Ithaca College

The Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies is accepting applications for the Outdoor Adventure Leadership Immersion Semester Program (OAL ISP) for Spring 2016. The OAL ISP is an intensive study away semester experience that focuses on outdoor leadership and instructor development. The semester includes 18 credits distributed over six courses ranging in topics from expedition leadership, trip planning and logistics, risk management, wilderness values, environmental ethics, and wilderness medicine. 

 The OAL ISP emphasizes experiential learning opportunities with reflection and discussion. The semester currently features multiple adventure pursuits including backpacking, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting. Previous ISP's have studied in and about Joshua Tree National Park (California), Smith Rock State Park (Oregon) and on the Deschutes and Salmon Rivers (Oregon & Idaho- specific pursuits and locations are subject to change). In addition to technical skill development, students practice communication, conflict resolution, and leadership skills as well as teaching and facilitation skills through peer lessons, discussions and living with a small interdependent community for the entire semester.  

The OAL ISP is a requirement for all OAL majors, however it is open to all majors and minors (participation in RLS 15100 Foundations of Outdoor Adventure Pursuits and/or RLS 21600 Outdoor Adventure Skills are encouraged). A concise minor, the OAL ISP is an opportunity for students to develop and transfer leadership and instructional skills to a major or industry of choice. 

To apply for the OAL ISP please complete the application found on the ISP webpage at ithaca.edu/hshp/depts/rls/oalinfo/oalisp/  Return the application to the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, 321 Smiddy Hall byJune 1st, 2015 for full consideration. Late applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until space is 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 course and may be delayed in responding).

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: 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.