Center for Outdoor Leadership (COL)
Mission
The Center for Outdoor Leadership will provide outdoor leadership development through experiential education and support the curriculum of the Recreation Program at Western State College of Colorado by providing enhanced opportunities for active learning.
Enhancing the Curriculum of the Recreation Program
At the Center for Outdoor Leadership we aim to provide a laboratory for teaching and learning outdoor leadership concepts, especially issues of safety. Wilderness trips, avalanche seminars, rock climbing workshops, orienteering programs and leadership retreats all add to Western's unique Recreation Department!
Planned activities
- 14 day outdoor leadership expedition
- Avalanche Awareness Seminar
- Beginning backpacking course
Outdoor Leadership Development
We strive to create programs that serve the interests and needs of our exceptional student body. Our wilderness courses, informational seminars, hard skill workshops, and specialized retreats all work to develop the knowledge, skills and talents needed for today's outdoor leader. With the Recreation Program's Outdoor Leadership emphasis, and the programs COL is able to present, our students gain the necessary experience to become a professional in the field. We also feel that it's imperative for students to take the initiative in developing program, and that this is an important part in personal leadership development. The Center for Outdoor Leadership Grants program was created to help fund student-initiated programs, find out more under "Sponsored Programs".
Planned Activities
- National Standards Outdoor Leader Certification Expeditions
- Avalanche Training Sessions
- Wilderness First Aid Certification Courses
Experiential Learning
Different people learn in different ways. At the Center for Outdoor Leadership, we focus on learning by being immersed in the activity. Rock Climbing at local sites, learning about safe backcountry travel in avalanche seminars, orienteering at Mill Creek and backpacking through wilderness areas are just some of the ways our programs utilize experiential learning!
Planned Activities
- COL’s land, water and snow based equipment is used in Recreation courses to help train future outdoor leaders.
- COL’s Kayaking and Rock Climbing gear is used in specialized youth programs.
Community Service Learning
At the Center for Outdoor Leadership, we recognize the need for Western State College of Colorado's students to be involved with the local community of Gunnison. We aim to create programs which will connect our leaders with local students and community members. When we all work together to learn, it's a win/win situation!
Planned activities
- Gunnison Youth Paddling Program
- Community Outdoor Seminars
- Trail building and maintenance
Outdoor Resources
The location of Western State College of Colorado in the scenic Gunnison Valley offers a myriad of opportunities for outdoor recreation. It's the perfect place for The Center for Outdoor Leadership!
World class kayaking/rafting/boating, rock/ice climbing, skiing/snowboarding, mountaineering, mountain biking and five National Wilderness areas are all in our backyard!! We are also working on developing the Gunnison Whitewater Park as a possible off-campus site for the Center to host conferences, workshops, seminars and retreats!
White Water Park Information
Check out the White Water Park web site!
COL Sponsored Programs
No programs at this time.