Registration for the Fall 2025 / Spring 2026 OLTP Cohort is now open! Contact lbelt@unca.edu for information on how to sign up.
What is the Outdoor Leadership Training Program?
Students develop high-level leadership skills through this course by taking a two-semester training; fall semester LA205 Foundations of Outdoor Leadership (2 credits) and spring semester LA210 Applications of Outdoor Leadership (2 credits). This course progression (called OLTP) serves as valuable professional development for leadership skills, facilitation skills, and outdoor skills. Students who complete the full course may be eligible to work as a trip leader for Outdoor Programs!
OLTP covers a wide variety of technical, interpersonal, and group management topics relevant to any future career, and includes field experiences to create a well-rounded environment for experiential learning. Many of our students have never done anything like this before- complete beginners and outdoor novices are encouraged to take the course!
Required Dates for Fall 2025 / Spring 2026
- Canoe Camping: September 13th – 14th, 2025
- Fall Break Backpacking: October 4th – 7th, 2025
- Wilderness First Aid: TBA October 25th – 26th OR November 8th – 9th, 2025
- Spring Break Whitewater Kayak / Rock Climbing: March 7th – 12th, 2026
- Intermediate Skill Clinics: April 4th and 5th, 2026
Quick Facts
- LA-205 / OLTP / The Outdoor Leadership Training Program is a path to leadership and skill development. This course is appropriate for first-time outdoors people, as well as those with experience in outdoor adventure sports (hiking, backpacking, kayaking, rock climbing, etc). No experience is required!!
- The Outdoor Leadership Training Program is made up of two courses: LA 205 in the Fall, and LA 210 in the Spring. It is strongly recommended to take both classes consecutively, although exceptions are occasionally made.
- There are required in-person class periods on Thursdays from 5:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., complemented by 2-3 field experiences each semester. Specific details, including field experience dates and total cost of the program vary by year. The general schedule is:
- Canoe Camping: Labor Day Weekend
- Backpacking: Fall Break (October)
- Whitewater Kayaking & Rock Climbing: Spring Break (March)
- Advanced Kayaking & Climbing Clinic: First weekend of April
- There is a course fee of $675 associated with the training program to cover the cost of the field experiences and certifications. Students may pay in one lump sum at the beginning of the fall semester or can participate in a payment plan over the course of the year ($350 in Fall, $325 in Spring).
- The course requires permission of the instructor to register. Students who complete both semesters of the course are eligible to work as Trip Leaders with Campus Recreation Outdoor Programs.
To register for the program or for more questions
- Email: outdoorprograms.rec@unca.edu
- Call: (828) 251-6368
- Stop by in-person: SRC 203 or SRC 204