Cub Scouts in Scotland are being encouraged to go eco as part of a newly revised badge to teach children the importance of getting involved in environmental conservation in their daily lives.

In a collaboration between The Scouts and The Salvation Army’s Recycle with Michael initiative cub scouts can now work towards The Environmental Conservation Activity badge.

Kirk Bradley, Head of Corporate Partnerships at The Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd, commented:

“We are thrilled to now be sponsoring the Cub Scouts’ Environmental Conservation Activity badge through our Recycle with Michael initiative. This partnership not only actively encourages our next generation to take responsibility for their environmental actions, but also helps support the work of The Salvation Army who provide practical and emotional support to vulnerable people and tackle issues including homelessness.

Environmental conservation now plays a vital role in the Cub Scouts movement. Youngsters wishing to obtain their unique badge must learn about and undertake activities across a broad spectrum of climate change subjects such as:

• actively reducing energy and water usage in their own homes and schools
• studying renewable energy alternatives
• practicing responsible food/home waste recycling.

They must also complete various projects including planting a tree, tidying waste land, picking litter, making a natural bird feeder, and more.

Simon Carter, Head of Media for The Scouts said:

“We are thrilled to be partnering up with the Salvation Army for the Environmental Conservation Activity badge.  We have already had a significant number of Groups signed up to take part, showing what a great asset this partnership will be for our Membership, getting the chance to learn about a current issue that lots of our young people care about and equipping them with the skills to help.

“Our aim is to ensure all young people get the chance to gain skills for life from cooking to resilience to learning about the world around them: it all helps create better citizens for the future.”

Scotland Cub Scout groups who wish to get involved with the Recycle with Michael initiative can visit www.recyclewithmichael.co.uk to find out more.