Scarsdale Troop 2 Life Scouts Complete Environmental Training

Scarsdale Life Scout Aidan Connolly, along with adult leader Mark Schivley, both from the Immaculate Heart of Mary-sponsored Troop 2 of Scarsdale, were among 25 scouts and scout leaders who attended the Leave No Trace/Tread Lightly trainer course last month at the Agatha A. Durland Scout Reservation in Putnam Valley.

The 16-hour experiential learning course presented the seven principles of Leave No Trace, a program designed by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, which is a non-profit organization that provides a framework for outdoor recreation decision making.

The purpose of the training was to teach the ethical decision making skills required to promote conservation while involved in non-motorized outdoor recreation. The principles of Leave No Trace are dedicated to protecting the great outdoors, and teaching participants about the innovative and practical methods of maintaining the outdoors for further generations.

Discussing the event, Scoutmaster Ed Gruber explained that, "The Leave No Trace/Tread Lightly training initiative incorporates much of what the Boys Scouts of America believes in, which is to instill values in young people and prepare them to make moral and ethical choices throughout their lives."

Aidan, 14, a Yonkers resident, and Schivley, from Eastchester, spent two days immersed in the Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly workshops so that they were equipped to train others in their troop. Both participants made presentations based on their personal views of how to camp and hike in ways that were respectful to the outdoors, and were awarded the Black Oval Leave No Trace trainer patch as well as the Tread Lightly pin.