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RPTA 325 DIVES "HEAD FIRST" INTO WATER-BASED OUTDOOR LEADERSHIP

By Anthonia Edgren (RPTA '13), Editor, The Report

The RPTA department offers many classes that make other Cal Poly students jealous, one of those being RPTA 325: Water-Based Outdoor and Adventure Leadership. This quarter, RPTA 325 was all about facilitating and fostering water-based outdoor leadership skills both in and outside of the classroom. Under the guidance of Dr. Goldenberg, the class had the task of planning a field trip down to the very last detail, and executing it on a weekend excursion. The class broke up into two groups, Field Trip A and Field Trip B. The Field Trip A group planned a trip to Lake San Antonio where they would kayak, camp, hike, and teach lesson plans over a three-day period. Route planning, campsite reservations, kayak transportation, food and all other essentials were planned and organized by the students. Over the course of three days, Field Trip A students kayaked approximately 10 miles and taught lesson plans that ranged from compass reading to how to properly setup and use camping stoves. Overall, the students on Field trip A had an amazing time bonding, kayaking, playing in the water, and learning useful skills applicable in the wilderness. Amanda Wilson ('13), charged with managing equipment for the trip, truly enjoyed the experience and said, "Our field trip was amazing, and it was really nice to get to know other RPTA majors outside of class in an outdoor setting."

Field Trip B students had the opportunity to traverse the ocean waters at Big Sur. Students had the challenge of transporting kayaks from their campsite to the ocean waters, about one mile away! However, the reward was well worth it, as students were able to take in the beautiful waters and cliffs that Big Sur has to offer. The Field Trip B group also engaged in various lesson plans, hiking, camping, and group bonding that reiterated the purpose of the class - to build leadership skills in an outdoor setting. On the third day of their field trip, the students topped off their experience by kayaking at San Simeon. Lisa Osorio ('13) felt that RPTA 325 was even better than she could have imagined, "My favorite memory of the Big Sur trip was kayaking at San Simeon State Beach on Sunday afternoon. The water was pristine sea foam green, and there was even a secret beach to explore along the cliffs edge! Getting credit for the experience only sweetened the deal."

What was truly unique about the class was the hands-on learning and application of skills learned in the classroom that transferred to an outdoor setting. Dr. Goldenberg said, "What I truly enjoyed about the class was watching the students learn skills and gain knowledge inside the classroom, and actually apply it on the field trips." Watching the students learn through being challenged by unpredictable scenarios, practical skills, and facilitating leadership among peers was the goal of the course. Even those with prior outdoor leadership experience gained new skills and knowledge through the course. RPTA senior, Jeremy Lipton-Schwartz found the class very useful and relevant, " Though I had previous experience in outdoor leadership through NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School), RPTA 325 gave me an opportunity to utilize the skills I already had,while developing new ones. Working together as a team to overcome challenges, teach each other skills and have a fun time ultimately made this class very rewarding and worthwhile."

Students in RPTA 325 also had an opportunity to volunteer in the community. Students gave back by doing trail work, volunteering at outdoor recreation events, and environmental clean-ups. Anthonia Edgren ('13) felt inspired by the class as a whole. "By volunteering at the Concerned Central Coast Mountain Bikers trail clean-up, I now feel inspired and moved to find an organization in San Luis Obispo and volunteer my time more often. In addition, having the opportunity to go on a camping and kayaking field trip with classmates was an awesome way to cap off my senior year. Not only did it help me by further developing my leadership skills, but I now better understand the value of going outdoors and spending time in nature-and I plan to do so more often!"

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