Protecting and Managing Natural Resources Through Scouting
The Hornaday Award, Scouting’s highest conservation award, has been termed an “Olympic medal bestowed by the Earth”, because of its focus on natural resource conservation and environmental stewardship.
Scouts attending the Hornaday Award Weekend work on badges such as Soil and Water Conservation, Oceanography, Environmental Science and Landscape Architecture in preparation for leading a major conservation project in their community. For the project, the Scout must consult with a conservation professional to identify the best conservation practices for each proposed project, ensure the project will continue into the future, provide an educational component, and achieve public awareness of the project through media coverage. A total of 10 Texas Scouts earned the Hornaday in 2010. Hornaday projects to date have benefited Texas State Parks, nature preserves, schools and other governmental and private conservation organizations.