RLS MINIMESTER IN OUTDOOR LEADERSHIP
JOURNEY AND EXPLORE THROUGH FULL IMMERSION IN THE OUTDOOR LEADERSHIP INTENSIVE
What is the Outdoor Leadership Intensive?
The outdoor leadership intensive is a course held over the May minimester term. It is designed to allow for at
least 21 concentrated days of engagement and focus in a variety of areas of outdoor leadership. The curriculum
is centered on outdoor leadership and outdoor skill development. The course curriculum is based on
Recreation and Leisure Services (RLS) program outcomes and educational outcomes put forth by the
Wilderness Education Association (WEA). The course is designed to offer several opportunities for
certification and students will experience academic and personal challenges that are intellectual, emotional,
spiritual and physical in nature. In addition, participants share in the reward of time spent in nature and in
environments where relationships flourish through shared experiences.
In 2015, we will be rock climbing, canyoneering, backpacking, and paddling mid-May through early June.
Specifically, this course allows for ample opportunities for Recreation majors interested in a career in outdoor
recreation leadership to be access and document competency in areas required for full certification as a WEA
Outdoor Educator. For any student of nay major wishing apply for summer employment in outdoor recreation
their course upon successful completion of the course receive an outdoor leader certificate. You can also
·
·
Learn lifetime leisure skills
Earn course credit
Who is it designed for?
This course is great for recreation majors, General Studies in HHPR, Environmental Studies majors, Campus
Recreation Outdoor Adventure staff, any student minoring in Leadership, or any student interested in gaining
personal skills in the outdoors. Students will gain skills useful for summer jobs, will experience personal
growth while living outdoors for 3 weeks and it’s a fun way to begin your summer!
What are the specifics?
Dates:
Cost:
LEAVE: Thursday, May 14th – Leave after finals have finished the week before graduation.
RETURN: Monday, June 1st – Those in Summer I may have to miss the first day of classes.
LEAVE: June 5th-8th – We will finish up the trip by paddling the Pecos River.
$1250*
Deposit of $400 due Friday, March 6th
Second installment of $400 due Friday, April 2nd
Balance of $450 due Friday, May 1st
*Includes food in the field, transportation, base camp lodging, instruction, backpacking, caving
and climbing equipment. Does not include personal clothing.
Refund Policy:
All trip fees are fully refundable up to 2 months before the final registration date – March 6th. From
March 7th-April 2nd half of the deposit will be available for refund. After April 2nd, the trip balance and deposit
are non-refundable unless cancelled by the RLS Department.
If a trip is cancelled, it will be determined well in advanced to avoid penalty fees of dropped
courses.
Course Credit: up to 6 hours
Courses Offered:
 RLS 3303 Outdoor Leader Certification (approved elective course for Student
Learning & Engagements Leadership Majors/Minors)
 RLS 4390 Independent Study in Leisure Services
 RLS 4V90 Internship in Leisure Services (RLS majors only)
 LF 1160 Beginning Climbing
 LF1161 Intermediate Climbing
 LF1112 Backpacking & Camping
Certifications: Master Educator or Trainer level with Leave No Trace, WEA Outdoor Leadership
Certificate
Click here for a tentative detailed itinerary.
How do I apply?
To apply visit or for more information visit www.baylor.edu/hhpr/outdoorleadership
You can also contact Kelli McMahan at her email Kelli_McMahan@Baylor.edu or office 254-710-3712
How can I get prepared?
This trip is not for the faint of heart. It is suitable for the beginner but students need to understand that they
will be responsible for carrying personal and group gear through rough terrain. Students need to be willing to
contribute to the safety and well being of the group as well as maintaining a positive attitude. We recommend
that participants prepare ahead of time to be at a good fitness level by the time the trip begins.
Here’s a good gauge of an expected fitness level by the beginning of the trip:
1. Able to complete 30 minutes continuously on stairs with a 25lb pack on
2. To complete Jacob’s Ladder 3 times with a 25lb pack on, with no more than a 1 minute break
3. To run one loop around the beartrail in under 25 minutes.
4. To successfully complete two consecutive routes at the Rock at the Student Life Center (of the 5’7
grade).
If you are unable to complete these activities, these are some recommended ways to prepare.
It is equally important to be willing to accept the physical and mental challenges that will come and to be
prepared to step out of your comfort zone occasionally.
Academic Requirements: Regardless of the specific course or course credit hours associated with your
participation, there are academic expectations associated with this trip. Some pre-trip homework and reading
will be required, preparation for field presentations, skill assessments, journaling, book reviews, reflections and
the possibility of two on-campus evening meetings after return to Waco are required.
You may access the syllabus here.
What do we need to bring?
Due to the outdoor activities we will experience, you will need a wide range of clothing to encompass the
different weather we will be experiencing while on the trip. We will provide the climbing, backpacking, and
other gear required for activities, but you will need to provide your own personal gear. You may access the list
of gear here.
Meet the Faculty & Instructors
Kelli McMahan, M.S.
Lecturer and Coordinator of Outdoor Recreation
She loves rock climbing, swimming, running with her dog Marlee, outdoor travel and all outdoor/fitness
related activities. Best outdoor dish: cowboy coffee!
Stephanie Davis
Graduate Assistant to Baylor Outdoor Adventure
She loves rock climbing, running, traveling and drinking good cups of coffee outside.
2015 Trip Locations
 Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge near Lawton, Oklahoma – Rock
Climbing
 Pecos Wilderness Area in New Mexico - Backpacking
 Paria Canyon near Marble Canyon, Utah - Canyoneering
 Pecos River in Texas - Paddling
Testimonials from
Previous Years:
“Through my time at Baylor I had
grown to love outdoor activities. The
trip was a great way to cap off my
time in college. My favorite activity
was backpacking, because it
encompassed the largest time and was
where everyone on the trip started to
bond. One of the best ways to learn is
experientially, that’s where you fully
understand what you’re learning.”
-Daniel Ezell
“The curriculum
was helpful in
developing outdoor
leadership skills by
being in the
outdoors and
applying what we
read into our trip. It
was a big part of
helping the
information from
the curriculum stick. The minimester trip was my first
time to do anything outdoors like that. I was really out
of my comfort zone.” – Kristina Higgins
“The trip
outdoor
taught me
essential
learned
Francesca
was helpful in developing
leadership skills. It
many things that are
for being a good leader. I
more about myself and
backpacking.” Samaniego