2020 National Outdoor Ethics Virtual Conference

November 13-14, 2020

Questions & Answers

This webpage contains the collection of the Questions and Answers submitted before and during the Virtual Conference

NOTE - We are still working through the hundreds of questions, and will be posting more in the coming weeks - please check back.

See the Conference Proceedings webpage for links to many of the programs and papers referenced in the various presentations.

More Information

• Still have Questions? Email: oeconference@outdoorethics-bsa.org

Q: Are these sessions going to be recorded so we can review/watch them later?

A: Yes - see http://outdoorethics-bsa.org/OEConference/ for the links to the videos.

Q: An earlier email showed that there was program on Sunday. The most recent email does not show program for Sunday. Please clarify.

A: No Program on Sunday.

Q: These polls ask us to select all that apply, but only one can be selected. (asked by dozens of our participants)

A: Sorry! - this is a technical problem with the configuration of our polls. They were all set up ahead of time, so we can't fix them now.
Note that the polls were intended primarily to provide some fun and interaction. Given the issues, we won't trust the data collected.

Safety Moment by Paula Boothe

Q: We are seeing that the ScoutStrong PALa stuff is being disontinued in December, is this true?

A: I also read that the program will be discontinued but I do not know the specific status.

Q: Who is that speaking? (Other than Frank.)

A: Scott Anderson, Chair of the BSA Outdoor Ethics Subcommittee

Q: (Many Comments and Questions about the discontinued Hornaday Awards and the new BSA Conservation Distinguished Service Award)

A: All the current information about the Distinguished Conservation Service Award program is posted here: scouting.org/outdoor-programs/conservation-and-environment/conservation-awards-and-recognitions/bsa-distinguished-conservation-service-award/. The requirements for the new award were developed by the Conservation Committee (separate from the Outdoor Ethics Subcommittee). If you have additional questions or feedback regarding the new award requirements or program, please send a message to conservation@scouting.org.

Q: I see on the the Outdoor Programs website (www.scouting.org/outdoors-programs/ambassador/) that there is an International Ambassador Program for students from China. Are there any exclusive arrangements for students from the USA to have a similar experience in another country?

A: Alanna, I will check if this is still active. Frank

Q: How long will family camping be?

A: You can sign up for one night or multiple nights, with flexible arrival and departure dates, whatever works for you and your family. I don’t believe there is any limit to the number of nights you can stay as long as the camp is open, but I’m sure you will want to visit more than one!

A: You can read more about BSA Family Adventure Camps on this page: scouting.org/outdoor-programs/family-adventure-camp/ The dates that each camp is open varies depending on the location. Make sure to check the page linked above for details about the availability and schedules.

Q: There was a notice out about a new EPA Conservation award, what is that?

A: Here is information about the BSA - EPA award announced this past August. https://www.scoutingnewsroom.org/press-releases/epa-boy-scouts-announce-collaboration-on-environmental-education-award-program-and-special-award/

A: Jan 19, 2021 Update

Q: Who is the board member who is leaving due to a move? No name was mentioned.

A: Chandra Clark was the Southern Region OE Coordinator. She moved to Western Region.

Q: Was that 10,000 BSA LNT trainers total or just in the last two years?

A: That would be Total. New BSA Trainers reported were 615 in 2019 and 690 in 2018.

Q: How do I find out if I'm on the contact list?

A: There is a Charles Thomas listed on the Sioux Council OE Contacts listing: http://outdoorethics-bsa.org/contacts/showCouncilContacts.php?councilnum=733

A: Check your council listing: OutdoorEthics-BSA.org -> Contacts -> Look Up Your Council's Key OE Contacts

Q: How can we nominate someone for this award?

A: See http://outdoorethics-bsa.org/awards/OEDistinguishedService.php

Q: Can we get the pics from the awards so we can put out to our councils?

A: See the Presentation (powerpoint)

Q: Where can we get the poster of the Outdoor Code?

A: The poster as well as the history can be found at OutdoorEthics-BSA.org/OutdoorCode.php

Q: Where are the upcoming virtual courses dates located?

A: The courses are hosted by several different councils. Some virtual Leave No Trace Trainer courses have been submitted for listing, and are shown on the OutdoorEthics-BSA.org homepage and online calendar

Q: Will we be able to continue having Trainer and 101 courses virtually in early 2021?

