CUB SCOUTS across Worcestershire can now get a new ‘Eco’ badge which teaches children the importance of getting involved with environmental conservation in their daily lives.
The Environmental Conservation Activity badge is sponsored by The Salvation Army’s ‘Recycle with Michael’ scheme which works with children to divert thousands of tonnes of unwanted clothing and shoes away from landfill.
The revised badge was launched last month when more than 50 cub scouts were selected to work alongside professional artists Lloyd Warbey (Disney’s Art Attack) and Suzanne Lynas. They took more than five hours to create a gigantic 2,500sq ft replica of the newly-designed badge using only recycled materials. It incorporated clothes, shoes and bedding generously donated by the attending cubs and Scout representatives.
Afterwards the clothes were shipped to the Salvation Army’s sorting office to be either recycled or sold at the charity’s shops.
Kirk Bradley, The Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd’s head of corporate partnerships, said the charity was thrilled to be sponsoring the badge.
“If the cub scout movement can engage our children in conservation efforts, and they then in turn encourage parents, siblings and peers to make just small adjustments to their daily lives, we are at least on the pathway to change.”
Youngsters wanting to obtain their unique badge must learn about and undertake climate change-related activities such as actively reducing energy and water usage in their own homes and schools, studying renewable energy alternatives and practising responsible food/home waste recycling.
They must also complete activities, including planting a tree, tidying wasteland, litter-picking and making a natural bird feeder.
Simon Carter, The Scouts’ head of media said a significant number of groups had already signed up to take part.
“Our aim is to ensure all young people get the chance to gain skills for life from cooking to resilience to learning about the world around them – it all helps create better citizens for the future.”
Visit www.recyclewithmichael.co.uk to find out more about the badge.
