For 12 Penn State students, spring break will be spent traversing the Rocky Mountains, practicing search and rescue techniques in the snowy hills of Colorado -- and earning 2.5 credits for it.
A course, RPTM 498A (Introduction to Search and Rescue: Rocky Mountain Expedition), is offered this year for the third time in the past four years. The course is designed to introduce students to Search and Rescue (SAR) techniques for the backcountry, as well as to stress the importance of volunteerism in the outdoors, said Professor Rod Lee, who is offering the course.
"The course gives students an awareness of what they can do in a small mountain community," Lee said. "It offers them an experience into the world of professional volunteerism."
Lee, currently in his fourth year at Penn State, typically teaches courses involving adventure education. Before coming to Penn State, he worked as a program director and instructor at Shaver's Creek Environmental Center, located about 12 miles south of campus. The 12 students participating will have to take two classes at Penn State before leaving for the trip.
"I'm looking forward to having lots of fun," Christine Murawski (senior-recreation, parks and tourism management) said. "It's going to be a good intro to search and rescue and the backcountry."
Classes are based out of Snow Mountain Ranch, the "YMCA of the Rockies," from March 10 to 17 in Winter Park, Colo. The credits earned are divided between two classes: one for RPTM 498A, and 1.5 for KINES 001 (Introduction to Outdoor Pursuits). Classes are taught at about a 9,000-foot elevation, and students typically snowshoe between two and six miles per day.
"The trip is all hands-on and experiential," said Eric Updegrove, a Penn State graduate and the teaching assistant for the trip. "You actually get days off, which is great. It's a sweet class in a beautiful setting."
While most days are dedicated to learning the basics of SAR, on March 13 and 15, students have time to earn their kinesiology credits and spend the day Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and downhill skiing. Between these two days of excitement, on the night of March 14, students participate in a rescue scenario with the Grand County SAR. This night gives students the opportunity to experience firsthand what occurs on a rescue mission.
On the last day of the trip, students attend a job opportunity fair for outdoor leaders in Grand County. Lee said many students interested in a professional career in these fields often find jobs that fit them perfectly at this fair.
The cost of the trip is $400, which includes lodging, meals, course text and group gear rental. Students interested can e-mail Lee at rml100@psu.edu with questions.
"I would definitely recommend it," Updegrove said. "If you're into the outdoors here, it's very applicable. But even for the everyday student, it's great to have the experience."
