Teens for Responsible Outdoor Recreation is a national program for teens committed to promoting sustainable use of our public lands through the seven principles of Leave No Trace.
To meet the needs of educators working with older youth the Center has created an outdoor ethics curriculum for teens. This curriculum is also a resource for teens to teach their peers and learn more about the Leave No Trace program.
The program can be used in conjunction with other environmental curriculums in both a classroom and outdoor setting.
About The Program
The following section will provide you with information about the program's goals, intended learning outcomes, curriculum design and content.
Primary Goals:
Increase awareness of Leave No Trace
Promote the stewardship of public lands
Meet the demands of diverse youth populations
Intended Learning Outcomes:
Develop a sense of stewardship for the natural world
Understand how to be safe and prepared for adventures in the outdoors
Understand how to reduce impact on the environment when recreating outdoors
Introduce the idea of making responsible decisions when participating in outdoor activities
Curriculum
The Teen Activity Pack includes four activities designed to teach older youth about Leave No Trace as well as an introduction to the program. Additional activities are avaible. Brief descriptions are as follows:
Principle Presentation - The best way to learn is to teach others. Create skits, demonstrations, activities to teach your peers about the seven principles of Leave No Trace.
How Prepared Are You - Learn how to plan for a trip and what you need to know beforehand to Leave No Trace.
Unlocking the Past - Cultural Sites represent part of our history. Learn about how to Leave What you Find.
Ethics Game - Leave No Trace is part of an environmental ethics spectrum. Learn and discuss different visitor impacts on public lands.
Quiet on the Set - We are all sharing a common space. Create an interactive simulation of an outdoor scene and learn how to Be Considerate of Other Visitors.
Team Challenge: Choose the Right Path - We're faced with different ethical decisions on the trail or in an outdoor setting. Work with your team to complete the trail and Choose the Right Path.
Each activity or "module" can be delivered in 30–60 minutes depending on group size, available time, etc. The modules come in durable folders that fit into an expanding folder (the Pack) that can be used in the field or in a classroom setting.
Each module includes instructions on how to facilitate the activity as
well as supporting materials. Also included is is a Start Card and an instructional DVD, which offer many helpful teaching tips and an overview of the Leave No Trace program.* All materials are available in Spanish.
More Resources for Educators
Watch the video for an introduction to the new downloadable activity "Okay! or No Way!"
Okay! or No Way! - Great activity for large groups. Similar to a game of tag, this activity tests participants' knowledge of various Leave No Trace related scenarios and gets people moving.
High School students conduct a Leave No Trace Day for youth in Hemet, CA. Each student leader had previously completed a Leave No Trace Trainer Course.
Five Simple Ways to get involved with the Teen Program
Purchase the Teen Activity Pack: The Teen Program is available for sale through the Center. Visit our on-line store to order one today or contact the Education Department for more information.
Contact your State Advocate: State Advocates are the Leave No Trace volunteer coordinators in each state. They are a great resource for finding out about Leave No Trace related programs, trainings and events for your youth or peers. Contact the State Advocate on your state's community page.
Apply for a grant: The Center has established several grant programs to distribute educational materials to the general public. Grant requirements can be found on the Leave No Trace website, as well as an online application.
Schedule a Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainer visit - The Traveling Trainer teams provide outreach to diverse audiences across the country, including school groups, youth-serving organizations and outdoor clubs. Please submit your event request several months in advance using the online calendar and educate youth in your area about Leave No Trace.
Be a role model for family and friends - Use material on our Educational Resources page to be educate peers and family members.
Trip Planning Corner
Leading a group of teens into the outdoors? Planning a trip with your friends into the outdoors? Follow these helpful hints to make sure your next outdoor adventure is fun and safe:
Check out the park, forest or open space website for more information about trails, picnic areas, campsites and local regulations.
Make a checklist of gear and items that you will need.
Hold a pre-trip meeting and coordinate with others to prevent doubling up on gear, food, etc.
Repackage (or remove extra packaging on) items so they take up less space and create less waste that you'll have to deal with later
Check the weather up until you leave for your trip.
Notify family or friend about where you are going and when you plan to return, as well as relevant contact information.
Have an emergency plan in place.
Seven Tips for Working With Teens
Learn what interests youth
Show don't tell
Allow for group work
Avoid lecturing
Be Specific
Involve everybody
Avoid talking down
All content for this page was a collaborative effort between the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and the Youth Partnership for Health (YPH) through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
For more information about the Teen Program or for feedback about this page, please contact Sarah in the Education Department.
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