The Outdoor Leadership Certification program, which is independent of the University’s academic programs, is made up of eight courses and is intended to prepare students for a career in the outdoor industry. Classes can be completed in as little as one year but must be completed within three years.

The OLC includes five core courses: Introduction to Outdoor Leadership, Wilderness Medicine, Introduction to Backcountry Living, Introduction to the Outdoor Industry and Risk Management, and a weeklong capstone course, where students put what they’ve learned into practical use.

Students also choose three classes from a number of electives: Introduction to Challenging Course Operations and Adventure Training, Introduction to Rock Climbing, Introduction to Paddle Sport Activities, Mountain Biking, Fly Fishing, and Outdoor Leadership Internship.

Each course includes its own certificate — swift water rescue, wilderness first responder, etc. — and earning the OLC from Lynchburg also prepares students to sit for the nationally recognized Wilderness Education Association Certified Outdoor Leader exam.

Courses are taught by Tim Slusser ’22, Lynchburg’s assistant director of recreation and education, and other outdoors professionals from throughout the region.

Core Courses (Required)

Introduction to Outdoor Leadership

In-Person, evenings with three-day weekend intensive

This course also includes teaching principles and planning, implementing, leading, supervising, and evaluating outdoor recreational programs. Emphasis is given to wilderness leadership techniques and programming. Practical application is gained through planning and implementing a group trip.

Wilderness Medicine (Wilderness First Responder)

Hybrid with five-day intensive

Upon completion, you will be able to conduct a thorough physical exam, obtain a patient history, assess vital signs, and provide emergency care in the wilderness. You will learn how to make crucial evacuation decisions as well as preventive medicine in the backcountry.

• Required text: WMA Wilderness Medicine 8th edition (provided in the course cost)

Introduction to Backcountry Living

In this course you’ll learn the basic skills and concepts necessary for backcountry living. Topics include camping, cooking, fire and stove use, equipment, safety, nutrition, map reading skills and navigation, first aid, and leave no trace skills and etiquette.

Introduction to the Outdoor Industry and Risk Management

Hybrid with two-day intensive

In this course you’ll learn how to complete a systematic analysis and the development of a plan for minimizing the risk of harm to clients and staff, and minimizing the risk of legal liability for harm that does occur.

The Capstone of Outdoor Leadership

Week-long intensive

In this course you’ll learn the philosophical background of outdoor leadership and the Wilderness Education Association. The COL is a practical, frontline credential: The Certified Outdoor Leader has received training in and demonstrated competency with the WEA 6+1, and is ready to integrate that training with activity-specific skill development.

• Plan and deliver a high-quality wilderness experience
• Model responsible minimum impact practices
• Exercise good judgment and effective decision-making across a range of program settings

Admissions Requirements

The admission requirements are to ensure the proper commitment and motivations for entering the program. Students must be 18 years old by the first course attended. The admission process will be open to all, with priority admission and pricing given to current University of Lynchburg students.

Scholarships

Please check back for more information.

Course Fees