Outdoor Leadership, Education and Recreation Program

SAN JUAN COLLEGE

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Welcome from the Director

As an adolescent and young man, I struggled in the

traditional educational setting. I was raised in an educated family, and my struggle was a constant area of contention. Standardized tests and lectures had little meaning for me. At one time, my high school counselor advised me not to bother going to college. I labored intensely through those four years of high school, only staying motivated through my passion for outdoor adventures, which my parents used as motivational bargaining chips. Fortunately, my parents kept pushing me to attend college. I chose, without knowing it at the time, a two-year school taught in an experiential format. I suddenly made the connection between what I learned in the classroom and my life experiences. Semester after semester I was on the Dean’s List. I maintained a 4.0 GPA and found a new bridled spirit for education. I was motivated to learn. These experiences and connections planted the seed for my ongoing passion for education. Several years and several educational institutions later, I have earned a Master’s degree in Experiential Education. I have acquired several nationally recognized instructional certifications, and I’m entertaining the idea of pursuing my Doctoral degree. Not bad for someone who struggled to make it through high school!

This passion for learning, teaching and education came from my understanding of the connection between what I learned in the classroom and how it applied to life situations. It’s called Experiential Education, and it is my learning style. These ideas are at the core of Experiential Education and the San Juan College Outdoor Leadership, Education and Recreation (OLER) Degree Program. We believe in building, understanding and experiencing what is taught in each course and finding the relationships between what is learned and what is lived. Classes are organized to appeal to all learning styles. True consequences and celebrations, such as hardship, struggle, failure and triumph, are deeply rooted in the curriculum as a byproduct of experience. They allow students to experience success in class and in life. Experiential Education helped me to become an educated, interactive and free thinking person. I believe it will do the same for you. I look forward to meeting you,

Marcel Bieg, MS in Experiential EducationDirector, San Juan College OLER Program

Table of Contents Welcome from the Director 3

Degree Program Overview 4• Certifications 5• Safety First 6

About San Juan College 7

On-site OLER Facilities 8• Health and Human Performance Center 8• Climbing Tower 8• Rental Center 8• High Endeavors Challenge Course 8

Farmington and the Four Corners 9• Warm Weather Activities 9• Cold Weather Activities 10

OLER Curriculum 11

• General Education Requirements 11

• Core Classes 12• 120 Intro to Experiential Education 12• 130 Wilderness and Environmental Ethics 12• 140 Wilderness Pursuits 12• 210 Foundations of Adventure Education 12• 225 Wilderness First Responder 13

• Expedition Classes 13• 230 Expedition Sea Kayaking 13• 240 Expedition Rafting 14• 250 Expedition Backpacking 14• 260 Advanced Rock Climbing 14

• Core Electives 15• 156 Rock Climbing 15• 161 Winter Backcountry Travel 15• 163 Avalanche Clinic Level I 15• 165 Mountaineering 16• 171 Canoeing 16• 175 Swift Water Rescue 16• 176 Whitewater Kayaking 16• 177 Whitewater Rafting 16• 178 Intro To Sea Kayaking 16• 220 Experiential Education 16

• Approved Electives 17• 125 Mountain Biking 17• 150 Wilderness First Aid 17• 155 Gym Climbing 18• 157 Sport Climbing 18• 159 Rock Rescue 18• 162 Backcountry Ski and Snowboarding 18• 164 Ski Mountaineering 18• 245 Whitewater Raft Instructor 19• 246 Whitewater Kayak Instructor 19• 265 Single Pitch Rock Climbing Instructor 19• 270 Avalanche Clinic Level II 19• 299 Special Topic 19

Contact Us 20• Visit Our Website 20• Contact Information 20

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The Outdoor Leadership Education and Recreation Program at San Juan College is designed to provide an Associate of Arts degree in Outdoor Leadership with a variety of transfer options. All Outdoor Leadership classes are not limited

to degree seeking students. Faculty/staff and non-degree seeking students are welcome and encouraged to participate in the classes. The Associate of Arts Degree in Outdoor Leadership combines general education requirements with a core group of classroom and field based classes in outdoor leadership, education and recreation, including Experiential Education and Adventure Education. We focus on developing outdoor skills, teaching techniques, theories of Experiential Education and leadership. Students learn skills through participation in various activities in the classroom and in the field. Although the classes are lots of fun, students will learn a great deal about themselves, their peers, the educational value of the experience, and how to become an effective professional in the field of outdoor adventure leadership. Along with gaining a strong skill set, students will earn national certifications that will prepare them for a variety of careers in outdoor leadership.

