RTM 483: OUTDOOR EDUCATION & CAMP ADMINISTRATION
Spring 2016 – Wednesdays, 3:30pm-6:10pm
Instructor: Alan Schuchman
CLASS SESSIONS: This course will include collaborative work with classmates, group discussions, audio-visual
presentations, guest speakers, field trips, and implementation of a weekend youth camp program.
TEXT BOOK/READINGS/MATERIALS: Basic Camp Management 8th Edition, by Armand & Beverly Ball is the
principal text for the Camp Administration portion of the course. In addition, required Outdoor Education
readings will be made available on Blackboard along with corresponding assignments. Students are expected to
bring a paper notebook and pen or pencil to class.
COURSE OBJECTIVES & LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Understand the Foundational Knowledge of the Organized Camping and Outdoor Education Profession
 Students can discuss at least three historical individuals and organizations, plus four significant events
that have contributed to the growth of the profession.
 Students will demonstrate an appreciation for the values and philosophy of organized camping and
outdoor education by actively engaging in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of a weekend
program, Camp Aztec.
 Students can articulate current definitions of Outdoor Education and Organized Camping.
Build upon Self Awareness and Professional Conduct
 Students will collaborate with classmates and non-profit agency partners in planning, programming,
implementing, staffing, and evaluating Camp Aztec
 Students will actively lead fifth graders through a three day and two night “summer camp” experience
called Camp Aztec, April 22-24, 2015.
 Students will identify a minimum of three personal leadership strengths and limitations based on this
course and Camp Aztec participation.
 Students will network and establish relationships with professional staff from the YMCA (Border View &
Camp Surf).
Identify the Skills involved in Effective Outdoor Education Instruction & Facilitation
 Students will record and evaluate effective instructional and facilitation skills as exemplified by
professional camp staff as well as themselves.
 Students will identify and compare effective facilitation skills of a minimum of two professional Camp or
Outdoor Education staff.
Define and Value Environmental Stewardship
 Students will identify the extent of their environmental stewardship.
 Students will individually compile five “fun facts” about the San Diego coastal environment that they will
share with their 5th grade campers at Camp Aztec.
 Students will be able to articulate the appropriate principles of sustainability in a manner that will be
understood and practiced by themselves and their 5th grade campers.
 Students will develop and communicate a personal commitment towards environmental stewardship.
Plan and Organize an Outdoor Education Program
 Students will administer every aspect of a three day, two night Camp Aztec program for approximately
50 eleven and twelve year-old campers (5th graders).
 Students will collaborate in small groups to plan and implement specific aspects of the Camp Aztec
weekend.
Investigate and Examine the Professional Standards for Administering and Managing Outdoor Education and
Camp programs and Facilities.
 Students will identify common risk management and ethical challenges as they apply to the profession.
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Students will familiarize themselves with common professional practices through the American Camp
Association’s Accreditation Standards.
Students will actively visit, observe, and evaluate a local outdoor education program and facilities.
Students will have an opportunity to participate in the ACA Spring Leadership Conference (Palm Springs)
April 12-15 and/or CPRS Conference (Long Beach) March 8-11 and/or AEOE Conference (Malibu) April 29May 1
OFFICE HOURS: Alan Schuchman’s office is located in the American Language Institute in the Gateway Center.
Please email aschuchman@mail.sdsu.edu or call 619-594-0539 if you would like to make an appointment.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: Alan Schuchman’s first professional role in organized camping was as a camp
counselor at Camp Aztec. From there, his involvement extended nearly two decades, including leadership
roles at camps in the U.S. and abroad, primarily serving specialized populations. Alan spent several years as an
Outings Leader with the Leisure Connection (now Aztec Adventures), while earning a B.S. and an M.A. in
Physical Education, and helped to establish fitness programs at the ARC. He holds a M.Ed. in Educational
Leadership from USD. In addition to working for organizations like San Diego Unified School District and the
YMCA, he has been employed by companies which include Kimpton Hotels and Princess Cruises. In his
capacity as Student Life Coordinator at the American Language Institute in SDSU’s College of Extended
Studies, Alan works on providing meaningful ways for international students to engage in life beyond the
classroom.
ATTENDANCE: This course meets once a week. It is imperative that students attend class. Attendance will be
taken. Being present will impact your final grade and your group’s ability to prepare a camp program. One
unexcused absence will result in the lowering of your final grade by 10%. Two unexcused absences will result in
the lowering of your final grade by 20%. Three unexcused absences will result in automatic failure of this course.
Consistently arriving to class late or leaving early without prior notice will result in an unexcused absence.
