Interpersonal skills

"A most valuable aspect was the human relations/group dynamics skills I learned. Knowing technical skills is important but to me the quality of the program depends on the leader's ability to read the group, help process information, and keep things positive and healthy." - Tashima Wildrose

While an emphasis on technical skills is a significant and essential part of the OLP curriculum, OLP staff also recognize that human relation skills are equal to or even more important to the success of outdoor leaders. To support and balance technical skill development, the curriculum provides:

  • a theoretical and practical perspective on individual roles and group development;
  • communication and appropriate feedback;
  • learning, teaching and leadership styles;
  • co-leadership dynamics;
  • conflict resolution techniques;
  • and self and group evaluation.

Hiker

Special seminars focus on issues in responsible leadership, including professional ethics and social justice considerations.

You and other adult learners will spend a full academic year together with core instructional staff as an experiential learning community. You'll join a group of students with a range of ages and outdoor experience, including college graduates, people making career changes, first time college students, and professionals seeking specialized training. You'll get to know them well, developing and practicing the interpersonal skills a leader needs in the OLP's "living laboratory." Best of all, students are highly motivated lifelong learners with a strong desire to continually improve skills. You can't get this kind of in-depth experience and continuity in a more traditional two- or four-year academic program.

"I found the most valuable aspect of OLP to be in the area of group facilitation. After my experiences in the field, I found it easier to learn technical skills than it is to learn the soft skills. I appreciate the way OLP prepared me in terms of group and personal interaction skills." - Peggy Churchill