Outdoor Leadership Training Seminars

Wilderness Leadership Course - 12 Day
Sangre De Cristos Mountains, Colorado *
July 18-29, 2009

Experience:

• Backcountry Travel and Camping
• Contemplative Practices
• High Alpine Peak Ascent
• Mountain Solo Quest

Course Provided In Connection with:

Learn:

• Backpacking and Camping Skills
• Navigation and Route Finding
• Basic Survival and Awareness Skills
• Outdoor Instruction Skills
• Group Leadership and Facilitation
• Wilderness Safety and Risk Management
• General Mountaineering/Climbing Skills
• Therapeutic and Metaphorical Applications of Wilderness

About the 12-Day Wilderness Leadership Course:
This course is designed for those individuals who are seeking exposure to a wide-variety of wilderness leadership skills and training in how to apply them. The remote wilderness of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of southern Colorado will serve as the container for our learning expedition. It is a wonderful place to connect with nature, practice awareness and contemplative skills, be challenged, and discover your own unique leadership style. We will camp in high alpine cirques, hike along deep, clear lakes, through grassy slopes and alpine flowers, cross cascading creeks, traverse over mountain passes, and climb (weather permitting) to spectacular views at the summits of Broken Hand, Creston, or Humbolt Peaks. Through experience, lecture, and discussion we will address trip preparation, safety, survival, campcraft, guiding, basic mountaineering, Taoist climbing, and outdoor teaching. We will cover how to read a topographical map and compass, how to navigate safely through remote mountain terrain, how to facilitate a group, and work with group dynamics. We will also explore the metaphorical, spiritual, and therapeutic elements of the wilderness experience.

Our course will begin at 9am on July 18th (Boulder Public Library, Arapahoe Ave), and begin the course with 2 days of pre-trip planning, organizing, rock climbing and team building.  We will provide lunch during these two days. Please see the itinerary (attached) for more information. Out-of-town participants should arrive in Boulder July 17th. We reserve the right to alter the trip, change the site and itinerary as weather, environmental conditions, or the nature of the group may require. Special travel needs may be able to be accommodated. Cost includes trip meals. 

The Instructors:

Jonathan Mitchell, M.A.:  Over the last twelve years Jonathan has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience working and playing in the wilderness. Having spent over 600 days working therapeutically with groups of youth and families and a large portion of his “off-time” in Nature, Jonathan has experienced both a personal and professional transformation through the relationship with the natural world. Jonathan has a deep passion for combining the healing power of the wilderness with each individual’s innate ability to become whole. He holds a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Wilderness Therapy from Naropa University in 2007 and is a graduate of the Gestalt Institute of the Rockies. Additionally, Jonathan has experience as a NOLS Certified Backpacking and Rock Climbing Instructor, and a certified Wilderness First Responder.  He is passionate about teaching, guiding, and serving others in their own evolution, and enjoys backcountry skiing.

Michael Jospe M.A.: Michael is a wilderness therapist, professional coach. He instructs for Naropa University’s masters degree program in ecospychology, is the of the Earth-Based Institute in Boulder, Colorado, and advisor for the Master of Arts Program (MAP) at Prescott College.  Michael has a B.A. in Outdoor Recreation Leadership and an M.A. in Adventure Education. He has been teaching others to be outdoor leaders and guides for 12 years.

Katie Asmus M.A., LPC, BMP: Katie is a Wilderness Therapist and Educator.  She combines her passions for creativity, deep self-exploration, radical self-acceptance, and present moment awareness to create eclectic and meaningful experiences for people.  Katie is the Assistant Director of the Wilderness Therapy masters degree program at Naropa University, has a private psychotherapy practice in Boulder, CO, and advisor for the Master of Arts Program (MAP) at Prescott College.  She is an Outward Bound Instructor and a guide for the Women’s Wilderness Institute.

Additional DETAILS:

How to Register: Call Darren Silver at:  970-901-7352 for registration information and to pay by credit card. $300 deposit required to reserve a place on this course. 50% of balance due May 15th, full payment due on June 15th. Tuition for the trip is $1895 per person. Receive $100 off if paid in full by May 15th. All meals in the field and group/technical equipment will be provided(special dietary needs should be indicated). Participants provide personal backpacking gear and clothing. Contact us for further information, for group discounts, and payment options. Send check payment and all completed paperwork to: Darren Silver, Outdoor Leadership Training Seminars, 513 D South Main St.  Gunnison, CO 81230.  For course content information call Michael (720-352-7865) or Katie (303-881-8802)   DATES: COST: Info Packet: July 18-29 , 2009 $1895 per person.

* Outdoor Leadership Training operates under a special use permit from the USDA Forest Service, San Carlos Ranger District.