Outdoor Careers.

Train for outdoor careers such as adventure travel planners, nature and outdoor center guides, instructors, forestry technicians, outdoor recreation retail business owners or managers, and resort recreation or camp leaders. With training beyond Colorado Mountain College you can work toward other outdoor careers: research assistant for archaeological, environmental, geological and wildlife surveys, or several career other directions.

The field of Outdoor Recreation Leadership is booming. From humble beginnings, the American outdoor field has expanded from one high adventure school in 1963 to over 10,000 today. The outdoors is big and you can be part of it. As more and more people move into cities, more and more of them wish to escape and recreate in the great out-of-doors. And they need qualified persons like you to take them there.

The ORL program prepares you to enter a variety of outdoor careers directly after graduation. ORL graduates have certificates in Wilderness First Responder (medical), life guarding (non-moving water), Avalanche Forecasting Level I (evaluation of safe winter terrain), Leave No Trace (minimum impact camping and travel techniques), and an optional Swift Water Rescue certificate (moving water rescue). Graduates will also have practical work experience through 135 hours of required internships. All in all, you will be well prepared to enter the exciting world of outdoor leadership.

Pay level.
In the past, pay rates were fairly low and it was sometimes difficult to find enough work to make a living. The industry was not well-formed and, as is the case with teachers, the lifestyle, work hours, time off, and other less tangible benefits were considered to be adequate compensation for the work.

Now, the salaries are rising, the benefit packages are getting thicker and there is the definite possibility of finding year-round work by combining field work with administrative duties. Some of the more hardy among the outdoor leaders have found year-round employment by working the rivers in the summer and skiing in the winter or they simply follow the seasons around the world and continue to do the one thing they love to do.

The pay varies with the job. You can expect anywhere from $500.00 a summer working as an entry-level camp counselor to $30,000+ per year as a full-time instructor at a public or private school.

One thing is clear, the people who get into the outdoor leadership field do it because they love what they do and they wish to make a difference in the lives of others.

Transfer.
Graduates of this program have the opportunity to continue their study at a four-year college or university. Our program has been designed to enable students to transfer. Articulation agreements have been completed with Colorado State University's Department of Natural Resources, Western State College's Department of Recreation, the University of Northern Colorado and the University of Southern Colorado. These agreements allow Outdoor Recreation Leadership graduates to transfer directly. Articulation agreements are also being developed with other institutions.

Links to Outdoor Careers.
The American Recreation Coalition
GORP.com.
The Outdoor Network
National Outdoor Leadership School
The Student Conservation Association