LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Wilderness Instructor Leadership Development (W.I.L.D)

WILD is the UVM Outing Club's leadership training program, dedicated to cultivating wilderness leadership skills and is a mandatory requirement for all Outing Club trip leaders. Each semester, 14 student trainees work alongside upper class WILD coordinators focusing specifically on hard skill instruction, situational leadership development, understanding leadership & learning styles, risk management, wilderness medical instruction & LNT ethics. Most importantly, 'WILDees' develop a skilled & motivated leader community! WILD meets weekly for 2 1/2 class hours supplemented by 3 weekend field practical trips. WILD leader trainees have the option to receive a Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification.

ALANA Gaining Experience & Adventure Recreation (G.E.A.R ) Program

The ALANA G.E.A.R. program is a collaborative effort supported by the ALANA Student Center and the UVMOC. The goal of GEAR is to create a fundamental wilderness skill development, community building opportunity and bridge to the UVMOC for ALANA students. In the fall semester, GEAR student trainees work alongside upper class OC and ASC leaders focusing wilderness skill instruction (clothing, cooking, expedition behavior etc.) leadership development and LNT awareness. Most importantly G.E.A.R. participants develop skills & receive support necessary to become active outdoor travelers. GEAR students meet for 2 weekend field practical trips, followed by an OC trip of their choice.

Site Management and Anchor Construction (SMAC) Rock & Ice

SMAC is an instructional rock & ice climbing skill development program for students interested in acquiring safe, comprehensive, top roped climbing, anchor construction and teaching skills. Rock SMAC runs for 6 weeks in both fall and late spring, Ice SMAC early in the spring semester only. Emphasis is placed on fundamentals of equipment, climbing technique, belaying & rapelling technique and safe management of climbing instruction areas in an institutional setting. Completion of SMAC is mandatory for UVM student climbers interested in leading climbing trips for the UVMOC.

Backcountry Skiing/Boarding and Avalanche Awareness Program (BSAAP)

This six-week program focuses on traveling safely and having fun in the winter backcountry on skis (telemark, alpine or AT) or snowboard while exploring prime backcountry areas of Vermont and the Presidential Range in NH. Traveling in terrain where avalanche danger exists requires disciplined personal preparation, group expedition planning, diverse skiing and riding skills, and sound avalanche and terrain assessment ability. This program will cover basic safety skills to prepare you to travel in the winter backcountry in all of its rugged beauty. The program will consist of 6 class sessions & three weekend practical trips-the first weekend (two day trips), the second (AIARE Level 1 Avalanche certification, optional for those currently certified) and the third an overnight to the Presidential Range of New Hampshire's White Mountains.

Paddle for Development (PFD)

Paddling for Development is a new, dynamic canoe and sea kayak leadership course offered by the UVM Outing Club. As part of this flat and moving water UVMOC canoe and kayak leader training program, participants will demonstrate proficiency in the areas of: paddling strokes, boat control, rescues, portaging techniques, and trailing skills. PFD curriculum will be based on ACA canoeing and coastal kayaking material. Both beginners and intermediate paddlers are encouraged to apply.