WHAT IS OUTDOOR/EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION?
Outdoor or Experiential Education often includes environmental education, conservation education, adventure education, wilderness therapy, and some aspects of outdoor recreation, science, and nature study. It is not limited by the classroom, and sets a student amidst the very topic of learning, providing more than a theoretical learning experience. It also helps develop recreational skills and outdoor pursuits, socialization, and group development.
This type of education is growing in popularity and is particularly important for some behavior disorder students in trying to understand their educational needs and differences. It is especially helpful for tactile-kinesthetic learners, who don't absorb as well audibly as through first-hand experience. The change in environment can also facilitate learning by removing behavior disordered students from the classroom setting which they may already identify with failure.
WHAT ARE THE EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS?
Degree programs are often comprised of health and physical education, environmental science, management and psychology. Students gain a solid background in ecology, environmental science, natural history and recreational resource management. However, there are also certification programs for outdoor guides and professionals, and many must be renewed every so often through continuing education.
The objective of outdoor/experiential education is to develop skills in leadership and management, risk management, program design, educational philosophy, personal growth, communication, wilderness skills. Coursework may includes rock-climbing, watercraft skills, skiing, map and compass navigation, backpacking and camping in all seasons, and ropes-course management. More importantly, students learn to lead, teach, and facilitate these activities, while modeling and inspiring sustainable environmental practices. Specific courses we've seen include:
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Great Resources
on Outdoor/Experiential Education
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- Leadership/Group Dynamics in Outdoor Pursuits
- Wilderness First Aid and Medicine
- Legal Aspects of Wilderness, Experiential Education
- Avalanche Prediction
- Outdoor Pursuits Education: Land Based
- Wilderness Expedition
- Ethics of Wilderness Leadership
- Psychological Issues of Experiential Education
- Camp Counseling
- Camp Administration and Programming
- Personal Ecology
- Community and the Environment
- Environment and Spirituality
- Philosophers of Experiential Education
- Challenge Course Administration and Facilitation
- Water and Rafting Skills
CAREERS AND SALARY OUTLOOK
Most professionals in the field of outdoor and experiential education agree that classroom activities are no substitute for experience, and that is the aim of most programs and careers. Graduating students will be prepared to work in federal and state parks, camps, outdoor and environmental education centers, youth agencies, wilderness therapeutic organizations, or for outdoor adventure and guiding companies.
However, often, the work is seasonal in nature, varying with weather and geographic seasonal conditions that are conducive to different outdoor activities. For example, summer may be an excellent time to be a mountain guide in Alaska, but winter may prove too dangerous for full-time work. Actual job titles that we've seen include:
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Career Guidance
from EnviroEducation.com
 When it comes to outdoor education, experience is everything, says John Race, director of the Northwest Mountain School. Read about his education and career as a guide and educator. >>>
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- Lead Instructor
- Mountain Guide
- Gear/Logistics Coordinator
- Backcountry Crew Leader
- Backpacking Program Counselor
- Botany/Ecology Field Technicians
- Field Instructor
- Field Naturalist
- Guide Service Coordinator
- Seasonal Park Ranger
- Seasonal Camp Manager
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not have any categories of employment that are akin to Outdoor/Experiential Education occupations. However, we've seen salaries on the web ranging from $13,000 to $25,000 annually. EnviroEducation.com's interview with Mr. John Race of the Northwest Mountain School is an excellent resource for those interested in career opportunities as an outdoor guide.
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