Quick Concepts & Activity Plans
Quick Activities to Teach Leave No Trace
The following activities are designed to provide a quick introduction to
participants' connectedness to the natural world and the seven Leave No Trace
principles. Each activity can be completed in about 15 to 30 minutes and may be
adapted to either home or backcountry situations.
Each Quick Concept activity is divided into three parts: "Grabbing Your
Group's Attention," "The Activity," and "The
Discussion." It is very important to carefully read the Background on the
Principles of Leave No Trace before introducing these activities.
Grabbing Your Group's Attention
Use this time to set the stage for the activity and generate curiosity
throughout the group.
The Activity
Encourage participation and thought during the activity. Remember, building
critical thinking skills is more valuable than simply memorizing correct
answers.
The Discussion
Use your knowledge and experience to help your audience answer questions
raised by the activity. Guide, rather than dominate, the discussion. The quick
concepts cover
- Our Natural World
- The Seven Leave No Trace Principles
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly (Pack It In, Pack It Out)
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Activity Plans
Detailed Activities for Meetings or Outings
The following activity plans are designed to provide detailed teaching
blueprints for leaders. The activities focus on our natural world and the seven
Leave No Trace principles. Each activity requires 45 to 75 minutes to complete.
Activity plans are composed of five parts:
- What Your Group Will Learn
- Materials and Preparation
- Grabbing Your Group's Attention
- Steps for Teaching the Activity
- Wrapping Up the Activity
What Your Group Will Learn
Each activity plan will
include the objectives for the activity, along with a brief explanation of the
activity.
Materials and Preparation
A list of all required materials and
preparation will accompany each activity plan.
Grabbing Your Group's Attention
Use this time to set the stage for the activity and generate curiosity
throughout the group.
Steps for Teaching the Activity
Each activity plan
includes step-by-step instructions for conducting the activity and stimulating
discussion.
Wrapping Up the Activity
Close each activity with follow-up
questions and thoughts to help summarize and reflect on the activity.