Baylor University | A Nationally Ranked Christian … · Web viewIt is equally important to be willing to accept the physical and mental challenges that will come and to be prepared

RLS FIELD SCHOOL IN OUTDOOR LEADERSHIPJOURNEY AND EXPLORE THROUGH FULL IMMERSION IN THE OUTDOOR LEADERSHIP INTENSIVE

What is the Outdoor Leadership Intensive?The outdoor leadership intensive is a course held over the May minimester term with an option for additional credit hours during summer 1.  It is designed to allow for at least 18-21 concentrated days of engagement and focus in a variety of outdoor activities. The curriculum is centered on outdoor leadership and outdoor skill development.  The course curriculum is based on Recreation and Leisure Services (RLS) program outcomes and educational outcomes put forth by the Wilderness Education Association (WEA).  The course is designed to offer several opportunities for certification and students will experience academic and personal challenges that are intellectual, emotional, spiritual and physical in nature. In addition, participants share in the reward of time spent in nature and in environments where relationships flourish through shared experiences. In 2016, we will be start the course with a backpacking trip through Paria Canyon. The Canyon begins in Utah and ends in Arizona. The course then moves to the vertical environment – students will learn all about rock climbing in a top-rope outdoor setting and conclude phase two of the trip with an attempt of a 12,000 foot peak – Santa Fe Baldy in New Mexico. Phase 3 of the trip includes expedition style paddling on the Pecos River. The Pecos River is often referred to as one of the last wild places in Texas.  Specifically, this course allows for ample opportunities for Recreation majors interested in a career in outdoor recreation to develop and document competency in areas required for full certification as a WEA Outdoor Educator.  Students who are just love the outdoors or who wish to apply for summer employment in outdoor recreation receive an outdoor leader certificate upon successful completion of the course. 

· Learn outdoor skills for lifelong leisure · Gain valuable leadership skills · Earn course credit

Who is it designed for?This course is great for recreation majors, General Studies in HHPR, Environmental Studies majors, Campus Recreation Outdoor Adventure staff, any student minoring in Leadership, or any student interested in gaining personal skills in the outdoors. Students will gain skills useful for summer jobs, experience personal growth and have fun while living outdoors for 3 weeks and …it’s a fun way to begin your summer!

What are the specifics?Minimester/2-3 credit hoursDates: LEAVE: Tuesday, May 10th – Leave after finals have finished the week before graduation.

RETURN: Monday, May 30th

An additional 3 hours will be held during summer 1 - to be discussed with course participants.Dates:Cost: $1250*

Deposit of $400 due Thursday, March 17Second installment of $400 due Friday, April 8thBalance of $450 due Friday, May 6th

*Includes food in the field, transportation, base camp lodging, course instruction, backpacking, caving and climbing equipment. Does not include personal clothing.

Refund Policy: All trip fees are fully refundable up to 2 months before the final registration date – March

17th. From March 17th-April 8th half of the deposit will be available for refund. After April 8th, the trip balance and deposit are non-refundable unless cancelled by the RLS Department.

If a trip is cancelled, it will be determined well in advanced to avoid penalty fees of dropped courses.

Course Credit: Minimester 1-3 hours (includes Lifetime Fitness Credit or upper level elective)Summer 1 – an additional 3 hours

Courses Offered: RLS 3303 Outdoor Leader Certification (approved elective course for Student

Learning & Engagements Leadership Majors/Minors) RLS 4390 Independent Study in Leisure Services RLS 4V90 Internship in Leisure Services (RLS majors only) LF 1160 Beginning Climbing LF1161 Intermediate Climbing LF1112 Backpacking & Camping

Certifications: Master Educator or Trainer level with Leave No Trace, WEA Outdoor Leadership Certificate

Click here for a tentative detailed itinerary.

How do I apply?To apply visit or for more information visit www.baylor.edu/hhpr/outdoorleadership You can also contact Kelli McMahan at her email [email protected] or office 254-710-3712

How can I get prepared?This trip is not for the faint of heart. It is suitable for the beginner but students need to understand that they will be responsible for carrying personal and group gear through rough terrain. Students need to be willing to contribute to the safety and well being of the group as well as maintaining a positive attitude. We recommend that participants prepare ahead of time to be at a good fitness level by the time the trip begins.

Here’s a good gauge of an expected fitness level by the beginning of the trip:1. Able to complete 30 minutes continuously on stairs with a 25lb pack on2. To complete Jacob’s Ladder 3 times with a 25lb pack on, with no more than a 1 minute break3. To run one loop around the beartrail in under 25 minutes.4. To successfully complete two consecutive routes at the Rock at the Student Life Center

(of the 5’7 grade).

If you are unable to complete these activities, these are some recommended ways to prepare. It is equally important to be willing to accept the physical and mental challenges that will come and to be prepared to step out of your comfort zone occasionally.

Academic Requirements: Regardless of the specific course or course credit hours associated with your participation, there are academic expectations associated with this trip. Some pre-trip homework and reading will be required, preparation for field presentations, skill assessments, journaling, book reviews, reflections and the possibility of two on-campus evening meetings after return to Waco are required.You may access the syllabus here.

What do we need to bring?Due to the outdoor activities we will experience, you will need a wide range of clothing to encompass the different weather we will be experiencing while on the trip. We will provide the climbing, backpacking, and other gear required for activities, but you will need to provide your own personal gear. You may access the list of gear here.

Meet the Faculty & Instructors

Kelli McMahan, M.S.

Lecturer and Coordinator of Outdoor RecreationShe loves rock climbing, swimming, running with her dog Marlee, outdoor travel and all

outdoor/fitness related activities. Best outdoor dish: cowboy coffee!

Stephanie DavisGraduate Assistant to Baylor Outdoor Adventure

She loves rock climbing, running, traveling and drinking good cups of coffee outside.

2016 Trip Locations Pecos Wilderness Area in New Mexico – Rock Climbing &

Summit Attempt Paria Canyon near Marble Canyon, Utah - Backpacking Pecos River in Texas - Paddling

Testimonials from Previous Years:“Through my time at Baylor I had grown to love outdoor activities. The trip was a great way to cap off my time in college. My favorite activity was backpacking, because it encompassed the largest time and was where everyone on the trip started to bond. One of the best ways to learn is experientially, that’s where you fully understand what you’re learning.” -Daniel Ezell

“The curriculum was helpful in developing outdoor leadership skills by being in the outdoors and applying what we read into our trip. It was a big part of helping the information from the curriculum stick. The minimester trip was my first time to do anything outdoors like that. I was really out of my comfort zone.” – Kristina Higgins

“The trip was helpful in developing outdoor leadership skills. It

taught me many things that are essential for being a good

leader. I learned more about myself and backpacking.” - Francesca Samaniego