LEAP | Student Life | The University of Vermont(title)

What is LEAP?

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Leadership Experiences and Adventure Programming (LEAP) is a 90 hour hands-on outdoor leadership course. The natural environment of the Northeast is our classroom to develop your skills in group leaderships, camping, teamwork, navigation, communication and critical thinking. LEAP is a gateway to becoming a TREK leader and leading other paid opportunities through Outdoor Programs.

We encourage anyone keen to engage in outdoor leadership here at UVM to sign up for LEAP, regardless of previous experience, identity, or background. No experience (or personal outdoor equipment) required! You can learn more about our three different LEAP opportunities throughout the year below. 

What will I learn on LEAP?

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Great question! The learning outcomes for this program fall into four separate "buckets," outlined below. This is just an overview -- if you have additional questions about any of these, or would like to know more about how the program measures these goals, we encourage you to attend an info-session or reach out to outdoorprograms@uvm.edu for more information!  

Leadership 

  • Create a shared vision of success
  • Motivate oneself through adverse conditions to accomplish the shared vision
  • Inspire, motivate, and persuade others through adverse conditions to accomplish the shared vision
  • Lead through example – confidence, vulnerability & a positive attitude 

Communication

  • Small group and 1:1 active listening 
  • Clearly communicate what the group should expect from the day or activity and what part you need them to play
  • Employ a variety of communication styles to reach the diversity of learning modalities (visual, auditory, kinesthetic…etc)
  • Communicate in a manner that values the diversity of experiences and backgrounds within the group

Teamwork

  • Facilitate conversations within the group to increase understanding
  • Gain the trust of your co-leader and group
  • Develop trust within the group
  • Effectively collaborate with the group utilizing each individuals strengths

Critical Thinking skills

  • Work to understand discrete tasks as part of a larger project
  • Anticipate issues and needs to have solutions when the unexpected occurs
  • Understand the gaps in your understanding of a system to know when your own judgement is sound and when you need the input of others

LEAP 2025 Schedule

Winter 2025 LEAP

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Winter LEAP takes place over 7 evening sessions and one full week long expedition during Spring Break and focuses on Winter Camping and mountaineering skills.

Class sessions:Field sessions:
January 30 – March 6, 2025; Thursdays 4:30-7pm March 8 - 15, 2025

Spring 2025 LEAP

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Spring LEAP takes place over the course of 7 evening sessions and one week long expedition between the end of Finals week and Undergraduate Commencement. The focus is on general backcountry living skills through backpacking and canoe camping.

Class sessions:Field sessions:
March 21 - May 1, 2025; Thursdays 4:30-7pmMay 10 - 16th, 2025 
A group of LEAP workers and hiking students posing for a photo around a table

Apply to participate!

When LEAP applications open, you'll find the form linked here!

Work with us: LEAP interns!

Work with us!

Help make LEAP a reality in one of our paid student intern positions! 

Co-Lead a 6 to 8 day long expeditions with one other LEAP Instructor and/or Outdoor Programs Staff throughout the fall semester. 

  • Assist with all logistics to send out expedition and pack back in (which may include a time commitment outside of the advertised course sessions)
  • Assist with weekday class sessions. Some session will require direct input and instruction from the intern, while others only require active participation by the intern.
  • Teach wilderness living skills, and expedition behavior
  • Providing an environment in which students are supported in both physical and emotional needs.
  • Effectively manage physical, emotional and social risks specific to a backcountry environment.
  • Maintain the confidentiality of course participants private information disclosed on their medical history forms.

Applications are not currently open, but we encourage you to reach out to outdoorprograms@uvm.edu if you are interested!