REI & Youth
As Sally Jewell, REI's president and CEO stated, "REI recognizes that today's youth will be tomorrow's stewards of the environment. REI is committed to providing opportunities for young people to experience the joys of outdoor recreation and learn how to care for open spaces and our shared public lands."
In support of these efforts, the PEAK program was developed as the result of a unique partnership between REI and the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. PEAK is based on the seven principles of Leave No Trace.
The seven Leave No Trace principles are:
- Know before you go
- Choose the right path
- Pack your trash
- Leave what you find
- Be careful with fire
- Respect wildlife
- Be kind to other visitors
The PEAK program, which consists of an REI backpack stuffed with essential gear for outdoor adventure, as well as games, activities and lessons, is presented as a convenient and fun way to teach young people ethics.
The PEAK program has two primary goals:
- Increase awareness of Leave No Trace principles
- Promote the stewardship of outdoor recreational resources
Through this hands-on, interactive program children are taught to have fun outside while practicing responsible outdoor recreation. For information on how to become a PEAK presenter for your own group of young people or learn more about how you can use the PEAK presenter's toolkit, contact your nearest REI store. Contact information for all stores is available on REI.com.
To read more about the PEAK program visit the Leave No Trace website.
Kids love to have fun and get dirty, and with a little guidance they can turn their endless energy into thoughtful stewardship. For more than 25 years, REI has proudly supported projects promoting outdoor recreation and a conservation ethic.
