Vermilion Community College is a public two-year institution in northern Minnesota. The college awards associate degrees and certificates in the area of protection, preservation and recreation. Students can achieve an associate of science degree in outdoor leadership, which will afford them technical skills in areas that include kayaking, all-season camping and rock climbing. The outdoor leadership program also emphasizes decision-making skills and group dynamics. A back-country guide certificate program consists of 16 credits and focuses on wilderness expedition leadership and wildland recreation management. Other classes in the program include dog sledding, sea kayaking and winter camping. Wilderness management and wilderness emergency medical services are among the other outdoor recreation programs offered at Vermilion.
Vermilion Community College
1900 E. Camp St.
Ely, MN 55731
800-657-3608
vcc.edu
The Wilderness Awareness School is a Washington state-based not-for-profit organization founded in 1983. The school offers a variety of classes for both adults and children that emphasize nature and outdoor recreation. The "anake" leadership program is available to students in the nine-month anake outdoor school program, and includes instruction on how to effectively mentor and lead others in wilderness experiences. Students in the program will learn about storytelling, outdoor activities and wilderness survival skills. All students will also get hands-on experience leading summer camp attendees.
Wilderness Awareness School
26425 Northeast Allen St.
Duvall, WA 98019
425-788-1301
wildernessawareness.org
Founded in 1965 by mountaineer Paul Petzoldt, the National Outdoor Leadership School offers classes for both adults and children around the world. In the United States, the organization has locations in regions that include Alaska and the Rocky Mountains. Students over the age of 21 at the Rocky Mountain school can take a 94-day outdoor educator semester, which focuses on outdoor skills and leadership. The program is based out of Wyoming and covers topics that include desert ecology, back-country skiing and rock climbing. Students also take an avalanche seminar, and the fall semester affords an opportunity to learn about mountain backpacking. Some topics involve travel to neighboring regions and states, including southern Utah.
National Outdoor Leadership School
284 Lincoln St.
Lander, WY 82520
307-332-5300
nols.edu