Field Courses

Moving south from Santiago to Pucón, we paddled passenger rafts and pack rafts while learning about the economic, environmental, and cultural impacts of dams and mining along Chilean waterways. I served a group role as a translator between guides, educators, and other local experts for our class.

To develop the skills necessary to instruct and safely lead a group on a whitewater paddling experience, we learned how to kayak through class I-III whitewater on the Arkansas River and completed a multi-day river trip through Ruby-Horsethief canyons of the Colorado River.

We encountered the environment of the Colorado Plateau, where we developed proficiency in canyon travel, group camping and explored the geology, geography, human history and ecology of the canyon country.

We learned efficient backcountry navigation in both field and classroom settings using compasses, topographic maps, and other navigation tools. This work is a form of applied trigonometry that has had me gazing into the distance ever since.

 "A magus, though, always looks much further. We expand that 'magic space' and try to control a great many more things. They call it 'looking at the horizon.'"
"Well, why should I do that?"
"Because you're here. If you do it, you'll see how much things change."

-Paulo Coelho, The Valkyries

At the core of the curriculum, our class of ORL seniors planned and conducted a week-long outdoor experience. On the backpacking portion, we went technical canyoneering in "Urban Cowboy" near Jacob's Chair, then spent three days paddling on the Colorado River.

On a multi-day rock climbing course,  we developed skills in climbing techniques on a variety of rock media including rope handling and knots, rappelling, rescue techniques, top rope and leading climbing anchor placements; multiple belay techniques, multi-pitch, and judgment in the context of rock climbing. 

Over the course of eight continuous days, we learned backpacking skills, safety procedures, ecology, geology, geography, Leave No Trace principles, and navigation. While exploring the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness, we were offered first-hand experience with the functions of group dynamics. This expedition also included the coursework and curriculum required for Risk Management for the Outdoor Professional.