Together with our partner, the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, we developed an interactive program to teach children about environmental ethics in 2001. The program, called Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids (PEAK), has become one of our most effective programs to educate youth in an engaging, fun and interactive way.

The PEAK program consists of an REI backpack stuffed with essential gear for outdoor adventure, as well as games, activities and lessons designed for different age groups. REI employees give PEAK presentations in their stores and communities, and the program is available through Leave No Trace to educators, camp directors, youth group leaders, outdoor guides and individuals interested in teaching about the maintenance and preservation of shared public lands for future generations.

In 2006 we expanded the program by introducing new lessons that appeal to teens, and thus created the opportunity to educate a greater number of youth on how minimize their impact while enjoying the outdoors.

For more information about PEAK, visit www.rei.com/aboutrei/reikids02.html or www.lnt.org/programs/peak/index.html