Introduction to Outdoor Pursuits

Catalog description

Introduction to Outdoor Pursuits ( KINES 1 / RPTM 1 ) is a course that is designed to introduce the student to selected outdoor pursuit activities. The selected activities will depend on the time of the year and availability of resources. The activities could include but are not limited trail day hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, orienteering, kayaking, canoeing, cross country skiing, or to rock climbing experiences. All selected activities will follow the same basic format of skill development and training procedures, history and philosophical underpinnings of the activity, available written resources and professional organizations related to the activity, logistical equipment preparation, appreciation of environmental impact of partaking in the selected activity, safety management / risk assessment and future opportunities to participate in the activity. It is a purpose of this course to allow the student to explore different outdoor pursuit activities and then to make a more informed decision as to which activities they might choose to further develop their skill base and competency necessary to partake in the activity at a more advanced level on a life long basis. Through opportunities to develop camaraderie through collaborative work/ teamwork, students practice safe participation in the selected activities with attention to environmental impact. Students will experience a common skill base from which to engage in the activities. After completion of the course, students are encouraged to engage in adventure recreation programs, and other appropriate courses to help with the continued development of life skills. This course fulfills credits toward the GHW General Education requirement.