Leave No Trace Principles for Kids
| Category: | Outdoor Ethics |
|---|---|
| Notes: | Designed for Cub Scouts and younger youth. Focuses on easy-to-remember guidelines and personal responsibility. |
"Take only pictures, leave only footprints."
Before you head out on your hike or campout, have each Scout make a Leave No Trace Promise. This can be a commitment to picking up litter, staying on the trail, or disposing of waste. Hold each other accountable and make sure everyone follows through on their promise.
- Know Before You Go
- Choose The Right Path
- Trash Your Trash
- Leave What You Find
- Be Careful With Fire
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Kind To Other Visitors
Have a plan in place on where you and your pack are going for an adventure.
Stay on designated trails to help preserve the natural environment. If you need to go off-trail, step lightly and avoid trampling vegetation.
Dispose of waste in proper trash containers. If a container isn't available, take your trash with you back home.
Choose to take pictures of what you find instead of removing it. Even in local parks, avoid taking natural or manmade objects.
If you're camping at a campground, only use designated areas for fires. Use existing rings or a portable stove like a Solo Stove. Cook on a stove when possible.
Watch wildlife from a distance. Don't pick them up or disturb them. Take field notes or photos instead.
Others have a right to peace and quiet. Avoid loud noise, and don't run or cut through others' campsites.