Accommodations/Special Treatment: It is important not to wait until the end of the semester to seek
consideration for special treatment. This is especially true for students who have failed quizzes or have not
participated in class. If you must have a certain grade in the class to meet eligibility requirements for a major,
a scholarship, athletic team, or graduate school, the time to discuss this is at the beginning of the term.
QUIZZES: Each quiz is worth ten points and will include multiple choice questions based upon assigned text
book readings and the chapter study guide. Students must score a minimum of 70% (7 out of 10) to receive
credit. This is to ensure that students who commit themselves to the course readings and responding to the
study guides will be rewarded. There will be no make-up quizzes for students arriving late or missing class.
CLASSROOM & FIELD TRIP PARTICIPATION: Students committed to learning will receive course credit for being
present, paying attention, and participating fully in each component of the class. Points will not be rewarded to
students who behave in ways that take away from a productive learning environment. Behaviors that need to be
addressed by the instructor, verbally or by email, including arriving late, leaving early, taking unscheduled
breaks, checking/using your phone, eating, carrying on side conversations, making rude or sarcastic comments,
or other disruptions will each result in a 10% reduction in the Participation Grade.
COMMUNICATION & ENGAGEMENT: The majority of jobs in outdoor education and programming involve
directly connecting with people. This class culminates with students running a program at a camp for children,
where the ability to communicate effectively will be essential. The format of this class is designed to help
strengthen students’ communications skills and, at the same time, provide an atmosphere where they can do
their best work of preparing a camp program. Therefore, this class will look and feel different than other
university courses. Beyond the basics requirements of showing up, taking notes, responding to and asking
questions, students will be asked to engage with classmates in an open and honest way. This will involve
stepping outside of your “comfort zone”, being vulnerable, sharing ideas based on personal experiences, and
supporting others as they do the same.
To promote the objectives described above and create an environment free of distractions, electronic devices
including, but not limited to, smart phones/watches, tablets, and laptops should be put away during class
unless they are part of a specific activity in which their use has been encouraged by the instructor.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS—GRADING
Given the content of this particular course, your instructor recognizes that students with a wide range of
abilities and interests cannot all be expected to do exactly the same thing. Different students will have
different preferences for what they learn from the class. Furthermore, different students will have different
preferences for their investment (time and energy) devoted to this class. Hence, the following contract
grading system:
For an A:
1. Participate fully in Camp Aztec Weekend April 22-24, 2016
2. Accept a key Leadership Role at Camp Aztec and perform above average (class will define).
3. Score 90% or higher on 8 assignments.
4. Score 85% or higher, on average, on the chapter quizzes.
5. Score 90% or higher on the small group Camp Planning Project (class will define).
6. Present a 10-15 minute Outdoor Education or Camp Activity that we can incorporate into Camp Aztec.
7. Score 90% or higher on active class participation and no unexcused absences.
For a B:
1. Participate fully in Camp Aztec Weekend April 22-24, 2016
2. Score 80% or higher on 6 assignments
3. Score 80% or higher, on average, on the chapter quizzes.
4. Score 80% or higher on the small group Camp Planning Project (class will define).
5. Present a 5 minute “bag of tricks” game that we can incorporate into Camp Aztec.
6. Score 80% or higher on active class participation
For a C:
1. Participate fully in Camp Aztec Weekend April 22-24, 2016
2. Score 70% or higher on 4 assignments
3. Score 70% or higher on the small Group Planning Project (class will define).
4. Score 70% or higher, on average, on the chapter quizzes.
5. Score 75% or higher on active class participation
For a D: Let’s do our best to avoid this. See me immediately and I will help you drop this class.
For Students with Disabilities: If you are a student with a disability and believe you will need
accommodations for this class, it is your responsibility to contact Student Disability Services at (619) 5946473. To avoid any delay in the receipt of your accommodations, you should contact Student Disability
Services as soon as possible. Please note that accommodations are not retroactive and the instructor cannot
provide accommodations based upon disability until he has received an accommodation letter from Student
Disability Services.
CAMP AZTEC--SUMMER CAMP/OUTDOOR EDUCATION EXPERIENCE AT CAMP SURF IN IMPERIAL BEACH: APRIL
22-24, 2016. Required. Attendance for the entire weekend is required to pass this course. Students will have
the opportunity to work with the instructor in planning, implementing, participating, and evaluating the entire
weekend. Students will form small groups and be responsible for specific aspects of the weekend. The cost for
this weekend will be ~$150 (due 3/23) and will include cabin lodging, six meals, an extraordinary camp
counseling, outdoor education and administration experience with 50+ 11-12 year olds, two full days & nights of
camp activities, plus much more! http://www.ymca.org/camp/camp-surf.html
RTM 483 SMALL GROUP PROJECT
Students will be divided into small groups and will be responsible for developing one program area of the
Camp Aztec Weekend for +50 campers, ages 11-12. The Camp dates are April 22-24, 2016. This final
comprehensive program plan is due on or before Wednesday, Feb. 24.
