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Outer Island Sunset, Apostle Islands, Lake Superior

                                                                                                                                                                         From a Ryan Brady Photo

 

Northland College

Department of Outdoor Education

Wilderness Instructor Training Syllabus, OED 346

 

I.                   Course Information 

 

Course: OED 346 Wilderness Instructor Training

Semester: Spring, 2005

Dates:  May 2nd-May 27th

Credits: 3 credits

Fee: $450.00

Instructor: Paul Van Horn

Office: Wheeler Hall 313

Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 12:00-3:00 p.m.

Phone: 682-1324

E-mail: pvanhorn@northland.edu 

 

II.                Course Description:

 

This course will adhere to the spirit of Wilderness Instructor Training in that you will be leading and participating in experiences that will challenge your leadership and teamwork, and offer the potential for new learnings and insights.   Although there have been other WIT courses in the past, this will be a new and unique experience.   

 

III.             Intended Learning Outcomes:  

  • Gain a greater understanding of how to teach in a backcountry environment.

  • Develop skills in the art of traveling and camping in the backcountry.

  • Develop risk management skills in a backcountry environment.

  • Develop backcountry leadership skills.

  • Develop skills and knowledge specific to traveling and living in the desert.

  • Develop minimum impact skills, especially those unique to a desert environment.

  • Develop an appreciation for the use of traditional living skills in an adventure education program.

  • Gain knowledge into the flora, fauna, geology and cultural history of the Desert Southwest. 

IV.              Schedule:  Here’s our tentative schedule:

 

May 2nd: Final packing, load trailer.

May 3rd:  Depart for Nebraska, camp west of Omaha

May 4th: Travel to Colorado, camp in National Forest near Idaho Springs

May 5th: Travel to Boulder Utah

May 6th:  Final preparations, hit the trail in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument!!!!

May 22nd:  Out of the field, spend night in/around Boulder

May 23rd: Depart for Grays/Torrey’s Peaks trailhead (Glenwood Hot Springs along the way!)

May 24th:  Hike to summits of Gray’s and Torrey’s Peaks

May 25th: Drive to Nebraska

May 26th:  Return to Ashland

May 27th:  Unpack, clean gear, course evaluations.

 

V.                 Evaluation

 

Evaluation for this course will be based on two things:

  • Field-based evaluation of leadership, expedition, and teaching behaviors (attached) (50%)

  • Final reflection journal detailing individual learnings (50%) –description of this assignment attached.

VI.              Final Grade Conversion:

 

 

IX.              Professional Recommendation

 

If you would like to receive a letter of recommendation for employment or graduate work based on your participation in this class you should consider the following: Be punctual and prepared for classes and each day on the trail. Be positive, proactive, and open to new ideas.  Take care of yourself and others.  Actively participate in class discussions and group chores around camp. Be polite, professional and courteous.  Above all, radiate enthusiasm for each and every moment, and each opportunity to learn and grow!

 

X.                 Academic Assistance:

Students in need of academic or medical accommodation should contact Judi Holevatz, R.N., Disabilities Coordinator, @ ext. 1340, Rm. 206 of the Ponzio Center.