Introduction to Collegiate Outdoor Programs 101

Introduction to Collegiate Outdoor Programs 101

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NIRSA is committed to creating professional pathways through in-depth explorations of functional areas across collegiate recreation. Complementing available resources such as the Campus Recreation Essentials book series, the Recreation 101 Virtual Courses give NIRSA members the opportunity to establish a core, introductory knowledge base tied to specific content domains.

Recreation 101 Virtual Courses are fully online, asynchronous experiences, meaning participants can take them whenever they like and at their own pace. Each virtual course is anchored by roughly four hours of on-demand video content designed and taught by functional area experts. These courses are designed to be evergreen and will be reviewed and updated periodically to showcase best practices that are currently used across in the profession.

Course Description

This virtual course explores the foundations of running meaningful outdoor recreation programs—from the theories and leadership philosophies that guide trips, to strategies for supervising and developing student staff, to practical steps for planning programs and managing resources. It also emphasizes the importance of risk management, helping professionals distinguish between perceived and actual risks, create comprehensive safety plans, and align their outdoor program offerings with industry standards. The four modules in the virtual course provide a holistic understanding of how outdoor recreation can connect to university missions, foster student growth, and deliver safe experiences of value.

Module Descriptions

The Professional Role & Student Development module explores the role that campus recreation professionals play in fostering both student and staff growth through outdoor programs. It highlights the history and mission of NIRSA, the value of professional networks, and the importance of aligning outdoor recreation initiatives with broader university goals. Key topics include student development strategies, communication, boundary setting, building staff buy-in, and providing opportunities for leadership and experiential learning. Presenters emphasize best practices while encouraging professionals to adapt them to fit their unique program needs.

The Principles of Outdoor Leadership module introduces foundational theories and models of leadership development in outdoor settings. The presenters explore concepts such as servant leadership, situational leadership theory, and the conditional outdoor leadership theory, while emphasizing vision, selflessness, and adaptability as key traits among effective leaders. Learners will take away a guide and a discussion starter for shaping departmental expectations and outdoor recreation leadership training.

The Outdoor Rec Programs module provides an overview of common programs offered through collegiate outdoor recreation. It covers outlining goals, defining target markets, and key operational considerations like equipment rentals, climbing walls, trips, bike shops, and ropes courses. The module emphasizes the flexibility of outdoor programs, noting that no single model fits all institutions. It provides tips to attendees on how to tailor their offerings to meet campus needs, available resources, and community interests.

The Risk Management module provides an overview of identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks related to outdoor recreation programs. It emphasizes that while risk cannot be fully eliminated, careful planning, communication, and training can significantly reduce it. Key topics include pre-trip planning, staff and participant communication, emergency response preparation, and the role of institutional policies and resources. The module serves as a practical guide for outdoor leaders to create safer and more effective experiences.

Other Recreation 101 Virtual Courses

In addition to this Introduction to Collegiate Outdoor Programs 101 course, check out the rest of our Recreation 101 lineup:

About the Institutional Bundle Registration Option: Included with the bundle are five free registration codes. Additional attendees after five can register for a 65% savings over regular individual pricing rates. 

*Registration for any of these Recreation 101 courses grants a 25% discount coupon for any Campus Recreation Essentials book.  

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Module 1: Professional Role & Student Development
Open to view video.
Open to view video. The Professional Role & Student Development module explores the role that campus recreation professionals play in fostering both student and staff growth through outdoor programs. It highlights the history and mission of NIRSA, the value of professional networks, and the importance of aligning outdoor recreation initiatives with broader university goals. Key topics include student development strategies, communication, boundary setting, building staff buy-in, and providing opportunities for leadership and experiential learning. Presenters emphasize best practices while encouraging professionals to adapt them to fit their unique program needs.
You must register to access.
Module 2: Principles of Outdoor Leadership
Open to view video.
Open to view video. The Principles of Outdoor Leadership module introduces foundational theories and models of leadership development in outdoor settings. The presenters explore concepts such as servant leadership, situational leadership theory, and the conditional outdoor leadership theory, while emphasizing vision, selflessness, and adaptability as key traits among effective leaders. Learners will take away a guide and a discussion starter for shaping departmental expectations and outdoor recreation leadership training.
You must register to access.
Module 3: Outdoor Rec Programs
Open to view video.
Open to view video. The Outdoor Rec Programs module provides an overview of common programs offered through collegiate outdoor recreation. It covers outlining goals, defining target markets, and key operational considerations like equipment rentals, climbing walls, trips, bike shops, and ropes courses. The module emphasizes the flexibility of outdoor programs, noting that no single model fits all institutions. It provides tips to attendees on how to tailor their offerings to meet campus needs, available resources, and community interests.
You must register to access.
Module 4: Risk Management
Open to view video.
Open to view video. The Risk Management module provides an overview of identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks related to outdoor recreation programs. It emphasizes that while risk cannot be fully eliminated, careful planning, communication, and training can significantly reduce it. Key topics include pre-trip planning, staff and participant communication, emergency response preparation, and the role of institutional policies and resources. The module serves as a practical guide for outdoor leaders to create safer and more effective experiences.
You must register to access.