Adirondack Outdoor Leadership Expedition

When you register, we will send you a complete list of essentials and recommendations for what to bring during your two week stay in the Adirondacks.

You are welcome to bring personal outdoor clothing and equipment as long as it meets outdoor safety standards. You will be provided with guidelines clarifying expectations.

Paul Smith’s College will supply backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, canoes, paddles, life jackets, and group camping gear.

Yes!

Most colleges will take transfer credits, but it is always best to check with the specific college in advance. We have never had any students tell us it was a problem to transfer into their college, and even into some high schools.

1. Outdoor Skill Development. Paul Smith’s College and NOLS are experts in the fields of outdoor skills and leadership. This course offers a concentrated opportunity for you to pick up a professional certification and develop valuable outdoor leadership skills.
2. Learning + fun. Who said earning college credits has to be boring? This course is a great way to get 3 college credits, learn about one of the world’s top parks, and spend time with like-minded new friends in the mountain wilderness. Think about it.
3. Hands-on learning: The AOL Expedition is experiential learning at its best. If you need to feel it, live it, and touch it to learn it best, this course is for you. Get ready for an adventure!
4. Personal growth: Taking a college course as a high school student can contribute to personal growth by fostering independence, time management skills, and a sense of responsibility. It can also boost your confidence in tackling challenging academic material.

The course modules are taught by a team of Paul Smith’s College professors, graduate students, and outdoor professionals in their areas of expertise.

No, you may attend the college of your choice.

If the student attends Paul Smith’s College, the credit is applied upon enrolling. If the student attends another college, they must request their transcript be sent to the college of their choice.

This transcript request is made through the Registrar’s Office and must be done in writing or online. There is no charge to AOLE students for the first transcript.

The 3-week course is $2,150 and includes tuition, fees, room and board.

Travel to and from Paul Smith’s College is not included.

This summer college bridge program confers college academic credit in outdoor recreation leadership, basic natural history, Leave No Trace, wellness, and Adirondack Forest Preserve use and stewardship. 

Confers Wilderness First Aid.

Offered in partnership with NOLS Northeast.

• Online: Adirondack Forest Preserve user orientation (classifications, uses, sources of information, trip planning, regulations), value of recreation, nutrition, orientation to natural and cultural aspects of the routes traveled, wellness concepts. 
• On-campus: Wilderness First Aid, map interpretation, compass use, ration planning, equipment use, pack packing, risk management.
• Backcountry Expedition: Leadership, route finding, map interpretation, conflict management, decision making, cooking, human waste disposal, food protection, campsite selection, time control planning, hiking skills, canoeing skills.