About Foundations of Recreation Land Management
Students explore the scope and value of outdoor leadership in society while examining both the theory and practice of the profession. Topics include leadership theories, judgment and decision-making, teaching and facilitation, safety and risk management, environmental stewardship, and program management.
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Hands-on experience is built into the course through two field components: a challenge course experience and a service-learning project, giving students the opportunity to apply concepts in real-world outdoor settings.
Students begin by learning the foundational principles of wilderness education and outdoor leadership, including leadership theories, facilitation, and professional ethics. From there, the course explores judgment and decision-making, safety and risk management, and program and expedition planning. Through hands-on experiences like the challenge course and service-learning projects, students gain insight into the skills, strategies, and stewardship practices that define effective outdoor leadership in real-world settings.
We meet students where they are.
Course Format & Time Commitment
This course combines classroom learning with hands-on exploration of wilderness education and outdoor leadership in practice. Students examine leadership theories, decision-making, facilitation strategies, safety, and program management through discussions, reflections, and applied experiences like the challenge course and service-learning projects.
Course length:​​ Quarter
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* Each course includes a required one-hour Zoom session.
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What to Expect
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Classroom discussions on leadership, teaching, and professional ethics
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Hands-on practice during the challenge course and service-learning field components
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Reflection exercises and professional portfolio development
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Research, decision-making, and experiential assignments
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Full participation in both on-campus and off-campus activities
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Daily schedules, meeting locations, total instructional hours, and trip-specific details are provided with each course offering.
You won’t just study leadership and facilitation, you’ll apply them in real-world settings through challenge course activities, service-learning projects, and guided practice.
You’ll build practical backcountry skills including:
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The history, philosophy, and professional context of wilderness education and outdoor leadership
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Leadership theories, judgment and decision-making, and leadership styles
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Teaching versus facilitation, and strategies for personal and interpersonal development
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Safety and risk management in outdoor settings
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Environmental stewardship and responsible program management
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Expedition planning, program assessment, and evaluation methods
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Professional development tools, including portfolios, resumes, and cover letters
What You’ll Learn
Course Fees & What You'll Get
Approximate Costs:
CA Residents = $139.50

Non-CA Residents = $1,381.50


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Additional Course Fees: TBA
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When you enroll in our Fundamentals of Wilderness Education and Outdoor Leadership course, you’re getting more than instruction time.
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Materials You'll Receive:​​
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Rite in the Rain Notebook with Mini Pencil
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WEOL Branded Chapstick
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WEOL Branded Mini Sunscreen
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Mini Hand Sanitizer
Transportation & Logistics
When course activities take place off campus, WEOL provides transportation to field locations when possible. Our vehicles allow us to safely transport students while minimizing congestion and environmental impact at recreation sites.
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This helps students focus on learning and observing recreation management in real-world settings while WEOL handles the logistics responsibly. Field visits are designed to connect classroom concepts with the landscapes and recreation systems of the Lake Tahoe Basin.
Nature
Lovers
Who it’s for
Outdoor Enthusiasts
Outdoor Educators
Mountain Climbers
Weekend Adventurers
You & Your Backcountry Partner
Meet Your Instructor
Name & preferred pronouns: Sarah (she/her)
Favorite outdoor activities: So hard to choose just one, but I do really love trail running these days.
Favorite outdoor piece of gear: I made the switch to a quality pair of sunglasses with transition lenses a couple years ago (Julbo Fury), and absolutely love them for everything!
Favorite outdoor meal: Dutch oven peach cobbler.
Advisory​
This course will require active participation on a challenge course and service learning project.
Prerequisites
& Advisories
FAQ
1. Do I need prior outdoor experience?
No prior experience is required. This course is designed to introduce students to professional practices in wilderness education and outdoor leadership.
2. What are the field components?
Students participate in a challenge course experience and a service-learning project to apply classroom concepts in real-world outdoor settings.
3. What types of assignments are included?
Assignments include professional portfolios, philosophy statements, journals, reflection papers, leadership exercises, and research projects.
4. Will I learn about safety and risk management?
Yes. Safety and risk management strategies are a core part of the curriculum, giving students the tools to lead responsibly in inherently risky outdoor settings.
5. How does this course prepare me professionally?
Students develop foundational leadership, teaching, and facilitation skills, gain experience with program and expedition planning, and produce a professional portfolio to support career development in outdoor leadership.
Ready to Lead in the Outdoors?
Take the first step toward building your skills, confidence, and professional foundation in wilderness education and outdoor leadership. Enroll today and start your journey with WEOL at LTCC.