If you have a passion for outdoor adventure and a desire to lead, consider becoming an IU Outdoor Adventures Outdoor Leader. IUOA’s team of approximately 50 student and staff Outdoor Leaders is responsible for facilitating more than 40 IUOA trips and workshops each year.

Become an Outdoor Leader

Outdoor leadership experience and interest are the most desired qualifications for becoming a Trip Leader with IUOA. For most students, the first step in becoming an Leader is to enroll in SPH-W 305, Introduction to Outdoor Leadership. This eight-week course, which is offered during the fall and spring semesters, follows the Wilderness Education Association curriculum. Students learn the principles and practices of planning, implementing, leading, supervising, and evaluating outdoor trips and programs and then apply that knowledge by planning and participating in a weekend-long backcountry trip.

Students who have extensive outdoor leadership experience may be exempt from enrolling in SPH-W 305. To begin this conversation, please reach out to Tyler Kivland at tkivland@indiana.edu.