Proposed Program Groups: Opening & Closing Programs; Campfire Programs; Early AM & Down-Time
Programs; Cabin Time & Dining Hall Programs; Saturday AM Programs
The comprehensive program plan will include detailed information in the categories listed below:
Program Goals & Learning Outcomes: Minimum of one goal with two measurable outcomes.
Staffing: Description of each staff leadership position with list of specific duties; include content/outline for
Staff Training and specifics on how you will get fellow classmates/staff involved.
Timeline/Scheduling: Provide a detailed schedule from start to finish for each activity/program.
Outdoor Education: Incorporate a minimum of one quality outdoor education activity into your program
planning. Activities must be appropriate for 11-12 year olds (5th graders).
Budget: Provide a complete program budget for your entire program. Including, but not limited to, supplies,
equipment, training materials, food, etc.
Safety Management: Detail all safety considerations specific to your program area. Camp Surf is a resident
camp facility accredited by the ACA and meets all the requisite safety and risk management standards.
Team Work, Leadership & Followership.
Each individual group member will be designated as leader for each assignment area. The overall leadership
of each planning group will be given to those students seeking an A grade, if possible. Please distribute
equally. Each individual group member will submit a one page paper critiquing his/her personal influence
towards their group’s assignment. In addition, you will choose the one member of your group that
demonstrated the most leadership and explain why.
Grading Criteria for Group Project Exam
Grammar, Spelling, Sentence Structure, Professional Appearance - 20%
Thoroughness of Research, Attention to Detail, Specifics - 35%
Demonstration of Applied Knowledge (readings, conference, presentations, lectures) 35%
Team Work, Leadership & Followership - 15%
COURSE SCHEDULE
Instructors reserve the right to change course lecture schedule without notice. At time of print, guest speaker
dates were not confirmed. Instructor will give minimum of one-week advance notice regarding guest speakers
(i.e. this schedule may change)
1/20
Introductions, Course Overview & Expectations, Review of Syllabus, Camp Weekend Overview;
Definition of Outdoor Education & Organized Camping
1/27
Quiz Chapters 1, 2 & 19: Historical Overview, Types of Camps, What is Camp?, Camp Director’s
Job, Camp as Community, Ultimate Responsibilities; YMCA Volunteer Training Process
2/3
Quiz Chapter 3: Philosophy, Values & Mission of Organized Camping & Outdoor Education. Camp
Planning Groups; Outdoor Education Projects & Assignments
2/5-2/7
Adventure Leadership I (ENS 138) Retreat Weekend, Julian, CA
2/10
Quiz Chapter 4: Understanding Campers; Guest speakers: Patty King and Raymond Wu, Border
View YMCA
2/17
Quiz Chapter 5: Program Design & Development
2/24
Quiz Chapter 11: Safety & Risk Management for Camp and Outdoor Education Programs;
Planning Group Projects Due
3/2
Quiz Chapter 9: Supervision, Discipline, Structure and Leadership of Campers; Guest speakers
3/9
CPRS Conference, Long Beach, March 8-11 or Day Camp Visitation: RJKCCC
3/16
Quiz Chapter 6, 7, 8: Personnel-Camp Staff; Camp Weekend Activity Presentations & Leadership
3/23
Quiz Chapter 18: Evaluation & Reporting; YMCA Camp Surf Fee (~$150) due; Border View Staff
Presentations (SDSU); Q&A Prep for YMCA Staff Panel (4/6)
3/30
SPRING BREAK – No Class
4/6
Quiz Chapter 15: Outdoor Education--Camp Activity Presentations; Marketing Org. Camps
Outdoor Living Skills; YMCA Camp Surf Visitation – Meet with Director and Key Staff; YMCA
Staff Panel
4/4—4/8
Camp Aztec Parent Nights: Location & Times TBA (~10 students)
4/8-4/10
Adventure Leadership II (ENS 138B) Training Weekend
4/13
ACA Spring Leadership Conference, 4/12-4/15, Palm Springs; Parent Nights Flex Schedule
4/20
Camp Aztec Prep & Final Rehearsal; Outdoor Education Activities: Presentations
4/22-4/24
CAMP AZTEC
4/27
Camp Aztec Review & Evaluation
4/29-5/1
AEOE Conference (Malibu)
5/4
Remaining Assignments Due
ASSIGNMENTS
All papers must be typed. Spelling and grammar count. Each assignment is marked with a specific due date.