Certifications and Cards of Completion

Through the Outdoor Leadership Program numerous nationally recognized certifications are available to students, faculty and staff. The following is an ever changing and evolving list:

• Certifications:• Wilderness First Responder • Wilderness First Aid• CPR • AMGA Top Rope Site Manager • ACA Whitewater Raft Instructor • ACA Whitewater Kayak Instructor• Leave-No-Trace Master Educator

• Cards of Completion in: • Rafting (Paddle and Oar) • Canoeing • Whitewater Kayaking • Coastal Kayaking• Swift Water Rescue Advanced• AIARE Avalanche Level 1 & 2

Outdoor Leadership, Education & Recreation Program (OLER)

Degree Program Overview

SJC

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San Juan College is the Four Corners’ comprehensive community college, which improves lives by providing people an affordable education for a successful future and career. The College supports a wide variety of instructional and

support activities for academic transfer, career education and noncredit learning activities. From its modest start in 1956, with 25 students, the College now has a credit enrollment of more than 11,000 students per semester. San Juan College is accredited through the Higher Learning Commission’s Academic Quality Improvement Project as a degree-granting institution.

MissionThe mission of San Juan College is to inspire and support life-long learning to achieve personal and community goals by providing quality education, services, and cultural enrichment.

VisionSan Juan College will be an innovative, dynamic learning college built on mutual respect, meaningful participation and a collective commitment to students, the community and the core values of a comprehensive community college.

ValuesSan Juan College is committed to serving the needs of our students and the community through a process of continuous quality improvement. Incorporating the acronym of “I CARE,” San Juan College upholds and affirms the values of Innovation, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Excellence.

LocationSan Juan College is located on the north side of Farmington, New Mexico with fantastic views of the San Juan and Animas River valleys. The campus is next to the Lions and Glade Run recreation areas with hiking and biking trails and a disk golf course. Nearby is the 18-hole Pinon Hills Golf Course, one of the nation’s top rated municipal courses. In the heart of America’s Southwest, Farmington is surrounded by world class cultural treasures and magnificent landscapes. It’s within sight of Colorado’s rugged San Juan Mountains and the desert highlands of Arizona and Utah. Its year-round pleasant climate makes it a perfect place to enjoy outdoor recreation and travel adventures. Farmington is the commercial center of the Four Corners region. Much of the Farmington community is connected to San Juan College through community events, education, use of the campus fitness center or the OLER program itself. This benefits OLER students, who have the opportunity to connect with the Farmington area’s diverse population. The college has a rich mix of traditional and non-traditional students.

ABOUT SAN JUAN COLLEGESafety Firstn any experiential learning setting there are inherent risks, and safety cannot be 100% guaranteed. Members of the OLER program believe that without a certain degree of risk and opportunity for students to step out of their comfort

zone, learning cannot be maximized. They also believe that with proper classroom preparation and care, the Risk to Reward principle will be in balance.

The OLER program promotes the idea of challenge by choice. Students are encouraged to challenge themselves, but they are never forced to take a risk that’s uncomfortable for them. Backcountry field classes can become complicated in the event of an injury or emergency, so instructors keep a conservative and realistic view on risk in any given class. Classes are operated to industry standards, and instructors are trained to handle any situations that arise.

Some risks that can be encountered include:• Terrain• Equipment• Wildlife• Weather• Human Factors• Water purification• Communications/technology

We cannot plan for every emergency, but we are committed to keeping students and faculty as safe as possible. We do that by keeping risks to a minimum during participation in any class. For questions, concerns or more information on how risk is minimized without losing the essence of the experience, contact the OLER program director at 505-566-3113.

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HECC ProgramsPrograms can be tailored according to time and content, and allows participants to work on many skills including:

• communication • group dynamics • confidence • decision-making • team spirit • trust

Farmington and the Four CornersWarm Weather ActivitiesThree rivers converge in Farmington: the Animas, San Juan and La Plata. They each

have their own offerings, among them whitewater, rowdy tributaries, fantastic kayak-able waterfalls, and tamer whitewater parks. Nearby Navajo Lake, the second largest lake in New Mexico, provides nationally known quality waters for fishing, and it’s a perfect place for sea kayaking and sailing. The area provides several mountain biking and hiking trails. The Southwest is home to a number of cycling and adventure races. With Moab, Utah, only three hours away, there are many recreation opportunities. Rock climbing and mountaineering opportunities abound in the Four Corners area. High alpine big walls exist in the Brazos area of New Mexico and in the southern San Juan Mountains. The latter’s peaks climb to 14,000-plus feet, and some require significant technical skill to summit. Durango, Colorado, located 50 miles north of Farmington, is home to several established climbing crags, and famous Indian Creek is only a 2 ½ - hour drive.

