Seven Principles of Outdoor Ethics
Broad Creek Memorial Scout Reservation
Plan Ahead and Prepare:
- Know the regulations of BCMSR and any special local and/or seasonal restrictions;
- Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies; and
- Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, flagging or disturbing the
ground in any way.
Camp and travel on durable surfaces:
- Load all unit equipment in one or two cars to minimize traffic on BCMSR’s roads;
- Park all cars in designated parking spots, not in or at the campsites; and
- Arrive as early as possible to eliminate making camp in the dark.
Dispose of waste properly:
- Please sort your trash for recycling (single stream, no separation needed) and dispose of
in appropriate dumpsters;
- Empty dishwater either down the sink or 200 feet away from the campsite, streams/lake
and trails (strain food from water first); and
- Use latrines and bathroom facilities appropriately for disposing of human waste. Do not
dispose of garbage in latrines.
Leave what you find:
- Preserve the past by observing, but do not touch cultural and historical artifacts;
- Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them for the next visitor; and
- Do not build structures, camp furniture or dig trenches without prior approval from camp
ranger.
Minimize campfire impacts:
- Ask yourself, “Do we really need a campfire?â€
- Cook in established fire circles, on unit stoves or BCMSR stoves;
- Do not create new campfire circles. Fires scorch the ground and sterilize the earth, use
only existing circles; and
- Stop the spread of harmful insects. Do not bring firewood to camp from home.
Respect Wildlife:
- Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not approach or follow them;
- Never feed animals, it can damage their health and expose them to other dangers; and
- No pets are allowed at BCMSR.
Be considerate of other visitors:
- Respect other visitors and the quality of their outdoor experience;
- Let nature’s sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noise; and
- Leave your campsite as good or better for the next visitors.
Follow all these seven points and we can all enjoy our outdoor
experiences and keep Broad Creek beautiful.