Program Narrative:

Classes in the Outdoor Recreation Leadership Program are designed to balance theory with practice and experience.  Areas of focus include:
  • Leading Outdoor Adventure Activities
  • Teaching Outdoor Adventure Skills
  • Theories of Recreation and Leisure
  • Leadership Theory and Practice
  • Public Land Management Philosophies
  • Principles of Leave No Trace
  • Safety and Rescue
  • Management of Group dynamics
  • Risk Management
  • Permitting Processes
  • Natural History Interpretation
  • Group Facilitation
  • Outdoor Recreation
  • Program and Event Planning and Implementation
In addition to classroom-based learning, most Outdoor Recreation Leadership students also act as trip leaders and teacher’s assistants as a result of their participation in Directed Field Experience.

Formal articulation agreements have been developed with a variety of institutions including Southern Oregon University, CSU Chico, Humboldt State University, San Jose State University, and Western State College of Colorado.

Student Learning Outcomes:

  • Leadership:  Assess a group & situation to determine what is needed to reach goals while maintaining emotional & physical safety.
  • Communication:  Demonstrate competence in speaking, writing, and use of computers that will lead to successful employment in an entry-level position.
  • Application:  Actively apply knowledge & practiced skills in a variety of settings.
  • Knowledge:  Demonstrate knowledge of concepts and theories in recreation.
  • Involvement:  Demonstrate knowledge of issues related to the recreation field, develop opinions about them, and advocate for that position.
  • Environment:  Develop a philosophy & lifestyle that reflect an understanding of the effect humans have on the environment, trying to mediate the harmful consequences of human behavior.