Leave No Trace Bingo – Teaching kids to camp responsibly!
Camping is one of the best ways for families to connect with nature. Every trip is an opportunity to teach children not only how to enjoy the outdoors, but also how to care for it so future generations can experience the same beauty and adventure.
The Leave No Trace Canada program promotes the Leave No Trace Seven Principles, helping thousands of people living and visiting Canada enjoy the outdoors responsibly, while protecting natural and cultural heritage. Here in British Columbia, the Camper’s Code builds on these same stewardship values by encouraging campers to respect nature, wildlife, fellow campers and the campgrounds they visit.
Many of the good habits you’ll learn through the Leave No Trace Seven Principles are reflected throughout Camper’s Code, making them easy to practice every time you camp in British Columbia. Together, these two initiatives help ensure our incredible outdoor places remain clean, safe and enjoyable for everyone.
1. Plan Ahead
A successful camping trip starts before you leave home. Check the weather forecast, learn the rules for your destination and pack the equipment you’ll need. Preparing meals in advance, reducing unnecessary packaging and understanding local conditions all help make your trip safer while reducing your impact on the environment.
Camper’s Code Tip: Plan ahead so you’re prepared for changing weather, fire restrictions and wildlife activity.
2. Camp Where You’re Meant To
Use established campsites, roads and trails whenever possible. Walking or camping in sensitive areas can damage plants and fragile soils that may take years to recover. Choosing designated campsites helps protect natural habitats while providing a better experience for everyone.
Camper’s Code Tip: Respect campground rules and stay within designated camping areas.
3. Leave Your Campsite Cleaner Than You Found It
One of the easiest ways to care for nature is to leave no evidence that you were there. Pack out all garbage, recycle whenever possible and never leave food scraps behind. If you’re camping outside serviced campgrounds, dispose of human waste responsibly and well away from water sources.
Before you leave, take one last walk around your campsite and pick up anything that doesn’t belong.
Camper’s Code Tip: A clean campsite protects wildlife, keeps campgrounds beautiful and shows respect for other campers.
4. Leave Nature As You Found It
Wildflowers, rocks, historical artifacts and other natural treasures are part of what makes British Columbia special. Instead of taking souvenirs home, leave them for others to discover and enjoy. Your photographs and memories will last much longer than anything you could carry away.
Camper’s Code Tip: Take only pictures and leave nature for future generations to enjoy.
5. Enjoy Campfires Responsibly
Campfires create wonderful camping memories, but they also require care. Always check current fire restrictions before lighting a fire. Use designated fire rings where available, keep fires small, burn only clean firewood and make absolutely certain your fire is completely out before leaving.
When campfires aren’t permitted, a portable camping stove is a safe and environmentally friendly alternative.
Camper’s Code Tip: Respect fire bans—they help protect our forests, communities and wildlife.
6. Respect Wildlife
British Columbia is home to an incredible variety of wildlife. Watching animals in their natural habitat is one of camping’s greatest rewards—but wildlife should always remain wild.
Never feed animals, store food securely, keep pets under control and observe wildlife from a safe distance. Even small actions can change animal behaviour and create safety risks for both people and wildlife.
Camper’s Code Tip: Give wildlife plenty of space and help keep them wild.
7. Be a Good Camping Neighbour
A great camping experience includes being considerate of those around you. Keep noise levels down, especially in the evening and early morning, respect quiet hours, drive slowly through campgrounds and share trails and common spaces courteously.
Small acts of kindness and respect help create a welcoming camping community.
Camper’s Code Tip: Friendly campers make great campgrounds.
Play Leave No Trace Bingo
After a day of exploring, gather everyone around the picnic table and play Leave No Trace Bingo. As children mark off responsible camping actions they completed during the day—such as staying on the trail, respecting wildlife, picking up litter or keeping a tidy campsite—they’ll discover that caring for nature can be both fun and rewarding.
Every game helps reinforce positive camping habits that will last a lifetime and help protect British Columbia’s natural places for everyone.
About Leave No Trace Canada
Leave No Trace Canada is a national non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the Leave No Trace Seven Principles and responsible outdoor recreation. Through education, research and outreach, the organization helps Canadians enjoy the outdoors while protecting our natural and cultural heritage.
Camper’s Code complements these principles by focusing specifically on camping and RV travel in British Columbia. It encourages campers to respect campgrounds, wildlife, neighbouring campers and local communities, helping ensure everyone can enjoy safe, welcoming and sustainable camping experiences across the province.
Camper’s Code gratefully acknowledges Leave No Trace Canada and the Leave No Trace Seven Principles as an important source of inspiration in promoting responsible outdoor recreation.
Published: August 14, 2026