The troop Leave No Trace Trainer teaches members the principles of Leave No Trace, improves Scouts’ outdoor ethics decision making skills, that helps minimize the impact on the land. The senior patrol leader may appoint a Scout, 14 years or older, who has successfully completed the official 16-hour Leave No Trace Trainer training course to serve as the troop Leave No Trace Trainer. A Scout under the age of 14, or who has not completed Leave No Trace Trainer training may serve as an Instructor teaching Leave No Trace skills until he obtains the necessary training.

This POR is also on the approved list of troop offices for the Eagle rank. Interested youth must be appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader with approval by the Scout Master.

Requirements for the position are as follows:

What: Leave No Trace Trainer

Who: Scouting youth appointed by Senior Patrol Leader

Prerequisites: Youth must have completed the 16 hour Leave No Trace Trainer Course approved by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and the Boy Scouts of America, from any recognized Leave No Trace Master Educator PRIOR TO ASSUMING THE POSITION.

Age: The BSA Leave No Trace Trainer Course Manual restricts training to youth ages 14 and higher. Youth who have completed the required training would be eligible -if they can do the job.

Eligible youth must exhibit a high degree of maturity and responsibility to successfully complete the training and before assuming the position.

For youth who are not old enough or cannot find a Trainer Course, the Task force recommends that the Senior Patrol Leader and Scoutmaster consider appointing them an instructor. For Instructors, the Task force recommends, but it is not required, that the youth go through the BSA Leave No Trace 101 Course. This is a three hour intensive, hands-on work shop conducted by any recognized Leave No Trace Trainer or Master Educator.

The position is also being considered for the Venturing program, but no formal action has yet occurred.

Job Description:

The Leave No Trace Trainer teaches troop and patrol members the principles of Leave No Trace, improves Scouts' outdoor ethics decision making skills, and helps the troop and patrol to prevent avoidable impacts and minimize unavoidable impacts from their use of the outdoors. The senior patrol leader may appoint a Scout who has successfully completed the 16-hour minimum nationally recognized Leave No Trace Trainer training course to serve as a Leave No Trace Trainer. A Scout who has not completed Leave No Trace Trainer training may serve as an Instructor teaching Leave No Trace skills until he obtains the necessary training. 

Recognition: New Leave No Trace Trainer position of responsibility patch presented upon completion of the Trainer Course (See patch above); a certificate of recognition as a Leave No Trace Trainer by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, and the LNT Trainer patch,

Resources:

• BSA Leave No Trace 101 Course Guide, a 3 hour or more program.
• Teaching Leave No Trace (on scouting.org)
• BSA Awareness Cards (No. 21-116)
• Boy Scout Handbook, Chapter 7
• Fieldbook, Chapters 7-10

Additional resources at www.lnt.org

This information provided by: Eric Hiser, Chair, BSA Leave No Trace Task Force.

The Jayhawk Area Council Leave No Trace Committee is currently exploring the possibility of conducting the Leave No Trace 101 Awareness Workshop in each of the three Council Districts. More information will be available soon.

The next available Leave No Trace Trainer Course IN THE Jayhawk Area Council will be conducted April 9-10-11, 2010 at Falley Scout Reservation. The fee for this course will be $50. It is open to all interested Scouters and eligible youth 14 years of age and older, appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader and approved by the Scoutmaster, on a first come-first served basis. Course size is limited to 20 participants. All interested individuals should contact:

Jay Stires
Leave No Trace Master Educator
Outdoor Ethics Advocate
Jayhawk Area Council, BSA
785-862-9428
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"The mission of Leave No Trace is to promote and inspire responsible outdoor recreation through education, research, and partnerships."

-From the mission statement of the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics