Prepare yourself for a Lifetime of Discovery

The Outdoor Adventure Program (TLP) prepares NMSU students to plan, implement and lead outdoor recreation and/or cultural activities for the NMSU student body. We seek highly motivated students who wish to enrich their college experience by increasing their leadership skill sets.  Participants receive training in group dynamics, teaching techniques, risk management, wilderness first aid, Leave No Trace ethics, and outdoor skill sets such as backpacking and rock climbing during a mandatory Trip Leader Training Session.  Trip Leader Training will be held each Fall and Spring Breaks.  Successful Trip Leaders will be employed by University Recreation and assigned trips/events/clinics based on their skills and abilities.  The TLP equips its student employees with practical leadership experiences to compliment their academic degrees and give them the edge in the job market after graduation. Get the most out of your college years, challenge yourself, and apply on NMSU Handshake!
UREC Trip Leader Job Posting

Training Structure  OAP and TLT Application_SP23.docx

All selected applicants will be invited to attend a mandatory Orientation, and will begin preparing for the mandatory Trip Leader Training Session (Fall or Spring Break).  Exceptions include those with extensive previous experience in the outdoors, professional certificates, and the ability to test-out of evaluations.

At a minimum, all prospective Trip Leaders must complete the following requirements prior to leading trips lead on their own:

• Wilderness and Remote First Aid
• NMSU Defensive Driving
• Leadership and Facilitation Class
• Low Ropes Course Facilitation
• Facilitate a Trip as an Assistant 
• Successfully complete a Lead Observation in the field.

Those interested in leading backpacking, mountain biking, canoeing/kayaking, or climbing trips will have to attend additional skill-specific trainings, also offered free of cost to the Student.

All training’s are held each semester so students can plan accordingly. Accepted applicants must actively participate in the training and program meetings each semester to remain employed by the program.

Benefits of the Outdoor Adventure Program

• Community: Becoming a Trip Leader is becoming part of a family. Leaders run trips together, work, hang out, and have fun together.
• Discovery: Trip Leaders have an opportunity to introduce students to the great outdoors, bringing people where they have never been before and see their discovery. You’ll help people push boundaries, feel better about themselves, and find new and healthy ways to have fun.
• Education: Your technical and interpersonal knowledge will expand. Through trainings and development your proficiency will increase as well as how you lead others into outdoor settings.
• Leadership: Leading trips provides tons of practical real world experience that will benefit any career path. It develops self-confidence, leadership, logistics and communication skills, teaching skills, and problem solving. Every trip can teach you something new about yourself and how you work with others.
• Purchases/Rentals/Employment: As Trip Leader, you receive free rentals from our Outdoor Center, as well as up to a 30% discount off purchases. A lot of our Leaders also become employed with Outdoor Recreation working at the shop, climbing wall, or instructing classes.
• Free: As a Trip Leader, you can plan your ideal outdoor adventure to share with other students at little or no cost to you!

Eligibility Requirements

• An interest in outdoor activities and sharing those experiences with other NMSU students!
• Current NMSU main campus undergraduate or graduate student in good standing with two semesters or more left for completion of graduation requirements.
• Maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA or above.
• Maintain full time student status during Fall and Spring semesters.
• Must possess a valid and violation free driver’s license.
• Lift, balance, and carry personal and group equipment between 35-50lbs.
• Desire to learn how to teach, lead, supervise, and provide fun and meaningful activities for the NMSU student body on campus and in outdoor environments.

A qualified student is one who meets the position's eligibility requirements with or without reasonable accommodation. Any student with a documented disability is entitled to receive a reasonable accommodation that will effectively enable them to participate in the Trip Leader Program.

Want to know more before submitting you application?  Come visit with the Program Coordinator in person, or via Zoom.

Outdoor Trips Program Coordinator

Anthony McGlone

Email Me!    OR     (575) 646-5150   

Room 235 of the Activity Center.

Apply for Spring 2023: (application deadline March 3, 2023)