Outdoor Education and Leadership Field Semester
Spend a Semester Getting Hands-on Experience in the Field
During your Outdoor Education and Leadership Field Semester (OELFS), you’ll get to venture off campus and travel throughout the Intermountain Region of the U.S. You’ll spend an entire semester gaining significant field experience, connecting with people and places, and building a strong community with fellow students and faculty, all while earning credits toward your degree. You’ll have the opportunity to go backpacking, rock climbing, white-water paddling, and canyoneering. This hands-on learning format creates the perfect conditions for personal growth and skill-building—by the time you return to campus, you’ll have developed expertise in leadership, teaching, communication, decision-making, and risk management.
Any Westminster student can apply for OELFS, but priority is given to Outdoor Education and Leadership (OEL) majors in good academic standing, followed by students that have completed OEL 120: Outdoor Leadership. All OEL majors are required to participate in OELFS.
2026 Field Semester Dates: TBD Aug 24–Nov 14, 2026
If you have questions about OELFS, email AJ Verkouwat averkouw@westminsteru.edu.
Field Experience Matters
If you want to work in the outdoor industry, spending extended time in the field will help you stand out to employers. OELFS provides you with the field experience and skills you need to be competitive in the outdoor job market.
Field Semester Fee
Cost: $6,000 includes:
- A $500 non-refundable deposit
- All meals, transportation, lodging, instruction, entry fees, and permits
- Technical and group equipment
- Certifications for Wilderness First Responder and Leave No Trace Trainer
Courses (16 total credits)
- OEL 210 Wilderness Education (4)
- OEL 220 Adventure Programming (4)
- OEL 230 Instruction and Facilitation (4)
- OEL 240 Skills Practicum (2)
- OEL 245A Wilderness First Responder (2)
"The best word to describe the Outdoor Education and Leadership Field Semester was wholesome. I say that because as a group we supported, cared about, and loved each other. The nights out in that canyon proved the level of friendship and community that has built and will continue to last after the semester has finished."
Expert Faculty
Westminster instructors from the Outdoor Education and Leadership program and the Fitness, Wellness, Recreation Department will bring expertise in geology, outdoor programming, education, Wilderness First Response, leadership, and more. Instructors are subject to change.
Hilary Lambert
Assistant Professor
MacKenzie Mitchell
Director of Outdoor Programs
AJ Verkouw
Assistant Professor
Tiana White
Hpw - Adjunct