If you are interested in outdoor leadership training, but nothing is available at your school, you might want to consider embarking on an adventure with a private tour operator. A company called Wilderness Ventures, for example, offers Alaska College Leadership Adventure, a 20-day backpacking and kayaking trip in the Alaskan wilderness. Students learn leadership and survival skills and they complete wilderness first-aid certification. Another company, International Wilderness Leadership School offers semester-long programs in various natural environments around the world, including Ecuador, Patagonia and Nepal. Some IWLS programs earn college credit at schools working in cooperation with the company.
Many colleges and universities offer non-credit programs for students. These programs are especially well-suited to those who love the outdoors, but who do not plan a career in a related field. Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, for example, offers a number of guided excursions into the Rocky Mountain wilderness for both experienced and inexperienced adventurers. In addition, students can borrow equipment, such as backpacks and camping gear, and can practice rock climbing skills on the college's climbing wall. Students can also train to become trip leaders through their Student Outdoor Leadership program.
If you are interested in working for the outdoor tourism industry, but are not sure you want to earn a full academic degree in the field, you could earn a certificate instead. Greenfield Community College, for example, offers certificate programs on various topics related to outdoor travel, including backcountry travel, risk management, kayaking and rock climbing. According to their website, the college works with organizations like the American Canoe Association and the Professional Climbing Instructors of America to ensure that students meet "national standards for programming in the specific activity area."
If you choose to pursue a career in the field, you can earn an associate or bachelor's degree in the subject. Central Wyoming College, for example, offers an Associate of Arts in outdoor education and leadership. In addition to academic study in topics such as psychology, biology and education, students complete extended outdoor expeditions lead by the National Outdoor Leadership School. You may also complete a full bachelor's degree in outdoor leadership at some colleges. New England College's program, for example, offers a "blending of experiences in science, business, sport and recreation management," according to their website.