PSO Leaders are current students who lead trips on a volunteer basis for Puget Sound Outdoors and are also qualified to lead outdoor overnight Immersive Experiences for Passages. They plan and execute weekend and break trips including, but not limited to, hiking, backpacking, surfing, mountain biking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Students wishing to be leaders, must apply for enrollment into STAF104: Foundations and Applications of Outdoor Leadership. This course features a combination of classroom and field sessions in which students will develop the technical, interpersonal, and judgment skills necessary to effectively plan and lead adventure trips.
Following completion of STAF104, students will complete their training by obtaining their Wilderness First Responder certification. Training fees are covered by PSO for students selected for the course.
Qualifications*:
- Enroll in STAF104: Applications and Foundations of Outdoor Leadership
- Participate in a Wilderness First Responder course offered on campus
- Have the ability to handle multiple tasks and details simultaneously
- Exhibit leadership abilities with groups
- Exhibit effective interpersonal communication skills
- Exhibit the ability to make sound, independent judgments, and decisions
- Exhibit an ability to work effectively and cooperatively as a team member with other leaders
- Openness to learning and curiosity about how to create inclusive community and affirm diverse experiences
- Willingness to be a role model and uphold university policies and expectations
- Have the ability to solve problems with own resources
*Prior outdoor recreation experience is not required to participate. However, please be aware that outdoor recreation is dynamic due to varied geography, weather, and other conditions. Therefore, it can involve times of physical, mental, and/or emotional challenge.
Requirements and Expectations:
- Attend semesterly trainings and regularly scheduled in-services to keep on top of skills and program knowledge
- Lead at least two trips per semester as a leader
- Lead for at least four semesters following completion of training