Scouting For Clean Waterways

We extend our sincere gratitude to all who participated in the Clean Waterways initiative. Your commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement is deeply valued.
We also wish to acknowledge the generous support of our corporate sponsor, New Jersey Natural Gas, whose partnership was instrumental in the success of this effort.

Additionally, we thank our partnering Clean Water locations for their collaboration and dedication to protecting our shared natural resources.

  • Atlantic Highlands/Sea Streak Terminal

  • Deal Lake in Asbury Park

  • Takanassee Lake, Long Branch

  • Assunpink Wildlife Management Area

  • Old Bridge Waterfront Park-Hoff Pavilion

Together, we are making a meaningful impact—one waterway at a time.

 

Waterways are the lifeblood of our ecosystems, supporting countless species and providing essential resources for human life. Unfortunately, pollution — especially marine debris like plastic waste — threatens these vital environments. To combat this growing issue, Scouting America has launched Scouting for Clean Waterways (SCW), a nationwide initiative empowering Scouts to take action in cleaning up rivers, lakes, streams, and oceans while promoting environmental stewardship and community service. These activities not only help remove debris but also educate participants about the sources and consequences of pollution in aquatic environments. By engaging in these efforts, Scouts learn the importance of environmental stewardship and develop skills that empower them to advocate for sustainable practices in their communities.  

Scouting for Clean Waterways officially began on Earth Day (April 22, 2025) but your unit/pack can make a difference on October 11th. This program invites Scouts of all ages to participate in projects that reduce plastic waste, clean up waterways, and educate communities about conservation. SCW is designed to be simple yet impactful, allowing Scouts to make a difference regardless of their proximity to water bodies. Even trash collected from dry land can prevent pollution downstream. Clean Waterways is a nationwide initiative empowering Scouts to take action in cleaning up rivers, lakes, streams, and oceans while promoting environmental stewardship and community service.   

Scouts on the their trail to achieving their Life Scout rank, must complete specific leadership roles, service hours, and earn merit badges, demonstrating their commitment to scouting and leadership.To meet the Life rank requirements for conservation hours, you need to complete a total of six hours of service, with at least three hours being conservation-related. By participating , Scouts embody the spirit of service and the commitment to safeguarding our natural world and satifying their Conservation service hours. Scouts will document their experiences and the impact of their work, creating a narrative that emphasizes the collective effort needed to preserve the planet's precious water resources for future generations. 

Cubs Scouts can earn awards such as Conservation Good Turn Award, Outdoor Activity Award, electives like Spirit of the Water and have fun with family and friends while making their community better. Everyone who helps got a Clean Waterway Patch.