On-Site OLER Facilitiesot only does the OLER program have diverse environments right outside the front door, but we also house an amazing facility on campus. This allows us to immediately transfer what is learned in the traditional classroom into real life experience without having to travel off-site.

The Health and Human Performance Center The OLER program is housed in the Health and Human Performance Center (HHPC), which has two distinct personalities. First, it houses dozens of classrooms and labs that are host to an array of classes for the Health Sciences Department, which includes the OLER Program. Second, a fully functioning Fitness Center with a three-court gym, full weight room, assessment lab, several dance/Yoga studios, an indoor track, café, and a 6,000- square foot climbing tower with bouldering cave. The HHPC is also home to the SJC Rental Center, which serves as outfitter and gear supplier for OLER students and for the community. Several OLER students are employed at the climbing gym and in the Rental Center. This relationship helps them earn a living while studying at SJC. It also connects them with the outdoor community and familiarizes them with all types of outdoor equipment, giving them another marketable skill.

Climbing TowerNot only is the climbing tower used for OLER classes, but it is a huge attraction for area climbers to train on during colder months. The climbing gym hosts several climbing competitions each year, and it is often rented out for community events and youth climbing camps.

Rental CenterThe Rental Center is the local center for outdoor adventure. With the exception of personal clothing and foot wear, the Rental Center carries everything needed for any outdoor muscle powered adventure. Mountain bikes, sea and whitewater kayaks, rafts, backpacks, skis and snowboards are among the items housed there. They may be used at no additional charge for field outings associated with an OLER class, and they may be rented any time for personal trips and adventures.

High Endeavors Challenge Course (HECC)The High Endeavors Challenge Course is a comprehensive challenge course facility that benefits a variety of user groups. It has been located on the San Juan College campus since 1993 and continues to be improved and to serve the community. The course includes space for numerous lawn elements, 13 low elements, an alpine tower, a pamper pole/net leap, and a breath-taker swing. A large shade structure overlooking the course provides an area for participants to gather, eat, or relax after a day on the course. Custom designed programs make the challenge course an effective educational tool for just about everyone in the community. From individuals to families, students, members of community and business organizations, everyone can learn team building and develop personal and professional leadership skills through experiential, adventure-based learning opportunities. Courses can be designed for anything from a half-day of fun to a multiple-day team-building get away. They can even accommodate family reunions.

• cooperation • motivation • creativity • conflict resolution • diversity

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Cold Weather Activities

Several world renowned ice climbing areas exist between Durango and Ouray, Colorado, which boasts the country’s premiere ice climbing park and is home to

the annual Ouray Ice Festival. Climbs such as Stairway to Heaven and Gold Rush can be found near Farmington. Several well known ski areas are located within a two-hour drive of Farmington. A little farther north are some world-class mountains. The San Juan Mountains really shine with the backcountry turns that can be earned there with the bonus of amazing access to incredible terrain. Several Cat and Guide companies are located in the Durango and Silverton areas. Many guides are also instructors for the OLER program, keeping us up to date on changing conditions in the San Juan Mountains. The San Juan Valley and surrounding mountains are so spectacular that students in the OLER program typically graduate with significantly more Outdoor Leadership credits than are required, because they fall in love with the magnificence of outdoor activities in the Southwest.

OLER CurriculumThe OLER program curriculum is experiential in nature. When students take part

in any course, they will learn a wide variety of skills by experiencing various activities. As part of a goal oriented team, they will build relationships, endure hardship and make connections between the curriculum and everyday life. These classes are not only fun, but students learn about self, peers, ethics, values and the world of nature in which they are immersed.

OLER classes are not limited to degree seeking students. Faculty/staff and non-degree students are welcome and encouraged to participate! Classes often evolve to keep up with changes in Experiential and Adventure Education. This fluid evolution must occur to prepare graduates to continue on with their education or join the workforce.

