PKMT 107 - Outdoor Pursuits and Safety Essentials

2 Credits: 1 lecture hour/1 lab hour

Course Description
This course provides a hands-on introduction to essential outdoor skills and safety for parks, recreation, and natural resource settings. Emphasis is placed on flatwater canoeing and kayaking, day hiking and navigation, trip planning, Leave No Trace ethics, outdoor clothing, and basic scene safety applicable to entry-level recreation professionals.

 

Note Field trips and additional class time are required. Students must be competent swimmers and capable of meeting the physical demands of field-based training. Students must complete and submit all required risk management forms, including, Waiver, Assumption of Risk, and Emergency Contact/Consent. Students are responsible for completing all required certifications and any associated fees. Participation may be restricted for students unable to safely meet physical, medical, environmental, water, or weather-related training requirements.

Text
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. (n.d.). Pennsylvania boating handbook. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

Objectives
The student will be able to:

A. Implement flatwater canoeing and kayaking skills appropriate for recreational and program use.

B. Apply basic day-hiking navigation skills using maps, and compass in field settings.

C. Plan for safe outdoor trips considering clothing, equipment, weather, and environmental factors.

D. Identify basic scene safety hazards encountered in water- and trail-based activities.

E. Apply Leave No Trace principles and environmental stewardship.

F. Meet certification requirements for Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Water Safety Awareness.

Content
A. Introduction to outdoor pursuits and safety

B. Flatwater canoeing and kayaking fundamentals

C. Day hiking and navigation skills

D. Outdoor trip planning and clothing systems

E. Leave No Trace principles and environmental ethics

F. Scene safety and basic emergency considerations

G. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Water Safety Awareness

Student Evaluation
A-F tests, assignments, and field skill assessments: canoeing/kayak proficiency, navigation exercises, trail safety scenarios. E-F Certification completion: Leave No Trace and PA Fish & Boat Commission Water Safety Awareness.