Certificate in Outdoor Adventure

The Outdoor Adventure Certificate program introduces students to a variety of outdoor adventure activities such as backpacking, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, and challenge course facilitation. This cross-disciplinary initiative combines the resources and services of the School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism and Hemlock Overlook Center for Outdoor Education.

All students must complete a total of 24 credits in the certificate program. The breakdown of required core and elective coursework is outlined below. At least 15 credits must be completed at George Mason University. Any coursework completed at another institution must be approved for transfer by the School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism. Coursework can be completed while pursuing a degree and is open to students majoring in all disciplines.

Develop Your Outdoor Leadership Skills

Becoming an outdoor adventure leader is for those individuals who are interested in exploring and/or guiding others in the outdoors. The Outdoor Adventure Certificate coursework focuses on hard (technical) and soft (theory) skills learned experientially while participating in the outdoor adventure curriculum.

Students will become certified as Wilderness First Responders and Leave-No-Trace Trainers. Students completing the certificate requirements will be fully prepared to work as challenge course facilitators and outdoor adventure instructors at Outdoor Education/Adventure Education organizations.

The following competencies will be the focus of coursework:

• • Group Dynamics
  • Problem Solving
  • Communication Skills
  • Leadership Skills
  • Safety Practices
  • Good Judgment
  • Experiential Education Processes

Courses

Required Core Courses (15 credits)

• PRLS 110 Exploring Outdoor Adventure (2)
  PRLS 210 Introduction to Recreation and Leisure (3)
  PRLS 214 Field Study in Natural History (3)
  PRLS 220 Experiential Education Theory (3)
  PRLS 221 Challenge Course Facilitator Field Work (2)
  PRLS 316 Outdoor Recreation and Education (3)

Elective Courses (9 credits)

• PRLS 115 Introduction to Fly Fishing (1)
  PRLS 117 Introduction to Rock Climbing (2)
  PRLS 120 Introduction to Backpacking (2)
  PRLS 170 Introduction to Whitewater Kayaking (1)
  PRLS 173 Basic Coastal Kayaking (2)
  PRLS 180 Whitewater Canoeing (2)
  PRLS 181 Whitewater Canoeing II (2)
  PRLS 190 Downhill and Cross-Country Skiing (1)
  PRLS 200 Wilderness First Responder (2)
  PRLS 250 Wilderness Travel and Outdoor Leadership (2)

Declare Your Intent to Pursue the Outdoor Adventure Certificate

1. Complete the Change/Declaration of Academic Program Form available at: http://registrar.gmu.edu/forms.html

2. Complete section “Declaration of Certificate Program.” Write in Code OADV and add the CIP Code 310501.

3. The completed form may be faxed to the School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism at 703-993-2025, intercampus mailed to RHT at MSN 4E5, or hand delivered to Suite 213, Bull Run Hall (Prince William Campus) between 8:30am and 4:30pm Monday through Friday.

For more information about the Certificate in Outdoor Adventure, contact:

• Dr. Ellen Rodgers
• Coordinator, Parks and Outdoor Recreation Program
• 703-993-2085
• erodger1@gmu.edu