Certifications

Outdoor Leadership certificate students have the opportunity to earn five industry-standard certifications while completing the program. Certification classes can be taken individually by non-certificate students, too.

Wilderness First Responder

Trains students to the nationally recognized standards of emergency medical care in remote backcountry environments for certification in Wilderness First Responder (WFR), the industry standard for professional outdoor leaders, guides, camp counselors, rangers, and ski patrollers. Topics include environmental emergencies, soft tissue injuries, musculoskeletal injuries, medical emergencies, response and assessment, and rescue basics. The course includes classroom lessons and in-the-field hands-on experience and practice with simulated wilderness emergencies. Successful completion of the course will include WFR and CPR certifications.

PCIA Rock Climbing Instructor

Introduces the Professional Climbing Instructors Association (PCIA) instructor competencies and curriculum for institutional top rope rock climbing certification. Topics include technical proficiency, selection of equipment, safety systems, site and group management, leadership and teaching approaches, curriculum development, and basic rock rescue. Students participate in local and regional fieldtrips.

ACA River Canoe Instructor

Introduces American Canoe Association (ACA) instructor competencies and curriculum for certification in canoe touring and river canoe courses. Topics include hazard assessment and safety, technical knowledge and skills development, decision-making and judgment, instructional and leadership abilities in a river environment. This course progresses from flatwater review through moving and whitewater up to class II-III. Students participate in Advanced Swift Water Rescue training. Students participate in regional field trips to area waterways.

ACA Coastal Kayak Instructor

Introduces American Canoe Association (ACA) instructor competencies and curriculum for certification in kayak touring and coastal kayaking courses. Topics include hazard assessment and safety, technical skills development, technical knowledge, decision-making and judgment, and instructional and leadership abilities in a coastal environment, including proficiency in rescues. Students participate in pool session. Students participate in local and regional fieldtrips, including a 5-day coastal kayaking expedition.

ACCT Challenge Course Practitioner

Introduces Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) low and high ropes course competencies and curriculum for certification. Topics include adventure foundations, facilitation and technical skills, risk management, program design, delivery and evaluation. Students participate in regional field trips.