Outdoor Adventure Classes
Like the outdoors, but not sure where to start? Beyond traditional classrooms, our courses offer hands-on learning, promoting health, well-being, and community building. Challenge yourself, develop crucial life skills, and gain a deeper appreciation for the environment. Join us for an unforgettable experience that goes beyond academics and fosters personal growth in the great outdoors.
National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) Heading link
Campus Recreation has partnered with Midwest Outdoor Skills Training (MOST), a Chicago-based organization specializing in experiential education and training. Through this collaboration, MOST conducts on-campus courses at UIC, teaching participants essential life-saving medical skills with a focus on outdoor and backcountry contexts.
MOST teaches under the authority of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS).
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NOLS Hybrid Wilderness First Responder
Course Overview:
If you work or recreate in the outdoors or in other austere environments where access to medical care is delayed or communication is unreliable, our Wilderness First Responder course is for you. It is the industry standard for professional guides, trip leaders, search and rescue team members, outdoor recreationists, and international travelers.
The Hybrid WFR combines 3 modules of online learning with 5 days of in-person training. You’ll begin by completing work in an online platform that includes readings, videos and quizzes. Each module requires 10 to 15 hours to complete, and you’ll need to finish them before the in-person portion begins. The 5-day in-person course will focus on skills and scenarios.
Upon completion, you will be able to conduct a thorough physical exam, obtain a patient history, assess vital signs, provide emergency care in the wilderness, and make crucial evacuation decisions.
You’ll learn both in the classroom and in outdoor settings regardless of weather, so come prepared for wet, muddy, cold, or hot environments!
Course Details:
- Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
- Dates: Wednesday, August 14th – Sunday, August 18th
- Location: UIC Sport & Fitness Center; 828 S. Wilcott Ave. Chicago, IL 60612
- Price:
- University of Illinois Students and Employees $750
- Student (any) $850
- Non-Student $895
This course is spondered by UIC Campus Recreaion and will be hosted in the UIC Sport & Fitness Center, which is in the heart of the Illinois Medical District.
Course instruction is provided by Midwest Outdoor Skills Training.
Registeration and addional infromation and details can be found HERE!
Any addional questions can be emiled to Adventure@uic.edu.
- Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
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Wilderness First Aid
Course Overview
Prepare for the unexpected with this fun, hands-on introduction to wilderness medicine. If you like to take short trips relatively close to medical resources, enjoy weekend family outdoor activities, or recreate outdoors, this course is for you.
You’ll learn the Patient Assessment System, how to provide effective first aid treatments for injuries and illnesses common in the outdoors, how to manage environmental emergencies, and how to make appropriate evacuation decisions. You will spend half your time practicing skills and participating in realistic scenarios.
NOLS Wilderness Medicine’s WFA course is approved by such organizations as the American Camp Association, the United States Coast Guard, as well as other state and federal agencies.
Successful course completion will earn the following NOLS Wilderness Medicine certifications:
- Wilderness First Aid
- Epinephrine Auto-injector
Class Format
Check-in is between 9:15 am and 9:30 am on the first day. On subsequent days, please plan on arriving by 9:15 AM. Course days run from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM with an hour-long break for lunch at noon.
The class format involves lectures integrated with practical scenarios, case studies, and skills practice sessions. Attendance is required at all classes.
Scenarios and practice sessions will take place both inside and outside. Bring outdoor clothing appropriate for lying on the potentially wet, snowy, or cold ground while playing the role of both rescuer and patient. Stage (moulage) blood and make-up are used to enhance the realism of a scenario. The classroom environment generally lends itself to a pair of indoor comfy shoes.
Course Details:
- Dates: Saturday, September 7th – Sunday September 8th
- Location: UIC Sport & Fitness Center; 828 S. Wilcott Ave. Chicago, IL 60612
- Price $315
This course is spondered by UIC Campus Recreaion and will be hosted in the UIC Sport & Fitness Center, which is in the heart of the Illinois Medical District.
Course instruction is provided by Midwest Outdoor Skills Training.
Registeration and addional infromation and details can be found HERE!
Any addional questions can be emiled to Adventure@uic.edu.
Spring 2024 Outdoor Adventure Workshops Heading link
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Fire & Smores
Date: February 15th
Welcome to the sizzling world of our Fire Starting and S’mores Crafting class! Are you ready to turn sparks into a warm, crackling blaze and transform simple ingredients into gooey, delicious delights? This hands-on course is your ticket to mastering the art of fire-making and elevating your s’mores game to a whole new level. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just looking to ignite your outdoor skills, join us for an unforgettable experience that blends practical know-how with the sweet satisfaction of crafting the perfect s’more under the stars. Get ready to kindle your curiosity and treat your taste buds to a marshmallowy masterpiece!
Signups are $10 for students and can be found here!
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Leave No Trace
Date: March 8th
Step into the world of environmental stewardship with our Leave No Trace Principles class! Are you passionate about exploring the great outdoors while minimizing your impact on nature? This course is designed for adventurers of all levels who aspire to tread lightly and preserve the beauty of our natural spaces. Learn the essential Leave No Trace principles that guide responsible outdoor practices, ensuring that your excursions leave only footprints and memories. Join us on a journey where the wilderness becomes your classroom, and you emerge with the knowledge and skills to enjoy nature sustainably. Let’s embark on an eco-friendly adventure together, leaving our outdoor playgrounds pristine for generations to come!
Signups are $2 for students and can be found here!
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Maps & Orientation
Date: March April 18th
Whether you’re a trailblazing enthusiast or just starting to explore the wonders of outdoor navigation, this course is your compass to unlocking the secrets of maps and honing your orientation skills. From understanding topographic maps to mastering the art of using a compass, our hands-on lessons will empower you to confidently navigate diverse landscapes. Join us for an adventure where you’ll gain the knowledge to find your way with precision and embark on exciting journeys with newfound confidence. Let’s turn every outdoor exploration into a well-guided, map-informed adventure!
Signups are $5 and can be found here!