Adventure Education Adventure Education Associate in Science Develop leadership, team-building, problem-solving and outdoor recreation skills to prepare for a career in education, recreation, social services or conservation. Request Information Apply Now Program Contact Bob Tremblay (413) 775-1126 tremblayb@gcc.mass.edu Program Overview Degree Requirements Learning Outcomes Faculty Career Outlook Upcoming Events Adventure Education Info Session Friday August 15 - 2:00pm Accelerate your preparation for a career in the outdoors. Greenfield Community College's adventure education degree is for anyone who wants to develop a full-time career in the outdoor adventure and recreation industries. Learn to lead adventure programs while getting out into the natural world, participating in experiential, hands-on training and developing your leadership and team-building skills. You’ll also get a solid foundation in the philosophical underpinnings and technical expertise of adventure education. GCC’s certification competencies meet the adventure industry’s nationally recognized standards. With the completed degree, you’ll be ready to design and deliver experiences in five areas: backcountry travel, rock climbing, paddle sports, Nordic skiing and challenge course work. 64-67credits Associate in Science Associate in Science (AS) degrees are typically completed in two (2) years and designed for immediate workforce entry Learn more CORI/SORICORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) and/or additional background checks required for participation in this program.Learn more What's Next?Students are prepared to work in outdoor centers and organizations, paddling schools, outdoor schools such as the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and Outward Bound, human services organizations, educational institutions that utilize adventure, and a diverse variety of recreational programs and businesses. Students may transfer to other multi-year degree programs in Adventure Education or Outdoor Education. Students with previous career skills may combine those with current technical training towards entrepreneurial ventures, counseling, or other specialized fields. Students also choose to continue studies in outdoor education, adventure recreation, natural or social sciences, and a myriad of related fields. Plan, conduct, and evaluate a wide range of safe and educationally effective adventure experiences. Demonstrate personal and professional competency in leadership skills, techniques, and methods of instruction Demonstrate technical competency in a range of adventure sport activities and environments Assess and facilitate individual and group dynamics during field experiences with diverse client populations and peer groups Work effectively and collaboratively in co-leader and team situations Plan and prepare for personal and program wilderness rescue responses in a wide range of hazardous environments Identify and implement effective institutional risk mitigation methods Plan, conduct and evaluate a range of interactive, outdoor-based experiences for diverse populations Model professional and environmentally sound ethics and practices Identify and effectively utilize a range of information sources available to the adventure industry Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate professional organizations, certifications, memberships, and networking practices Rich Adamczyk Adjunct FacultyAdventure Education and Outdoor LeadershipN101 1-413-775-1128 AdamczykR@gcc.mass.edu Brent Arsenault Adjunct FacultyAcademic Affairs ArsenaultB@gcc.mass.edu Bob Tremblay Faculty, Department ChairOutdoor LeadershipB.A., M.A., Prescott College N101 1-413-775-1126 TremblayB@gcc.mass.edu Bob has dedicated his adult life to adventure education and has developed a wide variety of professional-level outdoor skills including backpacking, winter camping, whitewater canoeing and expeditioning, ice climbing, caving, dog sledding, skiing, wilderness survival, and even llama trekking. "Since I began working as an outdoor leader in 1982, I have been committed to connecting people of all ages to the natural world and to their inner selves. Through my career working with thousands of students and customers, I have been witness to the power our field has to affect change in participants. I am especially interested in using challenging outdoor activities as a modality for teaching students about environmental science and environmental issues. In addition, I am very interested in promoting the outdoor industry in New England as a whole and in western Massachusetts in particular". Bob acts as a mentor to graduate students at Prescott College in pursuit of graduate degrees and scholarly research in the fields of Adventure Education and Education, and brings entrepreneurship experience in the adventure industry as the prior President, Co-founder and Field Director for Mountain Lynx Outdoor Adventures in Ashburnham. These are just examples of jobs that someone with an associate degree in Adventure Education might pursue. Our programs provide a solid foundation for many careers, but some paths may require additional education, or even a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Don’t worry! Our advisors are here to support you in planning your educational journey.