Outdoor Leadership

Why study Outdoor Leadership?

Based in one of the most remarkable outdoor settings in the western United States, the COCC Outdoor Leadership programs cover outdoor ethics, technical skills, facilitation and risk management essentials, Wilderness First Responder certification, and the fundamentals of expedition readiness, all underscored by an emphasis on personal growth and self-reliance. The longest-running discipline of its kind in Oregon, Outdoor Leadership at COCC is an ideal springboard for outdoor and recreation careers. It is also a strong foundation for many leadership-focused professional paths.

"I have grown more this year than all my previous 19 years combined. The Outdoor Leadership program isn’t just about having class outside and enjoying nature, it’s about finding yourself, pushing your boundaries, and realizing just how strong you really are." - Kelsie Meithof Voorhees, COCC Outdoor Leadership student

Students can earn a concentrated one-year certificate through the annual cohort (capped at 24 students) or combine the cohort with a year’s worth of prerequisite studies to yield either an Associate of Science degree (transfers to Oregon State University) or an Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree. Through outdoor classrooms and field experiences client-oriented exercises, and a series of five-day expeditions in the mountains and rivers of Central Oregon, students refine new competences in navigation, outdoor living skills, expedition planning, and risk management as they participate in canoe touring, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and other wilderness pursuits.

Outside of degree programs, the COCC Outdoor Leadership program also offers annual trainings for outdoor professionals and enthusiasts in avalanche level 1 and avalanche level 2 courses as well as in Wilderness Medical Society wilderness first-aid/Wilderness First Responder certification. 

Outdoor Leadership

“The COCC Outdoor Leadership program provides the tools for students to be successful in the outdoor leadership community, specifically with Bend Park & Recreation District’s many outdoor programs. With hands-on opportunities for students working with us, we can continue to develop and nurture the skills they learned in class with experiential learning in the field. Their degree can take them anywhere to work in the outdoors.” - Sue Boettner, recreation services manager, Bend Park & Recreation District

PROGRAMS

Outdoor Leadership prepares professionals to provide adventurous, challenging, and educational opportunities in natural areas. Program completers tend to work in positions related to outdoor recreation, outdoor education, adventure education, wilderness therapy, and outdoor tourism and leisure.

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FUTURE STUDENTS

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CAREER INFORMATION

Outdoor Leadership

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Career Paths in Outdoor Leadership

STUDENT STORIES

Eduardo Romero

Hear from Outdoor Leadership students and graduates.

Student and Alumni Stories

MEET OUR FACULTY

Outdoor Leadership

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Faculty Profiles

Contacts

Health and Human Performance Department
541-383-7760
Department Directory

Tim Peterson
Program Director, Outdoor Leadership
541-383-7421
tmpeterson@cocc.edu

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