A: Yes. I do not know when that policy will change. Keep an eye on the OutdoorEthics-BSA.org website.

Q: Tread Lightly Master training does not seem to be offered of late. Can the OE national get this to be offered online or get this offered in the states after COVID-19 vaccine?

A: Mike Nostrand has been offering online Tread Trainer classes in National Capitol Area Council. Contact Mike at ScoutmasterMN@aol.com to discuss the Tread Trainer course.

Q: What is the status of the Outdoor Ethics Guide Course.

Q: As a Master Educator. Can you put on a trainer course without going through your council?

Q: Will there be a training course developed for Distinguished Conservation Service Award Advosers? Will it be available online for those not in the continental US?

Q: Where does Outdoor Ethics Guide training fit into the training levels listed earlier?

Q: Online vs in person awareness course seem well recieved but what about trainer courses?

Q: Do BSA Outdoor Ethics Advocates have the option to hold BSA LNT Trainer and/or LNT ME courses on National Parks lands? Is there a formal relationship at national or council levels?

Q: Can a ME scouter run a course for AdK Mt Club or other partner groups?

Q: Can Charlie share a little bit more about the benefits of using biodegradble "soup"? :-)

Q: Where can we find the papers Dr. Marion referenced?

A: See the list of links in his Session on the Conference Proceedings webpage.

Q: What were the 2 cellphone apps with campsite locations

A: One was Guthooks Guides. We still need to get the name of the other one from Jeff. (We didn't get a transcript of the chat, where that was posted.)

Q: Your site on the crest of a ridge that you used/established with your friend the wilderness ranger, how did safety - thunderstorms, rain - enter into your decision process on the top of a ridge? How accepting is the public to camping on a slope or rugged terrain?

Q: Please define the difference between grasses and forbs, both for the leaf and stem, as that is the thing that the largest number of participats I have tend to create a personal definition that is not accurate.

Q: What about a sandy beach to set up camp??

Q: Can you elaborate on what a loose hang is and how to set that up please?

Q: Can you provide a link to the Lego training at LNT.org

A: https://lnt.org/our-work/youth-education/youth-educator-library/activities/

Q: Could we also get a copy of all the slide decks in the conference, or specifically the NCAP standards slide from this presentation?

A: All the presentations which the presenters were willing to share are linked on our Conference Proceedings webpage.
See Andrew Leary's Presentation, slide # 20 for the NCAP standards.

Q: What is the cost for a council or camp to work on the Leave No Trace accrediation.

Q: Are there programs for the 12 - 21 youth?

Q: Does social media tend to drive people to more popular locations such as Horseshoe Bend or are they seeing an increase in visitation across the park including remote areas?

Q: I have utilized Leave No Trace membership to secure $$ discounts at Subaru—thank you. Why do I not see Leave No Trace information at local Subaru dealerships—hang tags, one page sheets, information flyers, membership info in their Drive magazine? Surely a great partnership that could reach more people — especially since Subaru owners like to get outdoors!

Q: When will Southern Region get a new OE coordinator?

A: The Regions are being eliminated with the Churchill Plan restructuring. Instead of finding a new Southern Region OE Coordinator, the other Region Coordinators are covering the Southern Region for now. We will consider the need for other coordinators as we adjust our subcommittee structure to support the new Territories.

Q: I used to belong to yahoo group and received information. I believed the group was eliminated. Will FB group replace it?

A: We still have the BSA OE Yahoo groups, but Yahoo is eliminating all groups mid-December. We are working on alternatives, so watch for an update in the next couple weeks.

Q: If you are interested in potentially presenting at 2021 conference, do you email the outdoor ethics email?

A: Yes - please send ideas and let us know if you are interested in presenting. oeconference@outdoorethics-bsa.org

Q: What is the URL of the Virtual Roundtables?

A: OutdoorEthics-BSA.org/training/VirtualRoundtables.php

Q: How do you relate to Sustainability Merit Badge?

A: The Sustainability Merit Badge focuses on "environmentally sustainable behavior" as Ben Lawhon presented earlier. The merit badge requirements are administered by a separate group within BSA. We provide input to that group on requirements and merit badge books for many badges.