Earlham College, an independent, residential college, aspires to provide the highest-quality undergraduate education in the liberal arts, including the sciences, shaped by the distinctive perspectives of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). Earlham College provides an educational and working environment from which extraordinary lives begin. Through our interdisciplinary-minded and research-focus education, our open governance and our values, we form a community of Earlhamites — global citizens of strong moral character who see the world with broad, inquisitive minds.

The Outdoor Education Office at Earlham College helps promote the adventuresome spirit through safe, high quality experiential and outdoor education programs. By fostering the development of technical and interpersonal skills, students gain confidence through increasing competence. Our programs aim ultimately to develop strong leaders who can flexibly apply their skills and knowledge to a variety of situations. Earlham has a national reputation for training outstanding outdoor and environmental educators. The unique combination of on-campus courses, field experiences, and leadership practicums provides an excellent opportunity for development of both technical and interpersonal skills. Graduates have gone on to careers in environmental education, park management, wilderness guiding, and youth social work. Recent Earlham alumni have found work with Outward Bound, the Student Conservation Association, the National Park Service, the National Outdoor Leadership School, and a variety of public and independent school settings.

Core Principles of Earlham’s Outdoor Education Program include: The Adventuresome Spirit, Sense of Place, Servant Leadership, The Contemplative Spirit, and Simplicity.