Keeping this evolution in mind, classes fall into five main categories:• General Education Requirements (35 Required Credits)• Core Classes (13 Required Credits)• Expedition Classes (Minimum of 3 Required Credits)• Core Electives (Minimum of 8 Credits Required)• Approved Electives (Students choice to gain experience and expertise in

desired area)

General Education Requirements35 credits of General Education are required for all Associate of Arts degrees, regardless of degree track. The following is a basic list of classes that can be chosen to meet these requirements:

Area I: Communications (Select 9 credits)3 Freshman Composition (ENGL 111)3 Advanced Composition (ENGL 211)3 Public Speaking (COMM 110) OR Interpersonal

Communications (COMM 111)

Area II: Mathematics (Select 3 credits appropriate to transfer major)3 Conceptual Mathematics (MATH 130)3 College Algebra (MATH 160)3 Trigonometry (MATH 180)3 Calculus I (MATH 188)

Area III: Laboratory Science (Select 8 credits appropriate to transfer major)Students may choose courses from one or more disciplines.

4 General Biology (BIOL 110, 121, 122)4 General Chemistry (CHEM 110, 111, 112)4 General Physics (PHYS 211&211L, 212&212L, 215&215L,

216&216L)4 Geology/Earth Sciences (GEOL 110, 111)

Area IV: Social/Behavioral Science (Select 6 – 9 credits)Minimum of 6 credits. Must have 15 credits total between this area and Humanities and Fine Arts.

3 Economics (ECON 251, 252) 3 Political Science (POLS 110, 250) 3 Introduction to Psychology (PSYC 120) 3 Sociology (SOCI 110, 210, 215) 3 Anthropology (ANTH 110, 210, 255) 3 Human Geography (GEOG 145)

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Area V: Humanities and Fine Arts (Select 6 – 9 credits)Minimum of 6 credits. Must have 15 credits total between this area and Social/Behavioral Science.

3 History (HIST 121, 122, 211, 212) 3 Philosophy (PHIL 110, 115) 3 Literature (ENGL 251, 252, 261, 262, 245, 230, 235)3 Orientation in Art (ARTS 110) 3 Music (MUSI 110, 111, 112, 114, 115, 130 0R 131) 3 Theatre (THEA 110, 120) 4 Navajo (NAVA 111, 112) 4 Spanish (SPAN 111, 112)

Core ClassesThe Core OLER classes consist of five soft skill and theory based classes that create a foundation. Each class must be taken to earn the OLER degree. They will provide students with a broad understanding of teaching techniques, risk management, leadership, history, facilitation skills, guiding and group management techniques, resource management, Leave no Trace principles, student/client evaluation techniques, teamwork, theories of Adventure Education and Experiential Education. Although theory based, Core classes are balanced among classroom, field, and self-study to facilitate the finest and most balanced learning environment. 120 Intro to Experiential Education: 3 Credits This course is designed to introduce students to the design and application of a challenge course. It also trains them in the technical skills they will need to instruct and sequence various activities on the Low Challenge Course. The course combines classroom lecture with experiential learning on San Juan College’s High Endeavors Challenge Course. Students will gain an understanding of the history and evolution of challenge course design and purpose. Also covered will be individual element description and safety, activity introduction and framing, spotting techniques, instructor awareness, activity variations, and introductory processing skills.

130 Wilderness and Environmental Ethics: 2 Credits This course is an overview of ethical practices and behavior for anyone utilizing wilderness resources. Topics of study will include low impact camping and traveling methods, history of environmental and wilderness ethics, and current issues in the outdoor recreation industry. Daily readings and writing assignments will be expected. Upon successful completion of this course, each student will be a Leave-No-Trace Master Educator.

140 Wilderness Pursuits: 2 Credits This is an introductory level course with a focus on developing skills related to planning, organizing and executing a backcountry outing. Topics covered include: trip planning and organization, clothing and equipment selection, low impact camping and permitting, menu planning, site selection and set-up, introductory route-finding and navigation, expedition behavior, and safety in a wilderness environment. This course is experiential, in that students will practice skills both in the classroom and during field time. Students will apply their learning by planning and participating in a backpacking expedition.

210 Foundations of Adventure Education: 3 Credits This course provides an introduction to the professional expectations, responsibilities and global opportunities in adventure education. Topics include the meaning of adventure education, clients and settings of adventure programming, the difference

between personal recreation and professional preparation, environmental and social impacts, public land resources, and international trends. The place of nature and ritual is examined through field experience.

