This course provides the base level of training focused on beginner techniques in the outdoors. The class will encompass level 1 training in outdoor and leadership skills, with a spotlight on exciting sports like climbing and canyoneering. We focus on leadership and teamwork through physical and mental challenges. Most of all, Adventure Leadership 1 gives students the opportunity to explore their abilities and passions for the outdoors.
In this class, students will practice:
With successful completion of this course students can gain a Wilderness First Aid certification.
This course is designed to develop students’ passion for outdoor leadership, and give them valuable technical skills. No prior knowledge or experience is required or needed to be a part of this class. Class time will be comprised of an initial teaching time, with space for practice at the end. Eventually, bigger opportunities to test their knowledge and skills will come with climbing and canyoneering trips. By the end of this course students will learn technical skills including adequate knowledge of knots, outdoor safety, and repelling. Also, confidence in critical decision making and experience working with other people in many different situations. This course can be taken to acquire new skills or as part of a larger trajectory to become an adventure guide after high school.
In class daily:
*If a day requires any additional materials, families will be notified prior to class
Various technical gear will be required throughout the course. All technical gear will be provided for in-class activities and outdoor activities. A thorough gear list will be provided prior to an upcoming trip.
As a homeschool enrichment class we do not issue grades or credits. However, this class is designed to help gain certifications in wilderness first aid and canyoneering, which require successful completion of material to gain certification.
Phones, tablets, and laptops will not be permitted in class for note-taking or otherwise except when required for assignments or occasionally with permissions to do assignments in class.
There is no cost to the parent or student because this class is a program of the Colorado Homeschool Enrichment. CHE is a publicly funded program to benefit homeschooled and private school students with programs to enrich their standard course load. All students must enroll with CHE starting in the summer to be prepared to start class in the fall. Eligible students must NOT be enrolled in any other publicly funded program at the time of enrollment.
*Ineligible students may pay $4500 out of pocket for the course.
Matt Huttchins and Ethan Mullet
As the Founder of Venture Off and a director of CHE Jeff Cooper oversees and checks in with all instructors. Jeff has been leading and teaching adventure leadership to students for over 20 years. His training and teaching outdoor leadership began in California and then he moved in 2006 with his wife to start The University School in Colorado Springs. Jeff acted as the head administrator for 15 years where he established a successful Adventure Leadership program for grades 6th-12th. In 2009, he also started Venture Off, a wilderness discipleship program.
Bringing over a decade of experience in canyoneering and climbing, Matt Hutchins works as the Senior Instructor for Venture Off. With seven years dedicated to teaching and guiding, he continually strives to improve his craft. Certified as a Wilderness First Responder, Matt prioritizes safety and adventure while sharing his passion for the outdoors with others.
