PKMT 230 - Outdoor Adventure Program Management

4 Credits: (3 lecture, 2 lab)

Course Description
This course provides a foundation for students to develop, design and implement an outdoor adventure program. Course emphasis will include: logistical planning, environmental ethics, equipment and clothing selection, group dynamics and leadership, basic outdoor skills, staffing, supervision of staff, staff training, marketing, risk management and safety. 

Note Spring semester only. Overnight field exercise and field trips required.

Text
Blanchard, Jim, Michael Strong, and Phyllis Ford. Leadership and Administration of Outdoor Pursuits. 3rd ed.State College: Venture, 2007.

Objectives
The student will be able to

A. Analyze and evaluate the structure and organization of an outdoor adventure program or agency.

B. Discuss legal principles and concepts applied to outdoor adventure leisure service industries.

C. Develop alogistical plan for outdoor adventure activity.

D. Research and select equipment for an outdoor adventure program.

E. Work as a team to plan and lead an outdoor adventure program or skill.

F. Outline a marketing strategy for an outdoor adventure program.

Content
A. Outdoor adventure leisure service industry

B. Leave-No-Trace ethics

C. Basic outdoor skills

D. Logistical planning

E. Equipment and clothing selection

F. Risk Management and Safety

G. Staff selection and training

H. Group management techniques

Student Evaluation
Evaluation will be based upon examinations, assignments, projects, attendance of field trips, and presentations. Means of determining final grade will be reviewed with students at the beginning of the semester.Bibliography
Dattilo, John and William D. Murphy. Leadership Education Program Planning: A Systematic Approach. State College: Venture, 1991.

Ford, Phyllis M., and James Blanchard. Leadership and Administration of Outdoor Pursuits. State College: Venture, 1993.

McManners, Hugh. The Backpacker’s Handbook. London: Kindersley, 1995.

Meier, Joel F. Backpacking. Champaign: Safamore, 1993.

Priest, Simon. Adventure Education. State College: Venture, 1990.

Simer, Peter, and John Sulivan. The National Outdoor Leadership School’s Wilderness Guide. New York: Simon, 1993.

Swenson, Allan A. The L.L. Bean Canoeing Handbook. New York:Lyons, 2000.

Townsend, Chris. The Backpackers Handbook. Camden: Ragged Mountain, 1997.

Walbridge, Charles. American Canoe Association’s River Safety Report 1996 -1999. Birmingham:Menasha Ridge Press, 2000.

Weil, Roy R., and Mary M. Shaw. Canoeing Guide to Western Pennsylvania and Northern West Virginia. Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh Council, American Youth Hostels, 1991.