Outdoor Leadership Summer Start

Ropes course

KPE 286: Introduction to Outdoor Leadership and Facilitation

Price: Tuition cost of one course credit and $845 course fee.

June 12 – 18, 2021

Get a jumpstart on your college experience by participating in a unique, outdoor adventure where you’ll challenge yourself, meet other students who’ve deferred, and make friends that will last a lifetime! You will earn one credit in Outdoor Leadership and Facilitation, while also getting oriented to all the resources UMaine has to offer. The whole experience is designed to set you up for success as a UMaine student!

KPE 286: Introduction to Outdoor Leadership and Facilitation focuses on the study and practice of outdoor leadership theory, styles, and techniques applied to education and recreation settings. The course is designed to be an introduction to outdoor leadership skills and create a foundation of knowledge for you to build upon.

  • History of Outdoor Education
  • Facilitation & Debriefing Skills
  • Teaching & Presentation Skills
  • Leadership Styles
  • Group Dynamics
  • Decision Making
  • Risk Management
  • Communication & Feedback

Course objectives

  1.   Understand outdoor leadership theories and their application to the fields of outdoor education and recreation
  2.   Enhance individual leadership abilities as well as assess and modify their current practices;
  3.   Recognize the development groups and needs of individuals and groups
  4.   Comprehend the processes of group decision making and risk management in an outdoor setting
  5.   Develop their understanding of teaching and learning styles and how to apply them in their lessons

Program timeline

Day 1 – Move into campus housing  & welcome to campus

  • Events by: Office of Student Involvement, Residence Life, Campus Recreation

Day 2 – Academic Introduction
(To be hosted by faculty of each department/college)

  • Class Scheduling, Advising, Program Information Session, Tour of Labs, Classrooms, Purchase Books and Materials, Library Tour

Day 3 – Student Life Introduction

  • Presentation on Student Life Programming
  • Residence Hall Meetings & Q+A with Residence Life Staff
  • Student Conduct & UMaine Police Department Presentation
  • Student Resource Orientation- Counseling Center, Tutor Program, Career Center, Cutler Health Center

Day 4 – Field Experience  at Bryant Pond 4H Camp and Learning Center

  • Travel to Bryant Pond, Gear Overview, Group Initiatives + Ropes Course, Team Building
  • KPE 286 – History of Outdoor Education & Group Dynamics

Day 5 – Field Experience at Bryant Pond 4H Camp and Learning Center

  • Small Group Activities
    • Hiking, Climbing, Canoeing, Paddle Boarding, Kayaking, Community Service Project, and Mindfulness + Yoga
  • KPE 286 – Facilitation & Debriefing and Leadership Styles

Day 6 – Field Experience at Bryant Pond 4H Camp and Learning Center

  • Small Group Activities
    • Hiking, Climbing, Canoeing, Paddle Boarding, Kayaking, Community Service Project, or Mindfulness + Yoga
  • KPE 286 – Teaching & Lesson Planning and Communication

Day 7 – Field Experience at Bryant Pond 4H Camp and Learning Center

  • KPE 286 – Risk Management, Decision Making & Feedback
  • Group Debrief
  • Pack up and drive back to campus