Outdoor Leadership

The Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources gives students many opportunities to get outside and put their practical skills to the test with our many field and global experiences. In one of the many field learning programs available, students research winter ecology in Grand Teton National Park. Students spend their days snowshoeing and cross-country skiing with the goal of understanding ecological processes in extreme conditions. During this program, students also learn winter naturalist skills and study snowpack science and safety.

Students earn the following certifications as part of the minor:

Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
Adult, Child and Infant CPR
AED and Airway Management
Epinephrine Auto-Injector
Behavioral First Responder (BFR)
Leave No Trace

The University of Wyoming’s outdoor program is an incredible resource for every student who loves the outdoors. The outdoor program is a branch of the campus recreation department and strives to expose students to nature while providing skill and leadership development opportunities.

The outdoor program includes an indoor climbing wall and an equipment rental center. It also facilitates seasonal outings, guest speakers, an outdoor leadership development program (OLDS) and an outdoor guide certification course. The certification course is an online training program designed to provide aspiring or established guides the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in the industry, regardless of their area of outdoor expertise. If you want to become, or improve as, a rock climbing, rafting, cycling, snowmobiling, horseback riding or skiing instructor (or any other form of outdoor guide) this training is specifically designed for you!

Outdoor leadership is a unique minor, so it’s no surprise the program is filled with one-of-a-kind courses. Here are just a few of the classes you can take:

• Intro to Outdoor Leadership: This course is designed to increase self-awareness, judgment and decision-making in the outdoors. The specific skills and theories students learn provide a foundation for other leadership endeavors. 
• Alpine Climate & Culture: This course considers how we are adapting our relationship to mountains as pressures from climate change — such as glacial retreat, permafrost warning and increased hazards and shifts in agriculture, forestry, and tourism — are mounting. This class includes an optional summer travel experience in which students explore the landscapes and cultures of Europe’s high alpine and surrounding communities on foot.  
• Behavior Management & Mental Health Promotion for Outdoor Professionals: This course focuses on understanding and addressing humans’ behavioral, emotional and social needs. It emphasizes holistic approaches to behavior interpretation and mental health promotion and includes hands-on training in de-escalation, problem-solving, identifying motivators and preparing students for diverse scenarios.

Minor students can also earn class credit for participating in outdoor education expedition courses offered by the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), like Patagonia Sea Kayaking, Alaska Backpacking and Baja Coastal Sailing.