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All private or publicly owned back country land and designated wilderness are included in the term "wilderness" area in this policy. The Outdoor Code of the Boy Scouts of America applies to outdoor behavior generally, but for treks into wilderness areas minimum impact camping methods must be used. Within the outdoor program of the Boy Scouts of America, there are many different camping skill levels. Camping practices that are appropriate for day outings, long-term Scout camp, or short-term unit camping do not apply to wilderness areas. Scouts and Explorers need to adopt attitudes and patterns of behavior, wherever they go, that respect the rights of others, including future generations, to enjoy the outdoors.

In wilderness areas, it is crucial to minimize our impact on particularly fragile ecosystems such as mountains, lakes, streams, deserts, and seashores. Since our impact varies from one season of the year to the next, it becomes important for us to adjust to these camping conditions as well, to avoid damaging the environment.

The Boy Scouts of America emphasizes these practices for all troops, teams, and posts planning to use wilderness areas:

Contact the landowner or land managing agency (Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service, State, and private, etc.) well in advance of the outing to learn the regulations for that area and to obtain required permits and current maps. Always obtain a tour permit, available through the Council Service Center, meet the conditions specified and carry it on the trip with you.

Limit the size of the groups generally to no more than 8 to 11 persons, including at least two adult leaders. Do not exceed the group size that has been established for the wilderness area. Organize each group (patrol, team or crew) to function independently by planning their own trips on different dates, serve their own food, providing their own transportation to the trail head, securing individual permits, and camping in a separate and distinct group. When necessary to combine transportation, planning or buying, small groups should still camp and travel on the trail separately from other groups of the same unit. Match the ruggedness of high adventure experience to the skills, physical availability and maturity of those taking part. Save more rugged treks for older youth members who are more proficient and experienced in outdoor skills.

Participate in training for adult leaders in low-impact camping or be proficient and experienced in the leadership and skills required for treks into wilderness areas.

Conduct pre-trip training for the group that stresses proper wilderness behavior, rules, and skills for all of the potential conditions that maybe encountered.

Open fires are restricted. Supervision by an adult knowledgeable in the use of stoves must be provided. If a fire is necessary, keep it as small as possible and use established fire lays where available if in a safe area. After use, erase all signs.

Emphasize the need for minimizing impact on land through proper camping practices and preserving the solitude and quietness of remote areas. Camp at low use areas - avoid popular sites that show signs of heavy use.

Leave dogs, radios, and tape players at home.

Use biodegradable (not metal or glass) food containers. Carry out nonburnable trash of your own and any left by others.

Dig shallow holes for latrines and locate them at least 200 feet from the nearest water source. Cover the latrines completely before leaving.

Wash clothes, dishes, and bodies at least 200 feet from any source of natural water.

Look at and photograph; never pick or collect.

Follow trail switchbacks and stay on established trails.

Treat wildlife with respect and take precautions to avoid dangerous encounters with wildlife. Leave snakes, bears, ground squirrels, and other wildlife alone.