At Trackers, we’re not your typical “nature day camp.” Think less mud kitchens and meet-a-tree, and more Goonies, Labyrinth, or a classic 1980s Saturday morning cartoon. We keep things moving. On the surface, it might seem like just a fun adventure—but behind all the action is a deeply intentional teaching strategy. One key element of that method is something we call Peak Fun.
Inspiration to Motivation
There’s a difference between inspiration and motivation. Inspiration happens is from external sources—a story, a book, a movie. Motivation is what happens when that spark catches and becomes internal. It’s the student getting excited enough to say: “I want to learn this. I want to go further.”
Inspiration creates interest from outdoor sources:
- “My Guide led an activity that was unexpected and exciting!”
- “That game brought me into a whole new world.”
- “I never thought about doing this, but it’s incredibly cool.”
Motivation is initiated by the student. It’s when they answer the call to adventure:
- “I’m excited about archery, so I’m learning the range rules.”
- “We tracked a bear. Now, I want to look up everything about bears!”
- “Food is free in nature?! I’m learning plant ID so I can forage for edible stuff!”
The line between the two isn’t rigid—but when a student shifts from inspiration to motivation, they begin to own their learning. That’s when learning becomes independent. That’s when they become self-directed.
How Peak Fun Bridges the Gap
Peak Fun is one of Trackers most powerful tools for turning inspiration into motivation. It’s deceptively simple: we usually end an activity at the height of excitement. Before the fun fades.
Why? Because we want kids to walk away thinking, “Wait… we need do that again!” When that happens, something magical begins: their minds keep playing with the idea long after the activity is over. They start taking ownership of their own curiosity.
Let’s say Monday’s archery session wraps after 30 minutes—just as the team is hitting their stride. By Tuesday, the kids are eager for far more. We now run archery for 40 minutes. And this time, kids help lead.
It’s about passing the torch. By Wednesday, kids begin choosing what they want to pursue. They aren’t waiting for us to tell them or sell them on it. They’re ready to dive in. Peak Fun builds their grit, independence, and curiosity to keep going.
The Mentor’s Role: Be Like Gandalf
As mentors, our job isn’t to lecture every detail. It’s to light the spark. Peak Fun helps us do just that—teasing the mystery of what’s next while giving kids the space to seek it out themselves. To do this well, we must be like Gandalf:
- Present kids with heroic opportunities—fraught with challenge and higher purpose.
- Offer words of compassion and wisdom when they face challenge and trial.
- Model bad ass skills vital to their quest and survival.
- Stand back often, so the group can find their own way.
- Return when needed—with fire or eagles to help save the day.
- And finally, stand beside them in the final battle—the moment that truly tests who they’ve become.
By the end of the week, this shift becomes visible as students begin think and take about activities beyond camp. Ask to revisit skills and add new challenges. Seek deeper knowledge—without being told to
That’s the fantastic power of Peak Fun! We take kids from inspiration to ownership. From “what’s next?” to “I’ll find out.” What kind of “action hero” skills do kids walk away with? The ones they chose to pursue. Skills they’ll carry with them long after the fire has burned out and the gear’s been packed up.
This is Trackers. Action-packed adventure. This is how kids are inspired and motivated to lead their own stories.
See you in the forest,
Molly Deis
Trackers Earth
Founder & Mom