REI Kids Passport to Adventure

Inspiring children and their parents and caregivers to enjoy nature and outdoor recreation together is the goal of REI's Kids Passport to Adventure program. The complimentary program provides adults the tools for healthy diversions for youth aged five to 12 during the spring and summer months.

Initially introduced by our store in Tacoma, Wash., REI's Passport to Adventure program was launched nationally in 2006. The program includes employee recommendations for regional kid-sized, family-friendly hikes and bike rides and a journal for kids to jot down field notes, create drawings, play games and express their thoughts about their adventures. Directions and other helpful tips are also provided.

Children who completed their outdoor adventure can have their passports stamped and receive a free Passport to Adventure gift and certificate of completion.

Last year, the program was expanded to include bike routes. More than 14,000 kids and adults picked up free journals at their local REI stores, an increase of 27 percent over 2006. Approximately 10 percent of the participants who picked up information packets returned to REI with completed journals.

In 2008, the co-op will make several program enhancements, including operational improvements for store teams to implement the annual offering.

REI Kids Passport to Adventure (participants)