Custom Group Paddle Tour posing for a picture all holding paddles and sitting on and around kayaks.

We are bringing back UMass Lowell (UML)'s popular Outdoor Leadership Class! This is your chance to join UML professional outdoor staff Kate Ford and Kevin Soleil to get outside, learn new skills, and grow your leadership ability!

This class is targeted at students who wish to gain more outdoor skills with an eye towards potentially leading trips in the future. If you've been interested in being an Outdoor Adventure Program trip leader for UML, or have dreams of working in other outdoor recreation jobs elsewhere in Massachusetts or beyond, this is a great resume-builder and a great way to build your skills! It is a great way to get to know new friends who share your interests, as well!

The cost of the course is$70. This covers a classroom session, a full day hiking trip, and a two-night weekend camping trip, plus all the fun of learning from our professional staff, hanging out with other awesome people, learning new skills, and potentially leading to your next new job! All food, equipment, and transportation is covered. The food alone for these two trips is more than $100, so this price is a deal for everything you gain!

Nervous that you don't know enough?? Don't worry - this class is geared towards people with an interest in the outdoors but who haven't necessarily done a lot of outdoor sports. We created this course in order to give students a solid amount of experience practicing skills, learning about educational frameworks, and honing leadership skills while doing different outdoor activities. You don't need to come with a ton of experience - only a willing attitude to learn!

Register online - Fall 2023 Outdoor Leadership Class

Two women smile wearing backpacking in the woods Image by Justin Yung

Schedule

Each student should be prepared to attend every session of the class. If you are aware of prior conflicts but still wish to join, please email: kate_ford@uml.edu to inquire.

The Outdoor Leadership Course will cover general safety practices, excellent outdoor habits, Leave No Trace ethics, and leadership skills, among other skills. We will build your all-around knowledge and skills with a focus on leadership and trip leading.

  • **October 21-22: Wilderness First Aid course taught by SOLO Schools. **Separate registration with an additional fee,discounted for Outdoor Leadership Class only to $150 from the student price of $180, STRONGLY ENCOURAGED for Outdoor Leadership Class students.
    Get more information on our Workshops & Certifications page.

  • November 3: Friday evening classroom session
  • November 4: Full day hike, at a location to be decided.
  • November 10-12: Two night camping & hiking trip to a fantastic New England location.

Check out all the other great events over the course of the semester at our OAP Trips and Events Calendar. Students who are part of the Outdoor Leadership Class are encouraged to participate in as many OAP trips as they are able to!