The schedule for the following classes is generally available in late March (for summer and fall) and mid November (for spring).

• See the OLP certificate page for a curriculum map and list of classes required for program completion.
• See the ADE program page for a curriculum map and list of classes required for program completion.

BIO 104:  Natural History – 4 credits
An introduction to the study of plants and animals in their natural environment including the historical and biological processes that have led to the present day landscape of southern New England.  Topics may include a survey of local flora and fauna, species identification, survival strategies, conservation, evolution, disturbance history and interpretation, biodiversity, animal tracks and sign, water resources and food webs.  Field trips to local natural history sites and a project focusing on a natural area enhance student observation skills and understanding of class topics.

OLP 111:  Introduction to Outdoor Adventure Skills – 4 credits
Develops technical skills in four adventure program areas: backcountry travel, paddling, rock climbing, and challenge course programming.  Students observe, imitate, practice and adapt technical and facilitation skills.  Students participate in weekly, day-long local field trips.

OLP 112:  Wilderness Orientation Expedition for Outdoor Leaders – 4 credits
Provides an introduction to leadership styles, skills, theories, and adventure education concepts and foundations.  Topics include intrapersonal, interpersonal and group relations models; core competencies for effective leadership and group dynamics; values and ethics in outdoor leadership.  Students participate in a 10-day model wilderness expedition.

OLP 116:  Adventure Program Planning and Fieldwork I – 3 credits
Focuses on principles and methods of program development, risk management, and teaching strategies in the adventure education and recreation field.  This course prepares students to plan, organize, conduct and evaluate supervised outdoor adventure programs.  Students participate in field trips.

OLP 120:  Wilderness Medical Preparedness and Rescue – 2 credits
Develops student knowledge in wilderness rescue and medical emergency preparedness through field simulations for land-based activities.  Students participate in weekly day-long field trips.

OLP 143:  Backcountry Travel Instructor I – 3 credits
Prepares students to become proficient in expedition planning, implementation and leadership of backcountry travel experiences while practicing and applying foundational skills in campcraft, land navigation, wilderness hiking and backpacking.  Students learn core competencies of outdoor leadership including diverse styles of leadership, risk management, group debriefing, and low-impact wilderness camping with a group.  Students design and execute a backpacking expedition.  Students participate in field trips.

OLP 201:  Individual Project in Outdoor Leadership – 2 credits
A student-directed learning project designed to explore and expand upon the student’s professional goals and personal ambitions in the outdoor adventure industry.  Students complete and present  a project which involves a significant expedition plan, curriculum development, or business plan.

OLP 210:  Wilderness First Responder – 4 credits
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.

OLP 216:  Adventure Program Planning and Fieldwork II – 3 credits
Continuation of OLP 116.  Topics include managing logistics, organizing, conducting, and evaluating outdoor adventure programs with diverse populations.  Students refine their instructional and shared leadership abilities.  Students participate in field trips.

OLP 230:  Rock Climbing Instructor – 3 credits
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.

OLP 231:  River Canoe Instructor – 3 credits
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.

OLP 234:  Challenge Course Practitioner – 3 credits
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.

OLP 238:  Coastal Kayak Instructor – 4 credits
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.

OLP 239:  Backcountry Travel Instructor II – 4 credits
Continuation of OLP 143.  Students design, execute and evaluate a winter backcountry ski and snowshoe expedition and demonstrate core competencies for effective leadership.  Topics include advanced planning, winter navigation, snow/ice terrain, sled travel, snow shelters, cold-weather food management, and wilderness medical considerations.  Students participate in field trips.

OLP 147:  Winter Mountaineering – 2 credits
Provides students with an introduction to the philosophy and principles of winter mountaineering in New England.  Topics include equipment selection and use, mountain travel, objective hazard evaluation, safety systems, and alpine snow climbing techniques.  This course introduces the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) competencies and curriculum for avalanche awareness certificate.  Students participate in local and regional field trips, including New Hampshire’s White Mountains.

OLP 148:  Ice Climbing – 2 credits
Provides students with an introduction to the philosophy and principles of ice climbing in New England.  Topics include: equipment selection and use, ice formation and assessment, objective hazard evaluation, safety systems, and ice climbing techniques.  Students participate in local and regional field trips.

OLP 149:  Introduction to Nordic Skiing – 1 credit
Introduces foundational skills in Nordic track and skate and Nordic downhill ski disciplines.  Topics include beginner and intermediate cross country track and ski touring skills for both on-and off-trail skiing in low to moderate elevation snow terrain.  Students participate in regional field trips.