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 35 student and staff Outdoor Leaders is responsible for facilitating more than 40 IUOA trips and workshops each year.
Become an outdoor leader
Step 1: Contact an IUOA Administrator with your interest
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 outdoor leader is to enroll in SPH-W 305, Introduction to Outdoor Leadership. This eight-week course, which is offered twice during the fall semester and twice during the spring semester, 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 Hannah Nixon at hmnixon@iu.edu.
Step 2: Submit an application
To apply to become an outdoor leader, complete the outdoor leader application form. You can request a copy of the form by emailing Hannah Nixon at hmnixon@iu.edu.