No outdoor recreation experience is required! The Outdoor Leadership Experience (OLE) is a course designed to introduce students to the foundations and applications of outdoor, adventure-based leadership for them to effectively and safely lead outdoor trips for PSO, Passages, and other groups beyond Puget Sound. Much of the training emphasizes personal growth, leadership skills, group development, and risk management. Participants will also develop the technical skills necessary to effectively lead day hikes, backpacking, and other trips for Puget Sound.
Outdoor Leadership Experience
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Outdoor Leadership Experience Information
OLE is required to be a trip leader with PSO and the Passages Program.
OLE consists of classroom sessions that meet once a week for two hours during the spring semester followed by a backpacking trip on the Olympic Coast after the semester ends. Participation in all classes and the field session is required to be considered a leader for PSO and/or Passages.
OLE Spring 2023 Class Schedule
| Class Session | Date |
|---|---|
| 1 | week of March 27 |
| 2 | week of April 3 |
| 3 | week of April 10 |
| 4 | week of April 17 |
| 5 | week of April 24 |
Practical and Field Experiences
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| OLE Participants Prepare Housing (on-campus students only) | May 15, 2023 - 8am-12pm |
| Final Trip Preparation | May 15, 2023 - 1-5pm |
| Emergency Protocol Training | May 16, 2023 - 9-11am |
| Van Driver Training | May 16, 2023 - 11:30am-6pm (staggered participation) |
| Field Session - Olympic Coast Backpacking | May 17-20, 2023 |
| Clean-up, Debrief, and Celebration | May 21, 2023 |
Costs:
- Course Fee - $30 (Waived for Passages Leaders)
- This is to cover classroom materials and food, transportation, and equipment for the field session. We have backpacking and camping equipment for you to use. All you will need to provide are personal items such as clothing, medication, etc.
- Wilderness Medical Training - either a WFA, WFR or WAFA are required to lead overnight trips. See the certifications and training sheet below.
- Food Handlers Permit - you will need a food handlers permit to prepare and serve food. See the certifications and training sheet below.
- If these costs are a barrier to your involvement, please contact Kevin Buchanan to discuss financial aid.
OLE Application
Applications are due Monday, March 20 at 11:59pm PST.