225 Wilderness First Responder: 3 Credits This course is designed for students who will work with groups in the backcountry setting at a professional level. Course content will address the issues of long-term patient care, survival skills and backcountry rescue techniques. Upon successful completion, students will be certified as Wilderness First Responders and in CPR through Wilderness Medicine Training Center (WMTC).

Expedition Classes

Expedition classes are the pinnacle of student learning. Each class consists of a seven-day field experience, at a minimum, in each discipline. Students are required to take at least one expedition class to graduate. Most OLER students

take several expedition classes, because they are beautiful locations and because they get to use all the knowledge they gained in each discipline. Expedition classes are often excellent items to add to an OLER student’s resume after graduation, because the experience gained is valuable to the students and to their future employers. Expedition classes call for previous experience either through the OLER program or other personal and educational encounters. A minimum of three credits must be taken from this category.

230 Expedition Sea Kayaking: 3 Credits The Sea Kayak Expedition course focuses on training students to travel safely and efficiently by sea kayak. The course includes introductory navigation, boat lean and edging, rolling, kayak maneuvers, equipment, loading, expedition planning and behavior, and open water rescues. The entire class will be held during a long distance sea kayak expedition on one of the larger lakes of the Southwest. Course graduates should be capable of planning and paddling a multi-day sea kayak trip. This is an ACA Skills class. Each successful participant will earn an ACA Card of Completion.

Expedition Classes (Continued)

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240 Expedition Rafting: 3 Credits The Expedition Rafting course is focused on planning all aspects of a multi-day rafting expedition. Students will learn to travel safely and efficiently by whitewater raft. Topics include boat control and efficient rowing, raft maneuvers, equipment, loading, expedition planning and behavior, wilderness ethics, LNT and rescues. The entire class will be held during a long distance rafting expedition on one of the beautiful and dynamic rivers of the Southwest, depending on water levels. Course graduates should be capable of planning and paddling a multi-day raft trip. This is an ACA Skills class. Each successful participant will earn an ACA Card of Completion.

250 Expedition Backpacking: 3 Credits This class will cover all the topics required to plan and initiate a long distance backpacking expedition. Participants will plan and prepare all logistics of this course including route, menu, equipment, travel logistics, and emergency response. Most field classes will be in remote areas at high elevations. Students must be in good physical condition and able to carry up to 60 pounds for extended amounts of time. It fulfills the Physical Education activity requirement for AA degree. Permission of the instructor is required to enroll.

260 Advanced Rock Climbing: 3 Credits The Advanced Rock Climbing course will introduce students to planning and executing a climbing expedition. This class will explore the wide variety of climbing opportunities in different settings. The entire class will be held in the field, and a multitude of climbing areas will be explored, depending on the group, weather and class goals. Students will be exposed to all types of climbing, from bouldering to traditional lead climbing, depending on the area. Students also will learn expedition behavior and planning, crag safety, LNT, philosophies of ethics in leadership, navigation and adventure climbing techniques. This course prepares students to take the next step towards AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Certification.

Core Electiveso matter how adventure and experiential education is viewed, hard skills are an essential part of the outdoor industry. They need to be balanced with soft skills so that students can become well rounded educators. The

core electives portion of the OLER degree is designed to take students from a basic understanding of technical outdoor skills to expert knowledge of these skills. The classes create a foundation that students can build upon for the rest of their career. They include several nationally recognized certifications and cards of completion. A minimum of 8 credits must be taken from this category.

156 Rock Climbing: 2 Credits This course covers the fundamentals of rock climbing. Students will experience climbing at the SJC Indoor Climbing Facility and at outdoor locations. They will learn equipment selection and usage, belay techniques, anchor systems and climbing skills.

161 Winter Backcountry Travel: 2 Credits This course is designed to cover the skills necessary for extended winter camping and travel in the backcountry on snowshoes or backcountry/telemark skis. Basic ski and snowshoe technique will be taught. The class covers the skills, theory and practices related to winter camping. Students will learn winter equipment selection and usage, snow shelter construction, stoves and cooking, cold related illnesses and avalanche safety.

163 Avalanche Clinic, Level I: 1 Credit This course is designed to teach the basics of avalanche phenomena. Students will learn how to recognize potential avalanche hazards and how to evaluate snow pack conditions. The use of avalanche beacons, probe lines, and searching techniques will be covered both in classroom sessions and in the field through simulated rescue situations. Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive an Avalanche Level 1 certification.

