“Universal Adventure Programming” has traditionally been defined as “accessible” adventure programming on a programmatic, environmental, leadership, legal, and equipment modification level for people with and without disabilities. This course seeks to expand that definition to assist students in gaining the knowledge, understanding, and abilities to provide quality adventure programming in relation to staff and participants’ social identities, including, but not limited to, race, class, gender, and ability – thereby seeking to create socially just outdoor education opportunities for all. By truly understanding ourselves, our clients, and the environment within which we work, we can provide quality inclusive programming for all.
Students in this class will participate in a process of co-creation, wherein the exact areas of emphasis will be determined collectively by the class community, in order to meet course objectives. Learning opportunities may include some or all of the following: field experiences, guest speakers, experiential class sessions, readings, movies, community engagement, reflective writing, and active leadership opportunities.
- Teacher: Jillisa Overholt