Course Description: 

Do you love being outside? Do you want to learn how to protect these environments? Are you interested in developing and improving the skills needed to get out into the wilderness and thrive in nature? In this course you will learn key leadership skills in the outdoors, as well as develop your abilities as outdoorspeople. This course will be a combination of class room and on campus activities, and field time implementing your newly developed skills. You can expect to walk away from this course with the ability to plan a trip into the backcountry, lead that trip, and manage any difficulties or emergencies that are presented to you. We will cover a variety of topics ranging from leadership and followership theory, to wilderness first aid and medicine, to planning and problem solving skills. Depending on weather and student interest,  special topics may include: ropework and rescue skills; river running safety and navigation; backcountry ski technique and avalanche safety; mountain bike technique, repair, and maintenance; inclusivity in the outdoors; and the environmental history of the US.