COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
OLE 103 Foundations for Outdoor Leadership & Education (3 hours, spring)
This is an introductory course designed to familiarize students with key components of the Christian camping movement and outdoor leadership and education. Grounded in biblical and theological foundations, these components include 1) the history and development of Christian camping and outdoor leadership and education, 2) the significance of the temporary community and outdoor setting, 3) models and trends of camping and outdoor education, 4) methods and resources for leadership development and education in the outdoor context, and 5) the world wide impact of the movement. Prerequisite: None.
OLE 203 Wilderness First Responder (3 hours, offered as announced)
The Wilderness First Responder Curriculum uses the principles of long-term care, improvised resources and varying environmental conditions as the framework for learning. It is now the most widely recognized and most often required outdoor leader certification. This certification will provide outdoor leaders and guides with the knowledge needed to deal with crises in remote settings. This certification course meets DOT national standards for First Responder with additional protocols for extended-care situations. Taken over a ten-day period, a typical day consists of a mixture of hands-on practical skill work, didactic lectures, mock scenarios and simulations. The program is fast-paced and physically demanding. Students who successfully complete the course will receive a Wilderness First Responder card and an American Heart Association Adult Heartsaver CPR card. In addition to regular tuition a First Responder Course fee of $475 will be charged. Prerequisite: None.
OLE 213 Camp Programming & Leadership (3 hours, fall odd years)
This course deals primarily with the subjects of organized camping and outdoor leadership. Students will build a professional philosophy of organized camping, as well as look at the present status of future trends in the movement. Developing leadership skills, discipleship and techniques used in a residential setting will be explored. Students will be introduced to various programs and programming styles popular in modern camps today. The course culminates with students planning and carrying out an organized weekend event for a target population during the semester. Prerequisite: OLE 103.
OLE 223 Backcountry Education (3 hours, spring even years)
This course develops leaders through various organized outdoor experiences. Students will be involved in the logistical arrangements necessary to implement two backcountry expeditions and will be exposed to technical skills needed for backcountry travel. Students will work and prepare assignments both individually and in small groups. Prerequisite: OLE 103.
OLE 233 Rock Climbing (3 hours, fall even years)
This course equips students with basic rock climbing skills and teaching techniques within the field. It emphasizes risk management, belaying, anchor systems, ascent and descent techniques, knots, basic rescue, and proper use of equipment, climbing site management, and ministry opportunities within this venue. Prerequisite: OLE 103.
OLE 313 Adventure-based Education (3 hours, spring odd years)
This course is designed to offer an experiential model of adventure programming to students who wish to work with groups. Students will become proficient at leading activities designed to build trust, communication, and confidence, as well as to develop individual and group problem-solving skills, awareness, and commitment. Such activities may be implemented in Christian Education programs, recreation programs, and programs addressing the needs of special populations. Prerequisite: OLE 103.
OLE 323 Environmental Education (3 hours, fall even years)
This course looks at how new-age trends and philosophies have shaped the ecological agenda. It explores the biblical position on environmental issues using the outdoors as a classroom. It offers biblically-based answers and practical ideas that will encourage creation care in all types of settings. Prerequisite: OLE 103.
OLE 333 Outdoor Program Management (3 hours, fall odd years)
This course is a study of administrative procedures for a broad scope of outdoor education programs. Topics will include personnel and facility management, boards and committees, developing a budget, public relations, conflict management, insurance, recordkeeping, and risk management. Prerequisite: OLE 103.
OLE 343 Expedition Module (3 hours, winterm)
Students gain practical experience in a two-week wilderness opportunity equipping them to utilize backcountry experiences in positively impacting others. The goal of this class is to prepare students to successfully plan, lead and effectively carry out a successful wilderness experience. Emphasis is placed on leadership skills, decision-making, communicating effectively, group dynamics as well as basic outdoor skills. A $500 course fee will be added to regular tuition. Prerequisite: OLE 103.
OLE 473 Outdoor Leadership & Education Internship (3 hours, summer)
This course provides for the practical application of experiential education in a camping or outdoor wilderness ministry situation. Students will be involved in an approved assignment and will receive the benefits of supervision and evaluation.Prerequisites: 90 completed hours or approval by the School of Christian Education, and acceptance to the School of Christian Education.
