Scouts Trash the Trash Day

When and Where

When: May 02, 2026
Timeline: 7:00 am — 12:00 pm

On Saturday, May 2, 2026, Troop 23 takes part in Scouts Trash the Trash Day — an international cleanup event that brings scout troops around the world together for one morning of environmental action. The idea is simple: grab a trash bag, head outside, and pick up at least one kilogram of litter. Bring a friend who isn't a scout, and you double the impact.

The event runs from 7:00 am to 12:00 pm. Cleanup location in Brooklyn will be announced as we get closer to the date.

What Is Scouts Trash the Trash Day?

Scouts Trash the Trash Day is a Messengers of Peace initiative — a global scouting program that channels the energy of millions of scouts toward community service and environmental stewardship. The event started with a single troop in Helena, Montana, who noticed that while Scouting had global events for communication (Jamboree on the Air) and conservation (Trees for the World), there was no coordinated day for community cleanup. So they created one.

Since then, hundreds of scout groups across dozens of countries have joined in every year on the first Saturday of May. In 2025, 343 groups participated worldwide. This year, Troop 23 Brooklyn adds our neighborhood to the map.

You can learn more and see participating groups at scoutstrashthetrashday.org.

The Challenge

Every participant has two goals:

1. Pick up at least 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of trash. That's roughly one full grocery bag. Most scouts will fill far more than that in a few hours.
2. Bring a non-scout friend or family member. The event doubles as a way to show people what Scouting is about — service, community, and getting things done. It's also a recruiting opportunity.

Patches are available for participating scouts through the event's official website.

What to Bring

• Class B uniform (Troop 23 t-shirt) — we want to be visible as scouts in the community
• Work gloves
• Trash bags (heavy-duty; leadership will also bring extras)
• Water bottle
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable closed-toe shoes you don't mind getting dirty
• A friend or family member — the more hands, the better

Important: Do not pick up sharp objects, hazardous materials, or anything you can't identify. If you see something that looks dangerous, flag it for an adult leader.

Service Hours

Scouts who participate will earn community service hours. Sign in with leadership on arrival to make sure your time is recorded.

This project counts toward service requirements for rank advancement and can support work on the Environmental Science and Citizenship in the Community merit badges.

Location

Cleanup location and meeting point will be announced as the date approaches.

We'll select a spot in Brooklyn that could use our help — park, shoreline, or neighborhood streets. Details will be posted here and shared via ScoutBook once confirmed.