http://www.scouts.ca/ and http://www.girlguides.ca/)

I'm thrilled that these activities that my children participate in will help reflect and reinforce our home values. If we start teaching our children at a young age about how valuable and unique our planet and environment are, I can't help but think we are enabling our world to become a better place.