What does the phrase 'take only pictures, leave only footprints' mean?

Leave natural objects as you found them.

Start playing free

  1. Leave natural objects as you found them ✔
  2. Take plants home as souvenirs
  3. Carve your name in trees

Why: It means leaving rocks, plants, and natural objects exactly as you found them.

Huh, didn't know that: It means leaving rocks, plants, and natural objects exactly as you found them.

The dad joke
Snap a photo, not a branch!
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Leave natural objects as you found them. It means leaving rocks, plants, and natural objects exactly as you found them.

  1. Scouting America: Camping www.scouting.org/merit-badges/camping
    Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects exactly as you found them.
    Checked 2026-11-07.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.