The department of Recreation and Leisure Studies offers a Fall semester program that allows you to concentrate your studies on outdoor leadership and certification skills as well as a thorough investigation of the foundations, philosophies, and cultural dimensions of outdoor education. The end goal of the semester is to train and certify visionary leaders who are prepared to be agents of change in the world whether in a wilderness context or some other context where these transferable skills are implemented.
Housing and meals are provided in a small-group, living and learning community located in Gloucester, MA, not far from the Gordon College campus. The extended wilderness training and certification expedition has been held in two different locations: in 2005 the semester offered a 21-day sea kayaking and mountaineering expedition in Baja, and in 2007 students traveled to Wyoming's Wind River Range for a 25-day backpacking expedition. Successful completion of the semester by Gordon students allows the option to apply the courses--with one practicum requirement--to an outdoor education minor or a concentration within the Recreation and Leisure Studies Department.
QUALIFICATIONS:
The total number of students will be limited to a maximum of 12. Gordon students majoring in Recreation and Leisure Studies will be given preference in the program, but other Gordon College students and students in non-Gordon CCCU colleges are welcome to apply. All participants should be able to:
- Make the statement of Christian faith expected of Gordon College students
- Be physically prepared to handle a rigorous outdoor training
- Adjust to a small-group intensive living/learning experience
- Handle a challenging academic curriculum
- Have a minimum 2.5 overall GPA entering the application process
CURRICULUM:
The Immersion Semester in Outdoor Education utilizes a format of "block" classes which provides students an opportunity to focus and interact with one subject at a time. Most courses utilize extensive field opportunities as well as an exciting slate of guest lecturers and experts in the field as well as visits to other adventure programs around New England.
Students earn 16 credits, taking the following courses:
- OE240 - Foundations of Outdoor Education - 4CR
- OE243 - Philosophies and Theories of Outdoor Education and Leadership - 4CR
- OE343 - Expeditionary Training and Wilderness Education Association Certification - 4CR
- OE371 - Humans, Nature and Human Nature - 4CR
In addition to the 16 credits, the Immersion Semester provides the following experiences:
- "Outdoor Leadership" certification from the Wilderness Education Association
- "Wilderness First Responder" certification from the Wilderness Medical Associates
- "Leave No Trace" certification taught by our own LNT master educator
- AMGA "top-roping anchors" workshop led by a renowned rock-climbing guide in New Hampshire
- Advanced skill ropes course workshop taught by our own Project Adventure trainer
- Introductory workshops in sea kayaking, orienteering, GPS (global positioning systems), etc.
DEADLINES:
This program is offered Fall only, on odd-numbered years (2007, 2009, etc.) Application is on-line ("Apply for Immersion in Outdoor Education" to the left above). The next semester program will not be offered until 2009.
COSTS:
Both Gordon students and non-Gordon students pay normal Gordon costs for the semester (tuition, light board, room and fees.) Please reference the current year's cost for these charges. Gordon students may apply all scholarships, loans, etc. to the cost of the program. Non-Gordon students should check with their home institution regarding financial assistance policies.
Included in the costs are:
- Tuition
- Certification fees
- Ground transportation to all program-related venues
- Round-trip airfare to the wilderness certification venue
- Room and board
CONTACT
Dr. Cliff Hersey, Dean
The Global Education Office
p: 978.867.4399
Dr. Valerie Gin, chair,
Recreation and Leisure Studies
p: 978.867.4337
e: valerie.gin
gordon.edu
Rich Obenschain
Recreation and Leisure Studies
Director of Outdoor Education
p: 978.867.4069
e: rich.obenschaingordon.edu
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