About the Peak Program

The Center for OutdoorEthics is committed to reaching out to younger recreationists. After all, the future of our public lands is in their hands! With the partnership and generous support of REI, the PEAK program was created to bring Leave No Trace education/information to younger audiences.

The program is a curriculum centered around hands-on activities and interactive games to engage children in Leave No Trace education. It features a variety of fun and kid-friendly characters, such as "Trek & Track", a pair of hiking boots; "Zoom", a set of binoculars;" Digger", a trowel; "Flash", a camera; "Pointer", a compass; "Sparks" a camp stove, and "Pitch" the tent.

The PEAK program has three primary goals:

Increase awareness of Leave No Trace
Promote the stewardship of public lands
Meet the demands of diverse youth populations

Intended learning outcomes Include:

Developing a sense of stewardship for the natural world
Understanding how to be safe and prepared for adventures in the outdoors
Understanding how to minimize their impact on the environment when recreating
Being able to make responsible decisions about impacts during outdoor activities
Sharing Leave No Trace information with others

The PEAK Principles

Know Before You Go
Choose The Right Path
Trash Your Trash
Leave What You Find
Be Careful With Fire
Respect Wildlife
Be Kind To Other Visitors

Teaching Materials

What is a PEAK Pack?

The PEAK Pack includes six fun activities designed to teach kids ages 6-12 about Leave No Trace in the classroom or in the field. Each activity or "module" can be delivered in 30–60 minutes depending on group size, available time, etc. Standard PEAK modules include:

"Discovering the Leave No Trace Principles"
"How Long does it Last?"
"Leave No Trace Draw"
"Step On It!"
"Watch Your Step"
"What Principle Am I ?"

The modules come in durable plastic folders, which fit into an expanding folder (the Pack) with a Velcro closure. Each module contains instructions on how to facilitate the activity as well as supporting materials. Also included is a Start Card and DVD, which offer teaching tips and an overview of Leave No Trace.

What's New?

The Center recently added two new modules to the program, sold separately. These include:

"Minimum Impact Match"
"Leave No Trace Crime Scene"

Also available is a Teen Pack, which consists of four Leave No Trace related activities for older audiences. These include:

"Ethics Game"
"How Preparted Are You?"
"Principle Presentation"
"Unlocking the Game"

In addition, all PEAK materials are now available in Spanish.

Instructional DVD for PEAK

In our continuing efforts to reach kids with Leave No Trace educatiojn, the Center has developed an instructional video designed to help all educators use the PEAK program. This comprehensive training video covers all aspects of using the PEAK program and includes teaching tips for working with kids. Both the expert and novice educator will find this video useful. The production was made possible through generous support from REI. The DVD is included in all PEAK Packs (as of 2007) and is free for anyone who has previously purchased the program. Contact Sarah Folzenlogen to get a copy.

How the Peak program reaches youth:

In REI stores:

REI stores across the country offer PEAK presentations. Contact your local REI store for more information on bringing an intact youth group to a store for a program event. Click here to find an REI near you.

PEAK is also available for other educators (outside of REI stores).

Please note that REI does not sell or loan the PEAK program — however, you can get this program to your group of kids in other ways!

Purchase a PEAK Pack
The PEAK Pack is available for sale through the Center. Visit our on-line store to order one today.
Borrow one from the Center
Similar to checking out a library book, an educator may borrow a PEAK Pack from the Center. We are unable to take reservations, but we suggest you contact us six weeks prior to your event to check availability. A fee of $14.50 covers the shipping cost to you and the return to the Center. Contact Sarah Folzenlogen for more information.
Contact your State Advocate
Due to the generous support of REI, PEAK Packs have been distributed to our State Advocates. (State Advocates are individuals who help coordinate Leave No Trace training and information dispersal in their respective states.) Contact your state advocate to see if any PEAK events will be happening in your area. State Advocate Program ( + )

Peak REI Logo

The PEAK program is made possible through generous support from REI.

The "Packing with PEAK" grant:

The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is pleased to announce the establishment of 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. Due to the amount of grants requests we receive, the Center has adopted a policy in which only domestic applicants are eligible for our grants programs. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Center.

More information ( + )