Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee, Troop 1878
Tennessee’s youth are stepping up in a big way to protect and beautify our environment. Across the state, young leaders are rolling up their sleeves and making a tangible difference in their communities through various programs and initiatives. From Scouts to other dedicated youth groups, these kids are proving that age is no barrier to creating a cleaner, greener Tennessee.
Girl Scouts of America
Girl Scouts Heart of the South, Troop 40072
The Girl Scouts of America in Tennessee are making significant strides in litter prevention through TDOT’s Nobody Trashes Tennessee (NTT) Patch program. Following its initial launch with the Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee in 2023, the program has expanded to include Girl Scouts Heart of the South and Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians. In the first two months alone, nearly 1,000 Girl Scouts earned their patches by participating in community cleanups and other service projects. The program encourages Troops of all ages to get involved through activities like completing educational worksheets, litter cleanups, neighborhood beautification projects, and participation in special events such as No Trash November, the Great American Cleanup and Keep Tennessee Beautiful Month. The Girl Scouts’ commitment to environmental education and community service is making a meaningful impact across the state.
Boy Scouts of America
Sequoyah Council, Cub Scout Pack 93
The Boy Scouts of America in Tennessee have fully embraced the Nobody Trashes Tennessee (NTT) Patch program, too. All six Boy Scout councils – Sequoya Council, Middle Tennessee Council, Cherokee Council, West Tennessee Council, Great Smoky Mountain Council and Chickasaw Council – across the state are participating, offering Scouts of all ages multiple ways to earn their patches. They can do so by completing educational worksheets, participating in litter cleanups, or organizing their cleanup efforts in their neighborhoods or school grounds. For Scouts ages 12 and up, the Adopt-A-Highway program provides an opportunity to earn both a patch and a roadway recognition panel for their commitment to quarterly pickups. This initiative not only fosters a sense of environmental stewardship but also instills values of civic responsibility and leadership in young Scouts.
American Heritage Girls
American Heritage Girls, Troop 2442
American Heritage Girls (AHG) across Tennessee are actively participating in environmental stewardship through various initiatives, with a strong focus on community service and preserving natural spaces. AHG Troops engage in a wide range of activities, including litter cleanups in local parks, schools, and neighborhoods, as well as educational programs that emphasize the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy environment. By participating in these activities, American Heritage Girls are not only contributing to a cleaner Tennessee but also developing skills and values that will guide them in their future endeavors.
The Cleanup Kids
The Cleanup Kids, No Trash November Youth Group Winners 2023
The Cleanup Kids is a youth-led nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental conservation, focusing on the removal of litter and pollution from communities. Founded by a group of young conservationists, The Cleanup Kids are passionate about protecting the Earth’s natural resources and tackling issues like plastic pollution, climate change, and habitat destruction. The group organizes direct action cleanups, engages in public awareness campaigns, and collaborates with officials to create meaningful change.
The Cleanup Kids in Hamilton County made a notable impact during No Trash November by removing 340 pounds of litter from their community. This impressive effort earned them special recognition as the Youth Group that collected the most litter during the event. Their determination and teamwork are shining examples of how young people can make a substantial difference in their local environments.
Trash Tracker Program at Adventure Science Center
Adventure Science Center, Trash Trackers Youth CR3W Committee
The Youth CR3W program at Nashville’s Adventure Science Center offers a unique educational experience by combining environmental action with scientific analysis. Their Trash Tracker group regularly collects and analyzes litter from around the Science Center’s property. Their work culminates in the creation of an evolving infographic that visually represents the impact of litter on the environment. The program also recognizes outstanding dedication through the Trash Trackers Scholarship, awarded this year to Valary Adedire, a 9th grader at Hillsboro High School. Valary’s exceptional commitment to the program, including her consistent participation and leadership, highlights the profound impact that young people can have on their communities.
Inspiring the Next Generation
These stories of youth groups across Tennessee demonstrate the incredible impact that young people can have on their communities. By participating in programs like Nobody Trashes Tennessee, these kids are not only learning about environmental stewardship but also taking direct action to protect the places they live, learn, and play.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that the next generation is ready and willing to take on the challenge of keeping Tennessee beautiful. Whether through Scouts, school groups, or other organizations, these young leaders are making a lasting difference, one cleanup at a time.
