REI's Website Redesign = Get Out There...Family Style

I just received my latest Gear Mail from REI, so I decided to go on-line and look for some after season deals on ski gear for my ever-growing kids. But what I found was so much more. There is an entire section dedicated to "Get Out There" on the header tool bar. And embedded in there you will find "REI Kids' Passport to Adventure." What an awesome program to promote active lifestyles for families. Aimed at ages 5-12 you stop in a local REI store or download straight from the site a journal for your kids. And after the child has completed at least one outdoor activity there is a postcard they send in and will receive a certificate and "a special prize—a multifunction whistle that includes a thermometer, magnifier and compass." And really cool...on this same page you scroll down and there are pdf files with local hikes and rides aimed at the family for over 1/2 the states. Each file starts with some suggestions for your day pack and then describes each activity with a rating, distance, why this, description, driving directions, and extra tips (like check out the observation tower, picnic spots, etc..). Very cool...and even found a couple I will be adding to my to do list this summer with my family!