Three Steps to Healthier Scouting Units

March 20, 2014

Please note: Free patches from the pilot program are no longer available. For the latest information on the SCOUTStrong Healthy Unit Award, please see SCOUTStrong for Healthy Scouts.

Scouting not only teaches skills that last a lifetime but also teaches skills that can make those lifetimes even longer. Through the SCOUTStrong initiative, Scout leaders can make a lasting difference in their Scouts’ diet and exercise habits—habits that will improve their health now and into the future.

The Boy Scouts of America has partnered with Healthy Kids Out of School to offer an incentive to units to follow the BSA’s SCOUTStrong recommendations at meetings, events, and excursions. It’s called the Healthy Unit Patch, and units can earn it by completing the 3–6–9 challenge to ensure Scouts are drinking right, moving more, and snacking smart.

The 3–6–9 challenge

Units can earn the Healthy Unit Patch by implementing three positive changes:
3: Serve a fruit or vegetable at three meetings
6: Make water the main beverage at six meetings
9: Include 15 minutes of physical activity at nine meetings

A scorecard is available to track progress. Once the unit has completed all of the Healthy Unit Patch activities, leaders can submit the tracking form to HealthyKidsOutofSchool@tufts.edu or call Healthy Kids Out of School at 617-636-0833 to receive free patches for Scouts and a certificate for the unit.

Those who complete the Healthy Unit Patch by June 30 will be entered into a random drawing to win a case of 50 Drink Right water bottles.

Ready to start your unit on the path to healthy habits? Here are some resources to get you started: