Spring Semester for Outdoor Educators

Spend 87 days with like-minded people building a strong foundation of outdoor education skills. This semester takes you from Wyoming’s high peaks to Utah’s red canyons, refining the teaching and leadership capabilities needed to work as a professional outdoor educator. You’ll learn various approaches to effective facilitation and be responsible for teaching curriculum throughout the course.

Photo credit: Wilson Cheung

Your semester begins with a 10-day Wilderness First Responder certification, learning to make critical medical and evacuation decisions via classroom case studies and outdoor clinics. From there, you’ll rotate among four sections. 

On the backcountry skiing section (15-21 days) in Wyoming’s mountain ranges, you’ll learn to backcountry ski with sleds, build elaborate snow shelters, and travel in avalanche terrain—earning a NOLS Level 1 Avalanche Certification.

Photo credit: David Morgan

The canyon travel section (23-30 days, 70-120 miles) takes you into southern Utah’s canyon country to navigate complicated terrain—walking canyon bottoms, scouting mesa tops—while minimizing impact in fragile landscapes.

On the river section (16-18 days), you’ll explore Utah’s Green, Yampa, or San Juan Rivers, mastering flatwater and whitewater canoe techniques while scouting rapids and choosing lines in technical water. 

Rock climbing (20-26 days) is base-camp style—you’ll set up camp just once, then progress from basic movement and belaying to multi-pitch routes and natural anchor building.

Photo credit: Anthony Samaripa

Throughout the course, you’ll experiment with different teaching styles while receiving feedback from peers and instructors. As you demonstrate competence, you may travel in student-led groups, culminating in a multi-day independent expedition.

If you’re passionate about education and know the power of an outdoor classroom, this course is for you. You’ll return with technical expertise and teaching experience to lead as a professional outdoor educator.

Photo credit: Prasad Gadgil