Outdoor education courses at Salisbury University take learning beyond the boundaries of the traditional classroom to help students develop a broad variety of practical skills in an atmosphere that combines discovery and adventure. Core components of the program include stewardship of the environment and the development of adventure-based leadership skills. Experiential learning techniques are used and key objectives include:
- Equipping – students with essential skills for safely planning and leading outdoor excursions. Courses are available in Wilderness First Aid, Navigation, Canoeing and Kayaking, Camping & Backpacking, Scuba Diving, Outdoor Leadership Techniques, Camp Management & Leadership, and Adventure Based Leadership.
- Engaging – the natural world in classes that facilitate a better understanding of and appreciation for the environment. Leave-no-trace ethics are taught and carefully observed as students learn simple and memorable techniques for stewardship.
- Expanding – student aptitudes for self-reflection, interpersonal communication, peer-leadership and crisis decision making. These courses are specifically designed to push individual comfort zones. Participants should expect rigorous challenges, ranging from full-length research papers on leadership disasters to winter hiking and backpacking on the Appalachian Trail.