For returning students who may be considering pursuing a degree that is unique and personally demanding, the recreation education industry is moving into high gear. The area of outdoor recreation sports specifically is a growing segment of the sport activity arena that offers an exceptional opportunity for education and professional development.
There are several areas of the country that are natural venues for adventure programs, offering quality degree and certificate programs. A combination of the basic academic core curriculum is paired with a technical trade school training program for outdoor leadership skills.
The nature of this program requires that there be access to venues where sports such as rafting, kayaking, skiing or snowboarding, or mountain climbing is possible. Graduates of these programs can look forward to a continuing education experience in a four-year college or work directly in the field.
Adirondack Community College in upstate New York offers an Adventure Sports Leadership and Management Associates Degree as well as a related Certificate program. Its close proximity to the six million acre Adirondack Park and related recreational industry in the area makes this an ideal location for honing the required skills. Once the required core curriculum has been satisfied, the focus is on teaching professional skills in outdoor recreation, developing leadership ability and fostering environmental awareness. Requisite courses include:
- Fundamentals of Backcountry Living
- Introduction to Eastern Mountaineering
- Adventure Based Programming
- Outdoor Emergency Care
- Safety and Swiftwater Rescue
There are several courses involving alpine skiing, canoeing, Air Balloon Ride and white water paddle sports. Students successful in this program may opt to continue on to a four-year university with an eye on teaching, guiding, or working directly in the field.
The Colorado Rocky Mountain region also offers an incredible outdoor classroom opportunity. At Prescott College, the emphasis is on producing graduates with a firm understanding of the theory and interpersonal skills required to gain mastery within this industry. Their goal is to provide education and strong leadership training for those interested in teaching or guiding high risk sports such as whitewater rafting, mountain climbing, or skiing. This college offers concentrations in the following areas:
- Adventure Education with an Emphasis in Wilderness Leadership
- Adventure Education with an Emphasis in Outdoor Experiential Education
Particularly attractive for those living in resort and recreation areas, programs of this type are becoming more widely available and appropriate for returning students as well as adult students. Continuing education opportunities in this field are ongoing and appear to be poised for continued growth.
