The Wild and Scenic Gap Program focuses on outdoor adventure, leadership training, and environmental stewardship, giving participants valuable outdoor industry training in the American West. Students learn valuable leadership and communication skills by working with inspiring leaders in the outdoor industry and conservation movement.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE AND TRAINING
Earn industry-recognized certifications and learn necessary skills to plan your own epic adventures or work in the ski, whitewater or outdoor education industry. With its rugged mountains, varied landscapes and wild scenic rivers, the American West is the perfect place to find adventure for participants of all abilities. Our team of highly-skilled instructors and local partners will guide you through multi-day skiing, backpacking, rafting, and whitewater kayaking experiences in beautiful locations. Along the way, you will earn valuable certifications and learn necessary skills to plan your own epic adventures or work in the ski, whitewater or outdoor education industry. In addition to technical experience, you will learn how to manage risk, group dynamics, and medical emergencies and develop the skills facilitate transformative experiences in a variety of backcountry and front-country environments.
Students have the opportunity to gain the following industry-recognized certifications:
- PSIA Level 1 Ski Instructor
- SSI Swift Water Rescue Technician
- Wilderness First Responder
- American Red Cross – CPR and AED
- Leave No Trace Trainer
WE WELCOME ALL SKILL LEVELS
You are not required to have experience backpacking or rafting/kayaking before you join us. We would love to teach you! We are able to differentiate to a variety of skill levels by choosing appropriate crafts and sections for the group. Each cohort is a mix of students with varying experience levels in the outdoors.
ACCOMMODATIONS
The program will be split between front-country and backcountry environments. While in the front-country, students will have the opportunity to stay in cozy yurts at our Idaho campus, as well as at campsites next to hot springs and pristine rivers. In the backcountry, our students camp along sandy beaches, in beautiful forests and alpine meadows, and at historic ranches for a complete wilderness experience.
