Scouts Go Solar
Challenge

Clean energy can reduce environmental impact and drive sustainable development. With minimal or no negative impact on the environment during production and use, young people will gradually understand its uses and advocate for introducing it into daily life activities. The more people understand its uses, the better chances we have to continue innovating around new technologies to harness solar energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate the effects of climate change, and decrease our dependence on fossil fuel resources. 

Its abundant and renewable nature makes it an ideal resource to tap into. Harnessed through solar panels, sunlight is converted into electricity or heat. By being innovative and utilising solar energy, we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, decrease carbon emissions, and combat climate change, leading to a greener, healthier future. 

Scouts Go Solar is an opportunity for young people to become aware of the different uses of the sun as a main source of natural, renewable energy. The different activities and experiences can also help them discover their interest in renewable energy, especially those utilising solar energy, and how to implement daily best practices in greener living by using sunlight as a sustainable resource.

Through engaging activities and hands-on experiences, Scouts will develop valuable knowledge and skills in harnessing the power of the sun, changing our culture of energy usage, and becoming solar ambassadors.

Youth-led interventions in local communities in which energy can not only help in everyday activities but also transform an entire way of living and progress is one of the main reasons why Scouts Go Solar is relevant as a tool for young people to engage in community action. In particular, with renewable energy devices and technologies, Scout will also learn how to cooperate with multiple stakeholders in resource mobilisation to materialise the vision of renewable energy in cities and communities. 

This challenge is designed for all young people from seven years and above, eager to embrace solar energy as a sustainable solution; and actively shape a future that is brighter and cleaner for our precious planet.

The Scouts Go Solar challenge takes young people on the learning path of “Innovator of Clean Energy”  depending on the path they choose, where they will progress through three main milestones, which are: 

• Be aware of the different renewable energy sources
• Cooperate to understand new technologies and diverse uses of solar energy
• Act to develop and implement actions that can make a difference. 

Young people can combine the Scouts Go Solar challenge with other challenges related to the environment to continue the journey of Earth Tribe.

The learning objectives of each challenge not only aim to educate and inspire but also to empower individuals, guiding them step by step on a journey tailored to their age. This personal progression ensures that each young person's knowledge evolves from one activity or project to another and builds competencies for sustainable development.

In order for a young person to receive their Scouts Go Solar badge, they need to follow this process with the support of their Adult Leader as shown below.
 

As a first step in all challenge, the young person will go through a self-assessment to help them understand where they stand in terms knowledge and awareness related to the learning path(s) of the challenge. 

After completing all of the activities and the community project, the young person becomes a member of the Earth Tribe and a global citizen for the environment. They receive the Earth Tribe pin and challenge badge.

Both young people and adults can agree on many other possible combinations that are suitable for each individual's interests, based on other environmental initiatives already developed within the NSO.

You’ve come to the right place! As a leader, you have access to tools and a wide range of activities that you can engage your Scouts in under this challenge. Here you can download the Challenge Pack and understand more about the challenge and have the opportunity to select from the activities inside this Challenge Pack. Be sure to support your Scouts in planning their service project, completing it, and submitting in on this platform!