Program Offerings
Outdoor Leadership Seminars
What are Outdoor Leadership Seminars?
Our outdoor leadership seminars are free, classroom-based sessions that explore the fundamentals of outdoor leadership with topics ranging from situational leadership to navigation and route planning. These are meant for anyone of any background, ability, or experience. For folks with no or some experience, these are a great way to start to learn about outdoor leadership. For those with a wealth of previous outdoor and leadership experience, completing all 5 seminar sessions is an avenue to becoming an Adventure TREK leader.
Learning Outcomes
You will learn group risk management, leadership, navigation, communication, and critical thinking.
Dates
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
|---|---|
| Thursdays 4:30-7:00pm from 10/23/25 to 11/20/2025 | Thursdays 4:30-7:00pm from 1/29/25 to 2/26/2026 |
LEAP (Leadership Experiences in Adventure Programming)
What is LEAP?
Leadership Experiences in Adventure Programming (LEAP) is an 80-hour hands-on outdoor leadership course. The natural environment of the Northeast is our classroom to develop your skills in group leadership, camping, teamwork, navigation, communication, and critical thinking.
LEAP is a gateway to becoming an Adventure TREK leader and leading other paid opportunities through the Department of Student Life's 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!
Learning Outcomes
You will learn group risk management leadership, camping, teamwork, navigation, communication, and critical thinking.
Dates
| Class Sessions | Expedition Dates |
|---|---|
Thursdays 4:30-7:00pm from 3/26/2026 to 4/30/2026 | May 9-15, 2026 |
Application Details
Opens November 3, 2026
Closes November 12, 2026
Interviews Dates:
November 18, 19 & 20
December 2, 3 & 4
GEAR (Global Experiences in Adventure Recreation)
What is GEAR?
Global Experiences in Adventure Recreation (GEAR) is an 80-hour hands-on outdoor leadership course with a focus on a specific adventure recreation activity in an international setting. In 2026, the activity is Nordic ski touring in the Chic-Choc Mountains, Quebec Canada.
GEAR is a gateway to becoming an Adventure TREK leader and other paid leadership opportunities through the Department of Student Life's Outdoor Programs.
Unlike LEAP, GEAR has a $450 fee associated to cover the additional costs of the activity and operating internationally. Prior experience in the activity is required to participate, though the required experience is attainable here at UVM. Additionally, a valid passport is required for participation
Learning Outcomes
You will learn about risk management, group leadership, camping, teamwork, navigation, communication, and critical thinking.
Dates
| Class Sessions | Expedition Dates |
|---|---|
Thursdays 4:30-7:00pm from 1/22/2026 to 3/5/2026 | March 7-15, 2026 |
Application Details
Opens November 3, 2026
Closes November 12, 2026
Interview Dates:
November 18, 19 & 20
December 2, 3 & 4
What our programs focus on
Specific learning outcomes of each program are outlined above, but in general all of our programs work to help participants develop skills in the following areas:
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 effectively teach and motivate the group.
- 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
- Work to understand discrete tasks as part of a larger project
- Use Risk Management Theory to anticipate issues and needs, and 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.
Participant Testimonials
EJ (2024 LEAP Participant)
What was a highlight of your LEAP program?
"The third day or so, when we all clicked and really started to become friends! swimming together in the cold water was great bonding."
What was your greatest learning, takeaway or point of growth from LEAP?
"I found my voice on LEAP. It pushed me to advocate for myself and speak up if I needed help or to slow down. most times, someone else needed it too."
How has LEAP influenced/impacted your experience as a UVM student?
"It was a really nice reminder that there is community out there for me, and I feel more emboldened to reach out and join other clubs and groups to see if I can get something awesome out of those too!"
From the skills and experience gained in LEAP, which have had the greatest impact on your life beyond outdoor activities? How?
"I learned a lot about my limits, what they were and what it feels like to be pushed too far. I understand now that I’m my own best advocate and I’ve gotten much better at speaking up. When I’m comfortable advocating myself, I feel a lot more secure in the outdoors. I know I can handle a lot more than I think, and the outdoors aren’t so intimidating anymore."
Mia (2024 LEAP Participant)
What was a highlight of your LEAP program?
"The highlight of my leap program was the field experience at the end of the semester."
What was your greatest learning, takeaway or point of growth from LEAP?
"My biggest take away was learning about risk management and the technical skills like water treatment and backcountry cooking."
How has LEAP influenced/impacted your experience as a UVM student?
"LEAP taught me how to work with different groups of people and how to navigate stressful situations with people you may not know all that well. In my UVM experience that has translated to living situations and group projects."
From the skills and experience gained in LEAP, which have had the greatest impact on your life beyond outdoor activities? How?
"LEAP has widely expanded my opportunities for jobs in outdoor education, for example I am building a backpacking program at an overnight camp which is really only possible because of my experience in LEAP."
Iris (2023 LEAP Participant)
What was a highlight of your LEAP program?
"Meeting some of my best friends!"
What was your greatest learning, takeaway or point of growth from LEAP?
"The section of the course when each person gets a chance to actually practice leading in the backcountry, with a co leader. This allowed me to see what leading would actually feel like, but in a comfortable environment with people I know."
How has LEAP influenced/impacted your experience as a UVM student?
"It gave me a lot more confidence, not only with my skills in the backcountry, but also feeling confident enough to approach people I don't know and build relationships."
From the skills and experience gained in LEAP, which have had the greatest impact on your life beyond outdoor activities? How?
"The outdoor skills I gained from LEAP allowed me to connect with peers because I felt confident enough to go on hiking and camping trips with others. This meant that I was able to find peers with the same interests as me and build relationships through going on trips in the outdoors."
Have questions?
Have questions?
If you have questions that aren't answered above, please reach out to us at outdoorprograms@uvm.edu or 802-656-2060 so we can assist!