Outdoor Leadership

Basics of biking with emphasis on appropriate gear, basic bike maintenance, trip planning (including risk management and logistics), and developing competence in basic biking skills. Preference will be given to students who have declared a concentration in outdoor leadership.

Different modes of paddling, including canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding with emphasis on appropriate gear, trip planning, risk management, and logistics. Students will achieve basic competence in paddling skills. Preference will be given to students who have declared a concentration in outdoor leadership.

An introduction to skippering a keelboat of approximately 16 to 27 feet in length by day in light to moderate winds in different lake conditions. Students will learn basic sailing terminology, parts and functions, helm commands, basic sail trim, points of sail, buoyage, seamanship, and safety (including basic navigation rules to avoid collisions and hazards). Preference will be given to students who have declared a concentration in outdoor leadership.

Disc Golf is a course designed to introduce students to basic disc golf skills and knowledge. The course includes instruction concerning the basic skills of the game as well as technique, strategy and etiquette. Emphasis will be placed on an understanding of the game and its basic rules and regulations.

Basics of backpacking with emphasis on appropriate gear, trip planning and logistics, risk management, and developing competence in basic backpacking and camping skills. Preference will be given to students who have declared a concentration in outdoor leadership.

Basics of rock climbing with emphasis on appropriate gear, knots, climb site risk management, trip planning and logistics, and developing competence in basic rock climbing skills. Preference will be given to students who have declared a concentration in outdoor leadership.

Upon completion of this course, students will be certified in Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus or SCUBA. Students will learn SCUBA concepts in the classroom, dive techniques in the pool, and check out dives with instructors in open water. Preference will be given to students who have declared a concentration in outdoor leadership.

Principles and practices of leadership in experiential education with emphasis on being an efficient, safe, and ethical leader. Students will share leadership duties in a three day, two night outdoor experience with their peers putting their gained leadership skills to use in the outdoors.

This is a beginner’s level introduction to conventional fishing and fly fishing the beautiful waters of Arkansas. You will learn about fishing equipment, basic knot tying, local aquatic insect life, the hydraulics of a stream, different baits, and how to tie your own flies and how properly cast. For the trip final, we will go on a full day/multi-day fishing trip and put the skills you mastered to use.

Examination of the tools required to make critical decisions in remote locations. Classroom lectures and demonstrations are combined with realistic scenarios where mock patients will challenge the student to integrate learning. After course completion, students will be certified as Wilderness First Responders. This course will be offered in January before the spring semester, as a summer course in May, or as a spring break course. Preference for admission into this class will be given to students who have declared a concentration in outdoor leadership.

Examination of the tools required to make critical decisions in remote locations. Classroom lectures and demonstrations are combined with realistic scenarios where mock patients will challenge the student to integrate learning. After course completion, students will be certified with a Wilderness First Aid certificate. This course will be offered as a weekend course. Preference for admission into this class will be given to students who have declared a concentration in Outdoor Leadership.

This course allows students to take additional course work in outdoor leadership.

Study of various topics in outdoor education. Includes 1-day to 2 week outdoor education trip. Prerequisites will vary.

*Students may also take the internship at another school/agency in the summer.