Hands-on learning and group problem-solving are at the heart of the Outdoor Leadership Program which is designed exclusively for former A THOUSAND SUMMERS Campership recipients aged 17-19 years. The program is centered around an awe-inspiring summer wilderness expedition designed to continue the personal growth and leadership development that our Campership Program has built, while also providing the baseline skills necessary to secure access to our Camp Fellowship Program and employment in the outdoor industry.
The program, operated in collaboration with Open Roads, focuses on equipping a cohort of between 8 and 12 participants with the fundamentals of outdoor leadership, Wilderness First Aid and Leave No Trace training and certification, trip planning, and interpersonal and leadership skills that are highly coveted in the outdoor industry and other professional settings. Following the summer expedition, we work with the participants to identify relevant work opportunities and provide assistance with applications to secure future employment at summer camp and in the outdoor industry.
What will I learn from this program?
Learn the technical skills necessary for outdoor recreation, but more importantly, learn leadership and communication skills necessary for success in everyday life.
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- Build relationships across the cohort through shared experience
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- Develop teambuilding, leadership, and wilderness skills
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- Reconnect with nature and each other through education, service, and training
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- Obtain valuable outdoor industry-recognized certifications
- Receive an introduction to career and leadership pathways in outdoor education and outdoor recreation
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Program Highlights
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- Pre-expedition virtual seminars to prepare participants and introduce them to the expedition leaders
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- 2-week summer backpacking and river travel expedition that incorporates: leadership development, wilderness trip-related certification, service-learning/servant leadership, environmental education, and self-reflection
- Post-expedition support to assist participants who wish to secure a place on our Camp Fellowship Program and future employment in the outdoor industry
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Sample Expedition Schedule
DAY 1
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- Arrive at Denver International Airport
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- Drive to Bogan Flats Group camp outside Marble, Colorado
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- Set up a group camp, learn the basics of tent location choice, kitchen set up, and establishing group gathering areas
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- Prepare a first family-style meal
- End-of-night check-in circle
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DAY 2
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- Morning routine ○ stretching, yoga, buffet breakfast
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- The “why” of Outdoor Education ○ examine some of the history, research, and support for the outdoors as a source of personal growth and health
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- Day Hike ○ what to pack as a leader/guide ○ assessing group dynamics for risk management ○ how to use a map and compass ○ trail lunch and hydration
- Evening program ○ creating and maintaining group dynamics, and setting our own group intentions/commitments
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DAY 3
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- Outdoor Trip Leaders Workshop Intro ○ camp set up, gear maintenance ○ Cooking and cleaning: safe food handling- food storage, food groups and menu planning, how to cook, clean up time ○ learn/participate in team building games ○ group environment expectations: how to listen/talk with others ○ no harassment policy ○ health and wellness in the backcountry- social-emotional wellness ○ risk management in the backcountry: environmental hazards (weather, animals, and plants), shoes and clothing, river crossing, snow and ice ○ water purification ○ bathroom etiquette (frontcountry, backcountry, river, etc)
- Leave No Trace 101 Workshop and Certification ○ learn the basics of Leave No Trace ○ Leave No Trace will be utilized and taught in all elements of the trip leaders workshop and will be performed throughout the expedition
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DAY 4
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- Move to expedition base camp in Marble, Colorado
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- Documentary Storytelling ○ why do stories matter in outdoor education? ○ learning to listen to stories ○ interviews with participants about their summer camp experiences and why time in nature matters ○ journaling for emotional wellness ○ begin a series of writing prompts and intentional journal time that will continue throughout the expedition as a way to document and reflect on our learning and outdoor experiences
- Comfort Zones ○ what is the difference between being in our comfort zone, being outside our comfort zone, and being in our discomfort zone? ○ why should we push them? ○ how pushing outside our comfort zone can have a positive effect on personal growth and emotional health
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DAYS 5 – 6
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- Wilderness First Aid Training and Certification
DAYS 7-9
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- Backpacking Trip ○ pack for, and lead/shadow guide a two-night backpacking trip in the breathtaking Rocky Mountains
- Service Work ○ trail maintenance service work along the route
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DAY 10
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- Return to base camp
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- Recap of the week, interviews, and finish any formal classroom teaching
- Community Service Day
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Day 11 – 13
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- River Rafting ○ drive to Green River, Utah to begin a three-day raft trip
Hit the open waters of Westwater Canyon – called “the West’s best short whitewater trip” by National Geographic. Discover the majesty of the Colorado River. Run exciting rapids through a billion-year-old canyon made of polished black stone. Explore side canyons and climb to the rim for a bird’s eye view and kick back on a raft and let the world float by. Dig your toes into the sand beaches at camp, journal, and share intentional conversations. This is the moment to imagine a bigger world ahead.
River Rafting Day 1 ○ learn how to pack for a river trip ○ launch into Ruby Canyon, characterized by smooth sandstone walls and unique pillars ○ hike up Rattlesnake Canyon to reveal a variety of desert plants and wildlife ○ set up camp on the sand beach at Black Rocks, where 1.7 billion-year-old black schist provides a stunning background setting ○ riverside dinner, games, campfire, and evening stargazing
River Rafting Day 2 ○ start the day with a leisurely breakfast ○ relaxing float and a hike to Little Hole Canyon’s natural amphitheater where Native American rock art can be seen ○ set up camp near Little Dolores canyon ○ hike up the side canyon to discover a desert waterfall and swimming hole ○ riverside dinner, games, campfire, and evening stargazing
River Rafting Day 3 ○ start the day with a leisurely breakfast before rigging up for the rapids of Westwater, including one of Colorado’s bigger drops ○ take out from the river in the early afternoon ○ drive to a campground near Denver for a closing dinner and trip reflection
DAY 14
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- Depart from Denver International Airport
“The Outdoor Leadership Program is in response to our commitment to support our youth with leadership development opportunities that build upon their affinity for nature and sense of adventure and which also offers them the chance to transition into wilderness leaders, while continuing to make camp and outdoor education more inclusive and equitable.”
Tim Lucas, Executive Director
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?
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- Former A THOUSAND SUMMERS Campership recipients between the ages of 17 and 19
WHAT DOES THE PROGRAM COST?
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- A THOUSAND SUMMERS and its partners cover 100% of the cost of the program
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- Participants are required to fund their travel to/from Denver International Airport1
- Participants are responsible for acquiring the appropriate clothing and equipment necessary for the expedition2 (a list of required items is available)
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- A THOUSAND SUMMERS may be able to assist with travel expenses. ↩︎
- A THOUSAND SUMMERS and its partners may be able to assist with some of these expenses. ↩︎
Operated in collaboration with
