Typically, we offer the on-campus components of Leader Training during Fall Break, Wintersession, Spring Break, and throughout the spring semester. You can take these trainings spread out across multiple semesters. You need to complete all of the on-campus workshops before going on the Leader Training Trip.
Outdoor Action Search
Leading a group on a multi-day trip either in a base camp setting or a backcountry setting requires extensive training in outdoor camping skills, effective first aid, judgment and decision making, leadership and group facilitation. The final part of OA Leader Training is the Leader Training Trip (LTT), a 6-day trip which pulls together all of the skills you have been learning all semester.
In a typical year, beocming an OA Leader requires completing on-campus training in 4 skill areas (leadership, first aid, outdoor technical skills, and risk management), followed by a 6-day outdoor trip to practice implementing these skills. As is probably obvious, many of our plans have been thrown upside-down this year, and we are still in the process of figuring it all out.
The Outdoor Action Leader Training Program is focused on developing leadership in every student regardless your level of previous leadership or outdoor experience. If you want to take the next step in becoming a more effective leader, sign up for Leader Training over Fall Break, Wintersession, Spring Break or spread out during the spring semester. The Leader Training Program is free to all students.
The Advanced Leader Training Trip (ALTT) is a 5-night backpacking trip designed for those OA leaders who have led at least one trip and who want to focus on further developing their leadership and interpersonal skills. The advanced leadership techniques developed during the trip will be applicable both to the wilderness and to other areas of campus life.
CPR is one of the core Leader Training requirements. OA teaches both Adult CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS). Certification in adult CPR is all that is required for OA Leaders and includes CPR and Automatic Electronic Defibrillation (AED) training from the American Heart Association. OA also teaches a more advanced course--Basic Life Support (BLS) which includes CPR for Adults, Infants and Children as well as AED. This course is a requirement for lifeguards, EMTs and Wilderness First Responders. Both certifications are good for 2 years.
See the OA TripStore for dates...
All parts of training are required for ALL Frosh Trip Leaders, unless marked "optional" or italicized.
Monday 8/22
4:30 PM – 6:15 PM: Dinner in the Frist Gallery (unless otherwise noted, dinners are in Frist) 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM: Welcome in Dillon (meet your co-leader(s), your OA Training Group, and learn details about your trip)Tuesday 8/23
Understanding how to use epinephrine in the treatment of anaphylactic reactions due to insect bites or food allergies can be an immediate life-saving measure. Under the NJ Higher Education Epinephrine Emergency Treatment Act colleges in New Jersey are permitted to train students and others to provide epinephrine injections in the event of a life-threatening emergency. All OA Leaders are required to complete this training.