BA in Outdoor Education Degree Program Overview
You’ll develop leadership and facilitation skills in wilderness environments. Building a connection with the natural environment and becoming comfortable in outdoor settings will assist your growth as an outdoor educator and a wilderness leader.
Through a series of experiential education coursework and skills-based courses, you’ll develop and build your educational and leadership abilities through backpacking, climbing, skiing, ropes courses, and more. You’ll enjoy many opportunities to explore your skill sets in a safe and supportive learning environment while developing a stronger, more self-reliant approach to leading groups and teaching in a variety of atmospheres, including the wilderness.
Experiential education, civic engagement, and a strong connection to nature are embedded intuitively in this program. We’re passionate about preserving the natural environment through outdoor education opportunities. ϶Ƶ is committed to these principles, and in the Outdoor Education program, you’ll lead by example.
Experiential Education
Outdoor Education is a trailblazer in hands-on, experiential education at ϶Ƶ. Outdoor experience and leadership are taught in a supportive environment where trying new things, stepping outside your comfort zone, and exploring possibilities are encouraged and nurtured. You’ll become more confident in your judgment and decision-making skills and grow as a trusted, self-assured leader and educator.
Wilderness Trips: Build your wilderness leadership and outdoor education skills during three-to-10-day wilderness immersion trips in backcountry environments, such as Gaspésie National Park in Canada and Zion National Park in Utah or leading a first-year wilderness preorientation program. Lead middle and high school students, adults, and peers on wilderness adventures.
Ropes Courses: Engage in intensive group projects like building ropes course elements on ϶Ƶ’s Adventure Bound Ropes Course; designing school programs on the course; and teaching middle and high school students, adults, and peers on ϶Ƶ’s course.
Mock Rescues: Participate in wilderness first-responder mock rescues, including winter rescues in cooperation with local public service personnel and volunteers.