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The PEAK (Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids) program is the result of a unique partnership between REI (Recreation Equipment, Inc.) and the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. PEAK is based on the seven principles of Leave No Trace and is designed to educate children about the outdoors and responsible use of our shared public lands.
Please report PEAK-related presentations and workshops using our online Awareness Workshop Reporting Form.
Congratulations to Elizabeth Williams of Big City Mountaineers, winner of our PEAK Activity Contest! The contest was part of the May - June Bigfoot Challenge. Download the activity here: Ready, Set, Go!
The Center is very excited about reaching out to younger audiences and believes that enjoying the outdoors responsibly starts with youth! With the partnership and generous support of REI, the PEAK program reaches over 100,000 youth each year.
PEAK is a curriculum of hands-on activities and games to introduce youth to Leave No Trace in a fun and engaging way.
"PEAK is a tremendous program! Our volunteer team used it to present environmental awareness to a group of Cub Scouts. The activities were entirely appropriate and could be presented by volunteers with very little preparation or prior knowledge [of Leave No Trace]."
- PEAK educator
Watch the video for an introduction to the new PEAK downloadable activity: "Trek and Track Say"
* Note: The activity is a good supplement to Trek and Tracks's Great Adventure. Click here to download the story; follow this link to purchase the complete activity with prop cards (under PEAK additional modules).
View Speaking PEAK - An Introduction to the PEAK program
View and Download the PEAK Slideshow.
View and Download the Leave No Trace Slideshow.
View and Download the Leave No Trace Interpretive Trail Activity
The PEAK program is made possible through generous support from REI.
© 2008 Leave No Trace | Terms and Conditions
The PEAK Pack includes six fun activities designed to teach kids about Leave No Trace. The program features colorful illustrated characters representing various pieces of outdoor gear that can help us Leave No Trace:
PEAK is ideal for the elementary school age group.
Each activity or "module" can be delivered in 30–60 minutes depending on group size, available time, etc. The modules come in durable plastic folders and all six conveniently fit into an expanding folder (the Pack) that can be used in the field or in a classroom setting.
Each module contains instructions on how to facilitate the activity as well as supporting materials. Also included in the PEAK Pack is a Start Card and an instructional DVD, which offer many helpful teaching tips and an overview of the Leave No Trace program.
The Center continues to add two new modules to the program each year, which can be purchased in addition to the standard program. All materials are available in Spanish.
The standard PEAK pack includes the following activities:
Discovering the Leave No Trace Principles - An introduction to the principles through demonstration of preparing for an outdoor trip; works great as a skit.
How Long Does it Last? - Find how long it really takes for common trash/recyclable to break down in nature and why it's important to Trash our Trash.
Watch Your Step - There are living organisms everything. Explore your world from an ant's level and find out why it's important to stick to trails.
Leave No Trace Draw - Many Leave No Trace decisions can be made along the trail. A version of a relay race, participants will decide whether they advance on the trail by answering Leave No Trace related quetions.
Step on It! - Why is it important to stick to trails? How do we know how to do this? Compete with your team to answer questions and learn how to Choose the Right Path when outdoors.
What Principle Am I? - Test your knowledge of the Leave No Trace principles by listening to clues and deciding What Principle Am I?
Four additional activities have been added to the program and can be purchased separately:
Leave No Trace Crime Scene - Have your youth become CSI investigators as they stumble upon a campsite leave no trace "crime scene."
Minimum Impact Match - Find out what different gear items will help you Leave No Trace when you are outdoors. Ask Yes/No questions to find out what gear you represent, then find your match!
Treks and Track's Great Adventure - Meet all the PEAK characters and the principles they represent as Trek and Track (a pair of boots) head out on an outdoor adventure.
Leave No Trace Relay - Set up a Leave No Trace obstacle course for your students, with stops and activities representing each Leave No Trace principle.
1. Purchase a PEAK Pack
The PEAK Pack is available for sale through the Center. Visit our on-line store to order one today.
2. Contact your State Advocate
PEAK Packs have been distributed to many of our State Advocates. Contact your state advocate to see if any PEAK events will be happening in your area.
3. Apply for a Packing with PEAK grant
The Center has established a grant-giving fund specifically for PEAK materials. All “Packing with PEAK” education proposals will be processed and awarded by Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Center.
4. Contact your local REI store.
Contact your local REI store to learn about PEAK trainings for volunteers and youth leaders. Some REI stores may now loan the PEAK pack to trained volunteers and community partners for presentations to their own groups. Click here to find an REI near you.
Yes! Please check out our new Teen Program page for more information.
For more information about the PEAK program, please contact Sarah in the Education Department.
