About the Outdoor Education and Leadership Program

The Outdoor Education and Leadership program provides opportunities to earn academic credit for nationally and internationally-recognized outdoor credentials. Offerings have included wilderness medicine courses, Single Pitch Instructor certification, Leave No Trace Trainer, avalanche safety, and more. You can also receive funding through ASW to attend regional and national conferences, such as the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education, American Mountain Guides Association Members Meeting, Association of Experiential Education, Wilderness Risk Management Conference, and more.

The Outdoor Program provides meaningful outdoor experiences and certifications that develop leadership, self-awareness, character, stewardship, and technical skills in Westminster students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests. Students can also become trip leaders for the Outdoor Program, to plan, prepare, and fully implement trips with guidance from professional staff.

The Environmental Center promotes environmental awareness and leadership on campus and offers educational events, services that promote sustainable living, and support for environmental projects.

The Organic Garden is a space for students to collectively grow, eat, and learn more about fresh and healthy food. Employees and volunteers plant and maintain the garden, and produce is available on harvest days.

The Bike Collective grew out students' desire to minimize campus traffic and reduce personal carbon emissions. The collective has a few bikes available for long-term rental and organizes various clinics, group rides, and other events throughout the year. Additionally, fix-it-kits are available to repair your bicycle, and you can get assistance from a bike tech for repairs.

The Ski and Snowboard Collective provides free services, information, and supplies to all current Westminster students to meet their ski and snowboard needs.

Westminster has several outdoor student clubs, including the Climbing Club, Ski and Snowboard Club, Trail Running Club, and Whitewater Club. Some Outdoor Education and Leadership program students also get involved with NAMI On Campus Westminster (affiliated with the National Alliance on Mental Illness) and the Students for Climate Solutions club.