The eight-month program is available to all students regardless of previous outdoor experience.
Staff training is designed to promote the mission of the outdoor education program and is a terrific leadership opportunity for Colgate students.
Participants are selected based on an interview and application process. (Contact us for more information)
Upon completion of the training, qualified students will receive a certificate of course completion, and may be hired as outdoor education staff members.
Staff members lead courses which are offered to the Colgate student body for physical education credit, as well as Wilderness Adventure trips, team-building activities, and other outreach programs.
These programs helps us provide experiential opportunities which emphasize safety, environmental awareness, and technical skills, while promoting personal growth and group development through rediscovery of the natural world.
2008-09 schedule:
Mondays 4:30 – 8:30pm: class runs from 4:30-6pm; dinnner 6 - 7pm, staff meeting 7 - 8:30pm.
Thursdays 4:30 - 7:30pm (All class. No meals provided; but snacks available.)
(exact class days and times will be determined by the schedule of those accepted).
Day/overnight trips (fall semester)
Day trips: Canoeing, rock climbing, sea kayaking, caving
Overnight trips: Canoeing (2 days), Fall Break (4 days); Adirondack Trip (2 days).
Spring semester commitments:
Wilderness First Responder: Jan. 3-9. All day every day.
Sample Class Schedule:
Winter Trip: Jan. 12-16
Staff Extravagaza: Jan. 30-Feb. 1
Spring Break Trips: Not required, but highly recommended. Subsidy provided. March 14-22.
May Trip: Small group expeditions in Adirondacks
Trip Prep: Saturday, May 9 at 1 pm ; depart: Sunday, May 10; return to campus: Friday, May 15
Seminars: (rock climbing, kayaking, X-C skiing, telemarking) (sign-up for 1 session; additional seminars are optional); 2 hours per week x 4 weeks (dates/times are TBA)
Apprenticeship: (winter and spring term) Paid apprenticeship for P.E. course – lead with 2 OE upper-staff