Building upon the skills and dispositions you develop during your wilderness trip experience, you will participate in our four-day, on-campus Outdoor Leadership Program.
This intensive program covers many aspects of camping, hiking, paddling, and the skills needed for safe and comfortable wilderness adventures in the backcountry.
A sample of activities and topics we cover includes:
- Wilderness Risk Management
- Leave No Trace Ethics
- Metabolism Management in the Backcountry
- Proper Layering Technique
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Backpacking
- Campfire and Campstove Cooking
- Map and Compass Navigation
- Campsite & Tent Setup
- Team Leadership Styles and Roles
- Learning Your Challenge & Opportunity Zones
- Solos: Camping Alone
- DIY Wilderness Trip Planning
This next level of outdoor education also includes a two-day Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course, taught by Wilderness Medical Associates International, which certifies each student is trained in the basics of first aid best practices in a wilderness setting. Students may also obtain CPR certification. These certifications are helpful to many students interested in extensive backcountry adventures or pursuing careers in outdoor recreation.
We then spend an additional two days at an encampment on our 400-acre peninsula, where you will hone the skills needed to successfully complete the most difficult challenge: a 48-hour solo camping experience.
