For the November/December 2024 issue, Jordan Frank, the director of the Outdoor Program at the Boise State University, shares advice on outdoor program trip leader training.
Can you describe what your Outdoor Program trip leader training looks like? What are some highlights of it?
JF: We start our training before the fall semester begins in August with a six-day backpacking trip in the Sawtooth Mountains. This is our bread and butter. We focus on community, community and community. We really want the cohort to be comfortable with each other, to be vulnerable and to be curious. This happens pretty naturally and we have set lesson plans to assist along the way. We also take the time to ensure our trip leaders are comfortable and competent with living outside and quickly give them the reins in leadership roles, teaching Leave No Trace, cooking, navigation, camp site selection, etc. We end it with an assessment and give feedback on “Pros and Grows.”
The training continues throughout the year. The fall semester has shorter day and overnight trainings from rock climbing and whitewater kayaking to facilitation and team building initiatives. The spring semester has more day and overnight trips with our winter backpacking training, ski and snowboard training, and continued rock climbing training throughout the semester. We finish the year with our 10-day raft guide school on the Payette River.
I think for me the highlight is that the training never stops. Sure, we have the big set pieces, but the learning and experience through their time at the university as a Trip Leader never stops.
What requirements are there to become a trip leader at Boise State?
JF: From our website: “Be able to work three consecutive semesters. Key traits in an ideal Trip Leader candidate include a commitment to their development, a passion for working with people, a supportive and inclusive attitude, and a sense of adventure to try new things.”
What are the top things you’ve learned in leading a successful Outdoor Program trip leader training over the years?
JF: First, don’t force anything. Forcing group cohesion, technical skills or student involvement just rebounds and makes it more difficult. If it isn’t working, change it up.
Two, create space for students to fail. Every mistake or failed attempt, we label it as “good learning.” Burned rice? Good learning. Blister? Good learning. Hangry? Good learning.
Finally, patience. We’re creating something tangible and worthwhile for them, so we can be patient with results.
What advice would you give to other outdoor professionals leading similar trainings?
JF: Don’t focus too much on the technical outdoor skills. It will come and is the easiest thing to teach/train. Put energy in the beginning with building curiosity, group cohesion, self-efficacy and trust.
