Outward Bound classes offer alternative to tradition, students learn in wilderness

Outward Bound classes offer alternative to tradition, students learn in wilderness

By Jennifer M. Fitzenberger
Arizona Daily Wildcat
December 2, 1996

Photo courtesy of Colorado Outward Bound School
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Colorado Outward Bound School's Wilderness Leadership courses allow students to develop skills in winter mountaineering and rock climbing. The courses not only teach outdoor skills, they also equip students with leadership and communication abilities essential for future employment.

Students who find themselves daydreaming of rock climbing and sea kayaking might want to consider participating in the Colorado Outward Bound School's non-traditional learning programs and possibly earning college credit.
Colorado Outward Bound teaches leadership, communication and teaching skills in the wilderness, said Craig Steele, director of publications for Outward Bound.
He said participants develop skills in winter mountaineering, rock climbing, white water rafting and sea kayaking.
"There is greater pressure today to perform well academically, and Outward Bound gives students the opportunity to gain career experience outdoors and get a ticket on the career train," Steele said.
He said the program provides a great experience for students interested in outdoor careers such as field guidance and forest service.
"Being a park ranger takes more than just wearing a uniform. You need more solid outdoor skills," he said.
Employers believe the skills learned at Outward Bound are essential to outdoor careers. In fact, many employers specifically look for individuals who have wilderness experience, said Jane Swaitek, head teacher for VisionQuest.
She said VisionQuest, an organization that uses the outdoors as a residential teaching facility for youths at risk, looks for employees who have had Outward Bound experience.
"If you are trying to build a resume, an Outward Bound experience is definitely a way to get a foot in the door," Swaitek said.
She also said that by taking Outward Bound courses, people can learn if they are really interested in working in the wilderness.
Students taking courses can choose between a 78-day semester course taking place on the Sea of Cortez in Baja California, Mexico, or the 81-day semester course which takes place in the Collegiate Range of Colorado, through Canyonlands National Park in Uta h and at California's Joshua Tree National Park or at Mt. Lemmon.
During their 15 to 17 days on Mt. Lemmon, students learn the systems of rock climbing, basic safety and protection, Steele said.
Students participating in these programs may be able to get university credit for their outdoor experiences.
Although schools working directly with Outward Bound have increased by 15 percent in the past three years, the University of Arizona will not accept credit without the recommendation of an adviser, said Marita Gomez, assistant director of counseling in th e UA's Office of Admissions and New Student Enrollment.
"We take it on a case-by-case basis," she said. "If the student has the academic support of an adviser, we will support whatever the adviser decides is appropriate."
Although an Outward Bound participant cannot directly receive credit from the UA, Gomez said it is not difficult for a student to appeal and gain credit.
Beside possible college credit, Colorado Outward Bound School offers $600,000 in financial aid for its courses, and most often, financial aid covers 30 percent to 50 percent of tuition, Steele said.
Financial aid is limited to $1,500 per semester, he said. Tuition is $7,245 for the 78-day course, and $7,295 for the 81-day course.
Students can call 1-800-477-2627 for more information on Colorado Outward Bound School.