The Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies is accepting applications for the Outdoor Adventure Leadership Immersion Semester Program (OAL ISP) for Spring 2015.The Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies is accepting applications for the Outdoor Adventure Leadership Immersion Semester Program (OAL ISP) for Spring 2015.
The OAL ISP is a 90-day study away semester experience that focuses on outdoor leadership, instructor development and character development. The semester includes 18 credits distributed over six courses ranging in topics from expedition organization, planning, and leadership to environmental ethics, wilderness medicine, and wilderness literacy.
The OAL ISP exposes students to multiple adventure pursuits including skiing, touring, winter backpacking, rock climbing, canyoneering, white water rafting, and backpacking throughout Colorado, California, and Utah (specific pursuits and locations are subject to change). In addition to technical skill development, students are eligible for national certifications including a Wilderness First Responder certification and a Leave No Trace Master Educator certification (certifications are dependent upon instructor assessment and passing applicable exams).
While the OAL ISP is a requirement for all OAL majors it is open to all majors and minors (no previous outdoor experience necessary - participation in RLS 15100 Foundations of Outdoor Adventure Pursuits and/or RLS 21600 Outdoor Adventure Skills are encouraged). The OAL ISP also functions as a concise minor for students in other departments and schools at Ithaca College looking for transferable leadership, educational, and character development skills.
To apply for the OAL ISP please complete the application found on the ISP webpage at https://www.ithaca.edu/hshp/depts/rls/oalinfo/oalisp/. Return the application to the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, 321 Smiddy Hall by April 30, 2014 for full consideration. Late applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until space if full. Please feel free to contact the department with any questions or email OAL ISP field instructor Dr. Patrick Lewis at plewis@ithaca.edu (though he is currently on the river and won’t be able to respond until April 20th).
For further information on the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, the OAL Major, the Outdoor Pursuits Minor, and the ISP please visit the Departmental webpage: https://www.ithaca.edu/hshp/depts/rls/ and to view the current OAL ISP experience including photos and a GPS tracker visit our Facebook page: Ithaca College Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies.