Brian Hensien
Come learn how to teach in the world’s best classroom—the outdoors. This course is designed for people who want to become professionals in the field of outdoor education. Go from the high peaks of Wyoming to the red canyons of Utah while backpacking, skiing, or climbing. Immerse yourself in a range of environments from camping in snow shelters to climbing granite domes. As you spend time in the outdoors, you’ll learn techniques for teaching in large and small groups, including facilitation and debrief skills. Other topics you will cover include risk management for groups in remote places, Leave No Trace, and first aid, with the opportunity to earn a Wilderness First Responder certification.
Leadership will also be a key focus of this course. Giving and receiving feedback after teaching a class becomes a lesson in communication. Learning to navigate off-trail is your opportunity to practice risk management and develop judgment. Reflecting on the different environments you travel through deepens your sense of place and sense of stewardship. You’ll form a tight network of peers who share your goals and passion for education. If teaching in the outdoors is your goal, then there’s no better way to gain real-world experience by spending time learning and teaching in the wilderness.
“I feel more comfortable making tough decisions, a sense of ease while teaching topics to a group and the ability to interact with my peers more effectively. Most importantly I feel like I can leave this course and take the knowledge I have gained and put it to use by leading trips into the backcountry professionally.”