Leave No Trace Circle: Session Review
A cool-down with gentle stretches in a circle while reviewing the seven Leave No Trace principles. Each principle is on a card and the group rates whether the session it just finished respected it.
How to play
- The group forms a circle and the seven principle cards are handed to seven students (1 min).
- While everyone holds a gentle 30-second stretch, the student with the card reads it and the class rates from 1 to 3 with their fingers whether it was followed in the session; first four principles with leg stretches (3 min).
- Same process for the remaining three principles, now with seated shoulder and back stretches (2 min).
- Pick the principle with the lowest score and agree on a concrete action for the next outing (2 min).
Rules
- Stretches are gentle, with no bouncing and no pain.
- Listen to the card reader without interrupting.
- Criticism is about actions, not people.
Variations
Easier
Review only three principles with one stretch each.
Standard
All seven principles with a stretch and a rating.
Harder
Each student gives a real-life example for each principle.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student does upper-body stretches while seated.
- Visual impairment: cards are read aloud and ratings are given verbally.
- Hearing impairment: each card's text is shown to the whole circle before rating.
Learning goals
- Recover after exercise with gentle stretches.
- Learn the Leave No Trace principles.
- Critically assess the impact of one's own activity.
Equipment for a class of 25
- cards: 7
Teacher tip
Laminate the cards so you can use them in every session of the unit. It is a good wrap-up after plogging, camping or outings in the area.
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