# Recite Leave No Trace principles

Part of the Second Class guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://scouting.university/scouts-bsa/ranks/second-class/guide/index.md)

*1. Camping and Outdoor Ethics*

> **1b.** Recite the Leave No Trace Seven Principles from memory. Explain how you follow them on all outings.

At Tenderfoot, you [described personal experiences demonstrating outdoor ethics](https://scouting.university/scouts-bsa/ranks/tenderfoot/guide/req1c/). For Second Class requirement 1b, you must recite the Leave No Trace Seven Principles from memory and explain how you apply each principle on every outdoor outing.

## The Leave No Trace Seven Principles

Commit the seven principles to memory in order:

1. **Plan Ahead and Prepare**
2. **Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces**
3. **Dispose of Waste Properly**
4. **Leave What You Find**
5. **Minimize Campfire Impacts**
6. **Respect Wildlife**
7. **Be Considerate of Other Visitors**

## How to Follow the Seven Principles on Every Outing

| Principle | Core Backcountry Standard | How to Demonstrate on Outings |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **1. Plan Ahead and Prepare** | Minimize risk and environmental damage through careful planning. | Research land regulations (fire restrictions, bear canister mandates, permit requirements), monitor weather forecasts, prepare for emergencies, and repackage food at home to eliminate excess packaging waste. |
| **2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces** | Protect delicate soil, moss, and vegetation from trampling and erosion. | Stick to existing trails in the center of the tread (even when wet or muddy); camp on durable surfaces such as established tent pads, rock, gravel, dry grasses, or compacted dirt. Camp at least **200 feet (approx. 75 adult paces)** from lakes and streams. |
| **3. Dispose of Waste Properly** | "Pack it in, pack it out" — leave zero human trace. | Pack out all trash, leftover food scraps, and micro-litter. For human waste, dig a cathole **6 to 8 inches deep** (4 to 6 inches in arid soil) at least 200 feet from water sources, campsites, and trails. Disperse strained wash water 200 feet from camp and water. |
| **4. Leave What You Find** | Preserve nature and history for future visitors. | Leave rocks, pinecones, wildflowers, antlers, and cultural or historical artifacts where they are. Never hammer nails into live trees, carve initials into bark, or dig drainage trenches around tents. |
| **5. Minimize Campfire Impacts** | Prevent wildfire danger and ground scarring. | Cook on lightweight camp stoves instead of open fires whenever possible. Where fires are permitted, use existing fire rings, burn only dead and downed wood that can be broken by hand, burn all wood to white ash, and drown fires until cold to the touch. |
| **6. Respect Wildlife** | Keep wildlife wild and protect human safety. | Observe wildlife from a safe distance; never approach, follow, or feed animals. Store food, trash, and smellable items in bear-resistant canisters or hang them at least 12 feet high and 6 feet out from tree trunks. |
| **7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors** | Preserve the natural outdoor experience for all campers. | Keep voices and group noise low, yield the trail to uphill hikers and pack stock, pitch tents away from main trail views, and avoid shining bright headlamps into other campsites. |

> **Did You Know?**
>
> The **200-foot buffer rule** (about 75–80 adult walking paces) applies across multiple Leave No Trace principles: pitch tents 200 feet from lakes/streams, dig catholes 200 feet from water and trails, and wash mess kits or disperse greywater 200 feet from camp and water.

> **Tip**
>
> When reciting the seven principles for your Scoutmaster conference, use a mental mnemonic or picture a trip from start to finish: planning at home (1), hiking the trail and pitching camp (2), handling trash and bathroom needs (3), looking around at nature (4), building the campfire/stove (5), encountering animals (6), and passing other hikers (7).

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