REC 240 Wilderness Fall Wilderness Practicum requires completion of pre-requisite courses with a grade of C or higher (PSY 105 Leadership, REC 115 Introduction to Wilderness Recreation Leadership, PED 167 Lifeguarding, HED 160 Wilderness First Responder) and successful completion of 15 credits, cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, and permission of WRL Director. A grade of C or better in REC 240 Wilderness Fall Practicum is required for enrollment in REC 249 Wilderness Winter Practicum. A grade of C or better in REC 249 Wilderness Winter Practicum is required for graduation.

Basic competency courses may be required of students who need to develop learning skills. A maximum of 6 credits of basic skills courses may be applied toward a degree in the General Electives area.

Student Outcomes

Upon completion of the A.S. Wilderness Recreation Leadership degree program, students should have the ability to:

1. Basic Competencies
   1. Use math skills to complete job related tasks such as calculating map information, writing budgets, planning trip logistics, and reading professional literature of a statistical nature.
   2. Demonstrate writing skills needed to complete job related tasks such as composing reports and field notes, designing course syllabi and plans, writing business correspondence, etc.
   3. Read at a level that allows comprehension of a variety of publications routinely used in the outdoor recreation field including staff policy manuals, land management regulations, regional guidebooks, etc.
   4. Operate a computer to assist in job functions using the following applications:
      1. Word Processor: Compose reports and other documents
      2. Spreadsheet: Plan food and other trip logistics, inventory equipment
      3. E-Mail: Correspond with co-workers and/or participants
      4. Internet: Research trip destinations, download maps & teaching materials, order program equipment
      5. Power Point: Design professional presentations or classroom lessons
   5. Comfortably speak in front of a large group of people and competently disseminate information
2. Professional Competencies
   1. Identify and articulate a code of ethics as related to the field of outdoor recreation and make professional and personal decisions based on this ethical framework.
   2. Articulate how the outdoor recreation subspecialty fits into the larger discipline of recreation.
   3. Apply management concepts in an outdoor recreation context.
   4. Assess and manage risk in a variety of recreation related contexts.
   5. Demonstrate awareness of legal issues that affect the outdoor recreation industry such as liability, negligence, use of waivers and assumption of risk forms.
   6. Consider environmental and social issues when making decisions related to outdoor recreation programming.
   7. Apply and maintain a working knowledge of environmental science topics and incorporate these topics into outdoor recreation programming.
   8. Articulate a personal philosophy regarding wilderness and understand current wilderness issues & management techniques.
   9. Understand the experiential education process and plan & implement effective experiential lessons.
3. Interpersonal Competencies
   1. Interpret and effectively manage group dynamics issues.
   2. Identify leadership styles and apply leadership theory in a group setting.
   3. Understand the needs of and facilitate programming for diverse and special populations.
   4. Create and maintain an effective and safe learning environment for others.
   5. Understand different learning styles.
   6. Work closely and live with others in a stressful environment.
4. Outdoor Technical Competencies
   1. Assess risk in a field setting and modify trip plans accordingly.
   2. Care for an injured client or victim according to Wilderness Medicine protocols.
   3. Rescue a victim from a water emergency.
   4. Apply Leave No Trace principles in a variety of field settings.
   5. Follow protocol or accepted practices as outlined by an employer or professional association.
   6. Demonstrate the technical skills required to safely participate in and plan the following outdoor activities:
      1. Backpacking
      2. Canoeing
      3. X-C Skiing or Snowshoeing
      4. Winter Mountain Travel
      5. Top Rope Climbing and Belaying (Ice or Rock)
      6. Backcountry Navigation