Expeditions and Service Learning
Experiential learning includes backcountry expeditions, an outdoor school for elementary-aged students, and opportunities for workplace field experience
Outdoor Leadership students embark on three different five-day wilderness expeditions — one canoe expedition and two snow travel expeditions — where they take turns planning and guiding their fellow learners. The immersive nature of COCC’s Outdoor Leadership programs also includes the design and implementation of a one-day outdoor school for local elementary-aged children. COCC students are required to devise learning activities in the outdoors that support Oregon K-12 standards. Outdoor Leadership students develop practiced skills in planning, operations, and client relations.
“One of the things our students realize when they come into our program is that there are a lot more career options than they thought. What we teach in Outdoor Leadership is incredibly transferrable: a good sense of citizenship, stewardship, ethics, and leadership.” — Outdoor Leadership faculty member Tim Peterson
The Outdoor Leadership program also provides a professional development course, intended to connect students with community businesses, organizations, and agencies. Students explore work settings in outdoor recreation and education, adventure education, environmental education, wilderness therapy, and other employment connectors through resume writing, practicing interview skills, and discussing trends in Outdoor Leadership. These experiences help lay a foundation for career interests and connections.
