OLP provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to lead entry-level adventure programs and services. You will learn by doing: activities are primarily field-oriented with hands-on training.

Unlike typical college programs, OLP students have classes from 9am - 4pm, Monday thru Friday, with occasional weekend trips. Our students don't spend much time in an indoor classroom. They train extensively in the field and work with real groups of clients from local agencies within a month of beginning the program, and consistently throughout the year.

All OLP students take the same core classes in the Fall semester. During the Spring Semester students are required to take 4 advanced core classes, and then can choose the remainder (at least two) of their classes from the four specialty Instructor classes.

OLP students

For a detailed description of required courses, please see our online catalog for a complete program description and for course descriptions.

For a more detailed look at how classes and field work are scheduled, please look at the OLP calendar.

Fall semester sequence of courses

  • Introduction to Outdoor Adventure Skills I
  • Group Management for Outdoor Leaders I
  • Adventure Program Planning & Field Work I
  • Wilderness Emergency Preparedness
  • Natural History for Outdoor Leaders
  • Backcountry Travel Instructor
  • Individual Project in Outdoor Leadership I

Spring semester sequence of courses

  • Outdoor Adventure Skills II
  • Group Management for Outdoor Leaders II
  • Fieldwork Experience in Outdoor Leadership II
  • Individual Project in Outdoor Leadership II

Additional electives

  • Rock Climbing Instructor
  • Paddling Instructor
  • Nordic Skiing Instructor
  • Challenge Course Programming Instructor