Outdoor Leadership and Group Dynamics

Quarters
Spring Open
Location
Olympia
Class Standing
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Cynthia Kennedy
Paul Przybylowicz

Do you think about leading groups in the outdoors? Do you love to share particular outdoor experiences, skills and knowledge with others? Do you want to learn how to become a more effective leader?  

In this program, we will draw upon the disciplines of outdoor leadership, wilderness medicine, organizational learning, participatory management, systems thinking, and contemplative practice to provide the knowledge and skill for individuals interested in leading groups, particularly in the outdoors. You will gain skills in group process, inter- and intra-personal communication, conflict resolution, trip planning, back country medical protocols, group facilitation, along with the moral and ethical responsibilities of leadership.

You will complete a Wilderness First Responder training and receive a nationally recognized certification. This advanced medical training is the outdoor industry standard for guides that take people into remote areas for recreational and/or educational activities. This intensive 80-hour training will run Monday through Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM during weeks 2 and 3 of the quarter. 

There will be a significant field component to this class, regardless of weather. We will spend a significant amount of time outdoors at a variety of elevations. There will be a number of day field trips. Students will need sufficient and appropriate gear to be comfortable outdoors in the highly variable Pacific Northwest spring conditions.

Anticipated Credit Equivalencies:

8 - Outdoor Leadership

4 - Wilderness Medicine

4 - Communication and Group Dynamics

Registration

Academic Details

Studies or careers in Outdoor leadership, business, guiding, group facilitation

16
36
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior

$550 total fee covers Wilderness First Responder Fee ($500) and supplies ($50)

Schedule

Spring
2025
Open
In Person (S)

See definition of Hybrid, Remote, and In-Person instruction

Day
Schedule Details
SEM 2 D3105 - Workshop
Olympia