Outdoor Leadership & Adventure Education at Garrett College

08/17/2026

We'll be hosting an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Course in the Coopers Rock/Cheat Canyon area from October 16-18, 2026.

Register and information can be found here:

Get tickets online for AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Course | October 2026 here.

07/22/2026

Alpine Climbing courses with the Outdoor Leadership degree program at Garrett College!

07/22/2026

What an incredible few weeks of alpine climbing!

Our Outdoor Leadership & Adventure Education students recently wrapped up the field portion of their Alpine Climbing courses in Cascade Range of Washington state, culminating in a seven-day expedition on Mount Baker.

Over the course of the program, students developed and practiced skills in glacier travel, snow and ice climbing, crevasse rescue, alpine camping, route planning, expedition logistics, risk management, leadership, and teamwork. More importantly, they had the opportunity to put those skills into practice in a challenging real-world environment.

Additionally, students were able to explore career paths by meeting with backcountry rangers in North Cascades National Park, and the management team of the American Alpine Institute in Bellingham, Washington.

The students worked hard, supported one another, adapted to changing conditions, and demonstrated tremendous growth as climbers and leaders. We're incredibly proud of what this group accomplished!

A huge thank you to our students, instructors, and everyone who helped make this experience possible. These are the kinds of experiences that make outdoor leadership education so powerful.

Here are a few highlights from our latest unforgettable alpine adventure!

06/17/2026

The Forest Service will publish a proposed climbing directive in the Federal Register and initiate a 30-day public comment period. This proposal establishes the agency’s first national direction for managing recreational climbing opportunities on national forests and grasslands that will include guidance for the use and maintenance of fixed anchors and equipment.

“Recreational climbing continues to grow in popularity, with nearly 30 percent of all outdoor climbing occurring on National Forest System lands,” said Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz. “This proposed directive provides much-needed national policy for climbing activities and gives local decision-makers the ability to work with partners, tribes, climbing organizations, and others to ensure visitors are having safe, responsible and accessible outdoor experiences.”

The proposed policy can be viewed and comments submitted through the Comment and Analysis Response Application: https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/ReadingRoom?project=Directives-4622

06/05/2026

🌊🧗 Adventure is calling!

This summer, trade screen time for stream time, climbing time, and exploration time. Garrett College Adventure Camps give campers the chance to paddle, climb, explore, and discover the outdoors in a whole new way.

Build confidence. Make new friends. Create unforgettable memories.

Spots remain in select camps.
🔗 Register today: https://bit.ly/3Ph3WvA

📣 Final Roll Call for Summer Camps!

Who's ready for a summer of adventure? ☀️

From sports and outdoor exploration to climbing, paddling, and more, Summer Camps are almost ready to begin—and there's still time to join the fun.

⚽ 🥎 🧗 🌊

Don't miss your chance to be part of an unforgettable summer at the lake.

🔗 Register today: https://bit.ly/3Ph3WvA

05/29/2026

Congrats to Gary and Travis for completing the American Mountain Guides Association Single Pitch Instructor course during Outdoor Professional’s Week!

Gary is a climbing instructor with 30+ years of experience who specializes in adaptive climbing programs. A former AMGA Top Rope Site Manager, Gary completed the course to stay up to date with industry standards and to provide credibility to his programs with Paradox Sports, No Barriers, and other outdoor industry non-profit organizations. Gary contributed an immense amount of knowledge and expertise to the course.

Travis is a recent graduate of our Outdoor Leadership degree program seeking to elevate his professional level skills and improve his marketability within the outdoor industry, which relies heavily on certifications. After his internship with the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services “Reflections” outdoor education program, Travis seeks to use his skills to work with youth-at-risk in the outdoors.

05/19/2026

OLA 105 Backcountry Living Skills is our introductory, foundational field skills course.

It’s typically the first class taken by students in the Outdoor Leadership & Adventure Education program, but it’s also available as a General Education course option for all students at Garrett College.

Many students start this course not knowing exactly what to expect—watch the video to see what the experience is really like!

05/18/2026

Congratulations to this year’s Outdoor Leadership graduates!

Travis Martin, Elias Brown, and Matt Helmbrecht were awarded their (Patagonia R1) OLA graduation jackets at our Outdoor Leadership Graduation Celebration following the Garrett College commencement ceremony.

05/08/2026

🚵‍♂️ Join the Garrett County Coyotes MTB Team! The informational meeting will be at Herrington Manor State Park on Monday, May 11th at 6:30.

05/06/2026

The Maryland Park Service invites the public to join us on May 7 at 5 p.m at the Hawks Nest Cafe, located in the Day Use Area of Rocky Gap State Park (12900 Lakeshore Drive, Flintstone, MD 21530), for an update on Wills Mountain State Park. The meeting will feature guest speakers from the Maryland Park Service, the Wildlife and Heritage Service, and the Department of Natural Resources Executive Team. There will also be time for public questions and comments at the conclusion of the presentation.

To join this meeting virtually or by phone, please use the following information:

Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/ust-ijcd-yux

Or dial: +1 971-260-0814 PIN: 219331356