GENERAL EDUCATION – 69 hours
BIBLE & THEOLOGY – 30 hours
| BIB 213 | Hermeneutics |
| BSF 103 | Foundations of Spiritual Formation |
| NTE 113 | Life & Revelation of Christ |
| NTE 123 | Early Church: History & Letters |
| OTE 213 | Law & History |
| OTE 223 | Poetry & Prophecy |
| SYT 313 | God & Redemption |
| SYT 323 | The Church: Its Truth & Destiny |
| Six credit hours of Bible or Theology courses from any: BIB, BMI, GRK 333, 343, HEB 223, 333, 343, NTE, OTE, SYT, THE | |
HUMANITIES – 15 hours
| COM 113 | Introduction to Communication |
| ENG 113 | Freshman Composition I |
| ENG 123 | Freshman Composition II |
| HUM 103 | Western Thought & Culture |
| One Literature course from: AML 213, 223, ENG 213, 223, 233 | |
SOCIAL SCIENCES – 15 hours
| PSY 213 | General Psychology |
| PSY 243 | Developmental Psychology |
| One 100, 200 or 300 level HIS course | |
| Two Social Science courses from: ANT 203, CSG 203, ECO 213, 223, GHY 213, POL 213, SOC 213 | |
COMPUTER, SCIENCE & MATHEMATICS – 9 hours
| On Math, Science, or Computer Elective from BIO, CHM, CSC, PHS, MAT, or SCI | |
| One Mathematics course from: MAT 113, 133, 253 | |
| One Science course from: BIO 423, SCI 243 |
MAJOR – 45 hours
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CORE; 12 hours
| CED 113 | Educational Ministries of the Church |
| CED 423 | History & Philosophy of Christian Education |
| CED 453 | Leadership Formation |
| CED 463 | Spiritual Formation |
SPECIALIZATION – 33 hours
| OLE 103 | Foundations for Outdoor Leadership & Education |
| OLE 203 | Wilderness First Responder |
| OLE 213 | Comp Programming and Leadership |
| OLE 223 | Backcountry Education |
| OLE 233 | River and Rocks: Hard Skills |
| OLE 313 | Adventure-based Education |
| OLE 323 | Environmental Education |
| OLE 343 | Expedition Moduled |
| OLE 433 | Outdoor Program Management |
| OLE 463 | Seminar in OLE |
| OLE 473 | Outdoor Leadership and Education Internship |
MINOR or OPEN ELECTIVES – 15 hours
Student Ministry (Required) – 12 hours
TOTAL = 129 hours
COURSE SCHEDULE
First Year
Fall Semester
| BSF 103 | Foundations of Spiritual Formation | 3 |
| NTE 113 | Life & Revelation of Christ | 3 |
| COM 113 | Introduction to Communication | 3 |
| ENG 113 | Freshman Composition I | 3 |
| CED 113 | Education Ministries of the Church | 3 |
| TFC 100 | Success Seminar | 0 |
| 15 |
Winterim
| HUM 103 | Western Thought and Culture | 3 |
Spring Semester
| NTE 123 | Early Church: History & Letters | 3 |
| ENG 123 | Freshman Composition II | 3 |
| ___ ___ | Computer, Math, or Science Elective | 3 |
| OLE 103 | Foundations for Outdoor Leadership & Ed. | 3 |
| ___ ___ | Minor or Open Elective | 3 |
| 15 |
Second Year
Fall Semester
| BIB 213 | Hermeneutics | 3 |
| OTE 213 | Law & History | 3 |
| PSY 243 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| OLE 213 | Camp Programming and Leadership | 3 |
| OLE 233 | Rivers & Rocks: Hard Skills | 3 |
| STM ___ | Student Ministry | 0 |
| 15 |
Spring Semester
| OTE 223 | Poetry & Prophecy | 3 |
| ___ ___ | 200-level Literature Elective | 3 |
| PSY 213 | General Psychology | 3 |
| OLE 203 | Wilderness First Responder | 3 |
| OLE 223 | Backcountry Education | 3 |
| STM ___ | Student Ministry | 0 |
| 15 |
Third Year
Fall Semester
| SYT 313 | God & Redemption | 3 |
| HIS ___ | History Elective | 3 |
| OLE 323 | Environmental Education | 3 |
| ___ ___ | Social Science Elective | 3 |
| ___ ___ | Social Science Elective | 3 |
| STM ___ | Student Ministry | 0 |
| 15 |
Winterim
| OLE 343 | Expedition Module | 3 |
Spring Semester
| SYT 323 | The Church: Its Truth & Destiny | 3 |
| ___ ___ | Math Elective | 3 |
| OLE 313 | Adventure-based Education | 3 |
| ___ ___ | Minor or Open Elective | 3 |
| ___ ___ | Minor or Open Elective | 3 |
| STM ___ | Student Ministry | 0 |
| 15 |
Summer Session
| OLE 473 | Outdoor Leadership and Education Intern. | 3 |
Fourth Year
Fall Semester
| ___ ___ | Bible & Theology Elective | 3 |
| ___ ___ | Science Elective | 3 |
| OLE 433 | Outdoor Program Management | 3 |
| CED 463 | Spiritual Formation | 3 |
| ___ ___ | Minor or Open Elective | 3 |
| 15 |
Spring Semester
| ___ ___ | Bible & Theology Elective | 3 |
| CED 423 | History & Philosophy of Christian Education | 3 |
| CED 453 | Leadership Formation | 3 |
| OLE 463 | Seminar in OLE | 3 |
| ___ ___ | Minor or Open Elective | 3 |
| 15 |