Core Electives (Continued)

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165 Mountaineering: 2 CreditsThis class introduces the experienced backpacker to the basic skills of high alpine technical mountaineering. A broad range of skills and knowledge essential to the practice of mountaineering will be covered. Topics include the alpine environment; route finding and navigation; movement over snow, ice, and rock; rope systems; equipment selection; safety and evacuation procedures.

171 Canoeing: 2 Credits This course introduces students to canoeing on flat water by covering basic skills and safety techniques. As students develop these skills, they will graduate to moving water and, finally, to whitewater applications. Emphasis will be on river reading techniques, strokes, and single and tandem canoeing and safety. This course is an American Canoe Association basic canoe course.

175 Swift Water Rescue: 1 Credit This intensive course is designed to teach students the necessary skills and techniques involved with river rescue situations. Topics will include river dynamics, self-rescue techniques, technical rope systems, organizing and managing rescue scenes, and more. Experience with whitewater activities is recommended. Upon successful completion of this course, students will receive nationally recognized certification and an ACA Swiftwater Rescue Card of Completion.

176 Whitewater Kayaking: 2 Credits This course will introduce students to whitewater kayaking by covering basic skills and safety techniques. Emphasis will be on river reading techniques, strokes, safety, self-rescue, and rescue of others. It will prepare students to effectively run class II whitewater. This class is an American Canoe Association whitewater kayak course, and a course completion card is available.

177 Whitewater Rafting: 2 CreditsStudents will acquire skills and knowledge necessary to independently plan and carry out a successful raft outing. Course content includes raft equipment for paddle and oar rafts, rowing/paddle techniques, instruction and practice of basic rafting technique, rigging, river dynamics and river-reading skills, basic rescue, and handling river related emergencies. The class will prepare students to effectively row or paddle class I to III whitewater. It is an American Canoe Association basic rafting course. Students will receive an ACA course completion card.

178 Intro To Sea Kayaking: 1 Credit This course is designed to introduce students to the world of kayak touring and sea kayaking. The class will consist of classroom, pool and lake time and will cover topics including, but not limited to, kayak navigation, waves, tides and currents, ocean and lake environments, weather, packing, rescues, safety, and expedition planning. It is the recommended pre-requisite for the 7-day Kayak Expedition course that will be held in the summer semester.

220 Experiential Education: 3 Credits Beginning with a brief review of the history, purpose, and application of challenge courses, this class will transition to specific activities involved with the High Challenge Course. Topics include equipment, individual element description and safety, belay techniques, activity introduction and framing, spotting techniques, instructor awareness, activity variations and introductory processing, inspection, maintenance, emergency procedures, participant screening, accident reporting, and rescue skills.

Approved Electives

Once students begin to work though the Core Electives, they can further their experience in any discipline by taking Approved Electives. No classes are required from this category to graduate. However, it is recommended

that students specialize in at least one area, as this will aid their educational or professional career after graduation.

125 Mountain Biking: 1 Credit This course is designed to expose students to the sport of mountain biking and the mountain biking mecca of Moab, Utah. The class will accommodate beginner to advanced riders who want to improve their skills and have a fun weekend of adventure.

150 Wilderness First Aid: 1 Credit This class goes beyond traditional first aid in that it addresses how to handle medical situations in remote wilderness settings. Lectures are combined with practical applications through a variety of hands-on simulations and activities. This course is highly recommended for guides, trip leaders, camp counselors, hunters, rescue team members, outdoor recreation enthusiasts and anyone who spends considerable time in the wilderness or other remote settings. Upon successful completion, students will be certified in Wilderness First Aid through Wilderness Medicine Training Center (WMTC).

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155 Gym Climbing: 1 Credit This course is designed for the beginning climber or for the climber who wishes to gain a review of the basics of climbing in an indoor climbing gym setting. It will cover topics and skills necessary to safely do boulder, top rope, and lead climbing at the HHPC Climbing Facility. Topics covered include: safety, knots, belaying, and basic climbing techniques. The course also is designed to improve the climbing ability and fitness level of each student. Physical participation is required, and students are encouraged to work at their own pace.

157 Sport Climbing: 1 Credit This course is designed for the experienced climber who wishes to gain the knowledge and skills for lead climbing in an indoor and outdoor setting. It will cover the topics and skills necessary to safely lead climb at the HHPC climbing wall. Other topics will include a review of the basics, lead-climbing safety, belaying the leader, lead climbing technique, falling, and advanced climbing technique. It is designed to improve the climbing ability and fitness level of those enrolled.