Once the due date has passed, you cannot turn it in.
1. In lieu of completing Assignments, students may elect to take ENS 138 Adventure Leadership I & II
(Sec. 70 & 71) on Mondays from 5:00pm-6:40pm. Course Description: Ten week class, online
assignments and required weekend fieldtrip/retreat. Class dedicated to developing leadership skills
and high ropes course and team building techniques. Improve your skill-set through leading activities
and participating in a group setting. This course is required to qualify as an Aztec Adventures outdoor
leader. Additional fee. (Worth 8 Assignments)
2. American Camp Association Spring Leadership Conference, Palm Springs, April 12-15: The American
Camp Association sponsors this event annually and consists of a gathering of Organized Camp
Professionals and Camp Staff from throughout California.
http://www.acacamps.org/springleadershipconference
(Worth 6 Assignments) Due 5/2
3. CPRS Conference, Long Beach, March 8-11: The California Park & Recreation Society sponsors this
fantastic learning—professional opportunity and will feature numerous interest sessions on outdoor
education. Speak with RTSA members to obtain info regarding free hotel lodging and
Conference/Student Membership Fee. http://www.cprs.org/p/cm/ld/fid=183
(Worth 4 Assignments) Due 3/25
4. Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education, Malibu, April 29-May 1: AEOE is a state-wide
organization that has been created for and by the outdoor and environmental educators of California.
They are charged with providing a diverse pool of trained educators that is knowledgeable and skilled
at educating today's youth about the natural world. https://aeoe.org/events/aeoe-statewide-springconference-2016 (Worth 6 Assignments). 5/5
To obtain full Conference Assignment credit, the following is due two weeks after the final day of the
event or on the last day of classes:
a. 100 word summary & critique of each workshop session attended (min. 6)
b. 100 word (each) critique of three vendors in the exhibit hall and explanation as to why they
were chosen. Include a small promotional piece they provide you with.
c. An interview/discussion with a minimum of two professionals outside of San Diego. Three to
five questions to be asked must be submitted and approved by instructor prior to conference.
(200 words min. for each)
d. 300 word overall summary of the Conference experience.
e. Appropriate dress, behavior and professional representation of SDSU-RTM throughout the
Conference.
f. Check in with instructor or department representative twice each day.
5. Camp Aztec Presentation Group Project: Camp Aztec needs a digital presentation that “tells our story”
to the Campers, Parents and Border View YMCA community. Prezi, Sway, or another instructor approved
platform should be utilized. History of the Program, Mission, Philosophy, Vision, Learning Outcomes,
Photos, Schedule, Testimonials, Inspirational Quotes, etc. (Worth 3 Assignments) Due 3/25
6. Camp Aztec Skit & Song Book Group Project: Camp Aztec always benefits from having a good, solid Skit
& Song Book. Drawing from class resources (fellow students, past Camp Aztec programs, etc.). This
document must be user friendly and “FUN”. (Worth 3 Assignments) Due 4/8
7. Develop a Fundraising Plan for Camp Aztec. Research and consider the value of implementing various
short-term and/or long-term strategies for generating funds which can offset the expenses of campers’
families, the YMCA, and our group. This appraisal should include on-campus funding sources as well as
various other methods like crowdfunding, fundraising nights, etc. Students in the class should be
consulted to learn what ideas they have for achieving the desired objectives. Turn in a two page report
(1000 words). Gain instructor approval prior to contacting any SDSU personnel or departments. (Worth 2
Assignments) Due 2/26
8. Write a two page essay (1000 words) describing your past organized camping experiences and any
influence or value derived. This can be as a camper, and/or counselor. You must have a minimum of
three weeks of camp experience to complete this assignment. Due 2/26
9. Interview a Camp Professional who makes a living directing an organized camp. Report your findings in a
two page (1000 words) essay. Focus on the career path that the professional followed in arriving at his
or her current position, why she got into the field, sources of inspiration in her work and words of
wisdom for prospective camp professionals. Due 4/15
10. Research a resident summer camp via the internet that offers “specialty” programming in an area that is
of great interest to you. Write a two page paper (1000 words) critiquing the camp’s web site and how
well they conveyed a message of interest or motivation to either attend as a camper or work for them as
a staff member. Include copies of the web pages. Due 3/4
11. Develop a Camp Aztec 2016 Logo. With input from the students and Y leadership, create a logo that can
be used on things like a Skit & Song Book, posters, camp mementos, and perhaps recreated by campers
in the sand at Camp Aztec. Due 3/4
12. Other assignments may be created in consultation with the instructor.