Outdoor Adventure Program
*As of right now there is no Outdoor Adventure Program until further notice*
The Outdoor Adventure Program (TLP) at NMSU trains students to plan, implement, and lead outdoor recreation and cultural activities for their peers. Participants receive training in group dynamics, teaching, risk management, wilderness first aid, Leave No Trace ethics, and outdoor skills. Training sessions are held during Fall and Spring breaks. Successful trainees will be employed by University Recreation, leading trips, events, and clinics based on their skills. This program provides practical leadership experience to enhance students' academic degrees and improve their job market prospects. Students are encouraged to challenge themselves and apply via NMSU Handshake.
Training Structure
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 training's, 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
- Education: Your technical and interpersonal knowledge will expand. Through training's 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.
Outdoor Trips Program Coordinator
Anthony McGlone
(575) 646-5150
Activity Center Room 235
