Posts Tagged ‘Outdoor Recreation Leadership’

“I grew up kayaking on the east coast, but I didn’t have the skills I needed to be a kayak guide until Colorado Mountain College’s outdoor courses. My kayaking instructors, Pete Huber and Kent Clement, have so much experience and patience. They taught me about risk management, leadership, self-rescuing and I felt comfortable learning at my own pace.”

Leah Elkins, sea kayak guide for San Juan Kayak Expeditions for the upcoming summer season of 2019.

See Story Read more: Leah Elkins

Brett Menter, a CMC Outdoor Recreation Leadership grad, is in Alaska learning hands-on from Majestic Heli Ski.

Through CMC’s ORL program, Edwards says “I learned the judgment and the technical skills to help guide me on my path.”

Ryan Edwards earned an AA in Outdoor Recreation Leadership at CMC Leadville. In 2015, Edwards and fellow CMC graduates Eric Crosby and Michael Elges climbed several major Alaskan peaks including to raise funds and awareness for Paradox Sports, a Colorado-based non-profit that raises awareness of physical disabilities. Read more: Eric Crosby, Michael Elges, Ryan Edwards

“I found Colorado Mountain College’s programs to be the best blend of academia and technical skills I needed for transferability to a four-year university and the opportunity to work immediately in the field. To any student considering the Outdoor Recreation Leadership Program I would say: don’t hesitate. Your instructors will be excellent and passionate about what they do, and you’ll be pushed to the extreme in the best way possible. I genuinely feel the experiences and instruction I received at CMC prepared me for a future in any outdoor profession of my choosing.”

After graduating from CMC with degrees in both Outdoor Recreation Leadership and Outdoor Education, Chandra Swanson transferred to Oregon State University, where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Cultural Anthropology. Chandra works for the Pike & San Isabel National Forest. Read more: Chandra Swanson

“The ORL program surrounded me with talented and motivated instructors and role models. Their constant support, encouragement, and advice motivated me to improve myself. They helped shape my view of the outdoor industry while teaching me the tangible skills such as climbing, hiking, and orienteering, and while teaching the intangible skills such as expedition behavior, group dynamics, programming, and professionalism.”

Ben Rhinesmith works as a kayak, hiking, and naturalist guide for InnerSea Discoveries, a small cruise ship company in southeastern Alaska. In the past, he has also worked with high-functioning inner-city youth in Wyoming as a backcountry instructor and has co-taught High Angle rescue at Colorado Mountain College. Read more: Ben Rhinesmith