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Earth Scouts is a coed youth organization for 3 - 13 year olds. The mission of the Earth Scouts is to empower youth to learn about the Earth Charter, spread it's message, and participate in fun activities that will benefit themselves and the earth community. They will "Change the world one fun badge at a time."
The Earth Charter, a Declaration of Interdependence, was created by thousands of people in 78 countries over the span of twelve years. There are sixteen Earth Charter principles that focus on respect for nature, economic justice, universal human rights, and a culture of peace. The Earth Charter can be used as a foundation for businesses, governments, and communities working towards building a just, sustainable, and peaceful society. The complete Earth Charter can be read at www.earthchartersummits.org
Why do we need the Earth Scouts?
Often we concentrate on the youth because they are "our future." We want to teach the youth about the fragility of our planet and it's people. We want them to become adults who are engaged in their communities and work to eliminate discrimination, eradicate poverty, and promote environmental health and peace. We want them to grow into a generation of stewards who work for change and live their lives according to the principles of the Earth Charter. But the Earth Scouts is not only about the future. It is not only about teaching the youth now so they can assist the planet then. The Earth Scouts is about today. It's about helping small groups of youth and adults connect with one another to have fun while exploring the interconnection of all beings. It's about being a kid but also being conscious of the needs of the planet. Our planet and it's people are in need of healing today and the Earth Scouts will help do this. And the Earth Scouts will have fun doing it!
How are the Earth Scouts different from other scouting organizations?
The Earth Scouts is for boys and girls age 3 to 13 and does not exclude on the basis of sexual or gender identity. Also, the Earth Scouts welcomes all people without regard to race, ethnicity, religious orientation or other such differences. If you are interested in promoting the principles of the Earth Charter for the highest good of the Earth and her people, we invite you to participate. We are an inclusive organization that emphasizes equality, exploration, justice, and community.What is the Four Step badge process?
Similar to other scouting organizations, Earth Scouts will be working towards earning badges. In each age group, there is one badge for each principle. The process of earning a badge is based on the Inspire, Learn, Do & Action model often used in cooperative learning environments. The badge process involves:
A. Inspiration: Using exercises--games, songs, or performances--that excite the child or youth about the principle.
B. Understanding: Facilitating research, study and discussion about the principle.
C. Arts & Sciences: Demonstrating the principle through an experiment and/or art project.
D. Actions: Developing and carrying out an individual and/or group activity in home, school or community actions that fulfills the principle.
How will the age groups be divided?
We realize that a 13-year-old and a 5-year-old will not do the same research and activities as they learn about the Earth Charter. That's why the Earth Scouts is broken into 5 divisions: Pre-K, K - 2nd, 3rd - 5th, Middle School, and High School. Also, please know that there are no rules that say a child who is in 2nd grade must use the K - 2nd manual. Obviously, the parent and youth will decide which age group would be best for the youth.
Who is organizing the Earth Scouts?
Earth Charter US, a grassroots community building organization formed to strengthen the ethic of care for people, the environment, and the community, is an all-volunteer organization that has been instrumental in organizing a variety of Earth Charter Initiatives, including the Earth Charter Community Summits and the Earth Scouts. Other projects in development include one on Corporate Social Responsibility, Earth Charter Curriculum for Education, Earth Charter Community Indicators, an Earth Charter Leadership Academy and the League of Earth Charter Voters. Jan Roberts, founder and president of Earth Charter US, obtained funding from the Children's Board of Hillsborough County, Florida to develop the Earth Scouts Facilitator Guide, available for download from this site. Judy Ryan and Genie Skypek are currently coordinating our efforts to further develop the Earth Scouts.
Small groups all over the country met and developed the guidelines for the Earth Scouts badges. These small groups were called "Trailblazers." The initial badges are now designed. The Earth Scouts Facilitator's Manual is available.
What you can do is join us and get an Earth Scouts group going - with your own children and family or with others in your community.Please send us any activities that you develop for teaching your children about the principles of the Earth Charter and we will make them available to everyone.
Contact us if you are interested in making the Earth Scouts a success!