159 Rock Rescue: 1 Credit During this course, students will learn to be safe, secure and self-sufficient on climbs, and they’ll learn the basics of rescuing themselves or their partner in any climbing situation. The class emphasizes reducing the risks in the first place, teaching new and clever systems and tricks to stay safe. Students will learn the best, most efficient systems. Topics will include basic gear for rescue, anchors, escaping the system, raises and lowers, problem situations, multi-pitch, traverses and scenarios to aide in the learning process. Students must have climbing and rope management experience.

162 Backcountry Ski and Snowboarding: 1 Credit This class will cover winter backcountry travel, safety and equipment while using the comfort and convenience of a backcountry yurt. It’s an an excellent opportunity to learn to make turns in untracked powder, assess snow stability, and select an efficient route for energy conservation. Also covered will be cold related illnesses, avalanche safety, basic ski and snowboard techniques related to backcountry skiing, and skills, theory and practices specific to backcountry skiing. Students will learn winter equipment selection and usage. Participants should have some ski or snowboard experience and be able to carry a backpack while on skis or snowshoes.

164 Ski Mountaineering: 1 Credit The class will focus on all aspects of snow riding in difficult, technical and steep terrain. Topics covered will include avalanche awareness; technical mountaineering skills; steep and powder riding techniques; alpine environment; route finding and navigation; movement over snow, ice, and rock; rope systems; equipment selection; and safety and evacuation procedures. The class also includes three days at a backcountry yurt to access untouched terrain. All participants must have mountaineering or climbing experience and must be competent in black terrain at a ski area.

245 Whitewater Raft Instructor: 3 Credits The American Canoe Association (ACA) Raft Instructor course prepares students to be whitewater raft instructors. It will develop and test students’ proficiencies in safety awareness, technical knowledge, paddling/rowing skills and technique, and teaching ability. Completion of the class does not guarantee that students will become certified. Certification will be dependent upon their teaching ability and rafting skills.

246 Whitewater Kayak Instructor: 3 Credits The American Canoe Association (ACA) Whitewater Kayak Instructor course prepares students to be whitewater kayak instructors. It will develop and test students’ proficiencies in safety awareness, technical knowledge, paddling skills and technique, and teaching ability. Completion of the class does not guarantee that students will become certified. Certification will be dependent upon their teaching ability and kayaking skills.

265 Single Pitch Rock Climbing Instructor: 3 Credits The American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA) Single Pitch Instructor Course (SPI) emphasizes the technical and education proficiency necessary to safely and professionally instruct rock climbing and climbing related activities in a group setting. It is designed for outdoor instructors, aspiring guides, and climbers who facilitate top rope climbing programs in group settings such as camps, schools, universities, therapeutic groups and climbing schools. The class will prepare students to take the AMGA SPI Exam, which will conclude this course.

270 Avalanche Clinic Level II: 2 Credits This course is designed to teach the science of the avalanche phenomenon. Students will learn how to recognize potential hazards and how to scientifically evaluate and anticipate snow pack conditions. The use of measuring and testing aparatus, avalanche beacons, probes, and snow saws will be covered. It also will teach efficient shovel practices and search and rescue techniques, both in classroom sessions and in the field, through simulated rescue situations and field testing labs. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be certified as Avalanche Level II through the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE).

299 Special Topics: 1-6 CreditsSpecial Topic classes are planned and scheduled on an annual basis. These classes are unique to the program and take students to special destinations to explore unfamiliar territory. They will typically fill an OLER degree requirement, usually replacing an expedition class. Up to five credits of 299 Special Topic classes can be used towards graduation to replace approved elective credit. Some examples of past Special Topics classes have included:

· High Altitude Mountaineering: Pico De Orizaba & Volcán Iztaccíhuatl, Mexico

· Sea Kayak and Glacier Expedition: Kenai Peninsula, Alaska· Expedition Sea Kayak: Yellow Stone Lake, Wyoming· Mountaineering and Geology in the Wind River Range: Wyoming· Expedition Sea Kayak: Apostle Islands, Wisconsin· High Altitude Mountaineering and Service Work: Kenya Africa· Whitewater Raft Expedition and Geology: Colorado River, Utah

Contact the OLER director with any questions on program requirements, degree planning or transfer options.

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colle

ge.e

du/o

utdo

or