Leadership Opportunities

Leadership Opportunities

Are you passionate about the outdoors and want to share your knowledge with UVU students and community members?

If so, consider becoming an Adventure Trip Leader through the Outdoor Adventure Center.

What is an Adventure Trip Leader (ATL)

An Adventure Trip Leader (ATL) is a leader who is passionate about the outdoors and committed to education. An ATL is interested in sharing their knowledge and experience with others. As an ATL, you will have the opportunity to lead in many different aspects, including outdoor education clinics, team building, movie premiers, classroom presentations, promotions, and adventure learning excursions.

There are different degrees of participation and leadership options available for ATLs depending on your experience and certification. It is up to the leader to find where they would like to begin their journey. The Outdoor Adventure Center is fully devoted and dedicated to training students to engage in sponsored activities as a mentor and leader. ATLs are volunteers, but there are scholarship options available for students looking to get involved at higher leadership levels.

Adventure Trip Leader Application

Why Should I Become an ATL?

As an ATL, you will be able to participate in incredible adventures, make lasting friendships, become a steward of place, and look incredibly well-rounded on a resume. Student leaders can participate at any level. You don’t have to be a pro at every outdoor activity—you just need to be willing to learn.

We want to provide exceptional programs and experiences for the UVU community, and to reach that goal, we need students that are willing to get dirty, work hard, and have fun doing it. An ATL will also gain the following:

  • Leadership Development
  • Service Opportunities
  • Personal Responsibility
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Build life-long recreational skills
  • Social interactions and community
  • Travel opportunities
  • Discounts on rental equipment
  • Access to Pro Deals

How Do I Get Involved?

  • Visit the Outdoor Adventure Center in SL 216, and register for one of our adventures.
  • Fill out an Adventure Trip Leader application form.
  • Attend a fall or spring orientation meeting with the Experiential Education Manager. Contact Ryan Bromberek at .
  • Interview with the manager to discuss skills, knowledge and experience, and expectations.
  • Review requirements for leadership role and placement, develop a plan for future training.

What Are the Requirements for Becoming an ATL?

  • Receive an invitation to participate in a weekend leadership training retreat both Fall and Spring.
  • 75% attendance at monthly training sessions on leadership, group dynamics, risk management, and University policies and procedures.
  • Semester review with Experiential Education Manger to assess progress and goals.
  • Shadow an ATL on two day trip, and one multi-day excursion.

How does the ATL Program Work

There are four leadership placement levels for ATLs. Each role has different requirements and benefits available.

Adventure Trip Leader-in-Training

Basic First Aid & CPR training, attend one OAC day excursion and one multi-day excursion as a participant. Lead two day trips with an Adventure Trip Leader. Once all requirements are completed, you will be ready to become an Adventure Trip Leader. Benefits include free use of OAC equipment during OAC-sponsored activities and leadership experience.

Adventure Trip Leader

UVU Safe Driver certification, Wilderness First Aid, and Leave No Trace training. Lead two multi-day trips along with a Scholarship Trip Leader. Lead or assist one day activity. Attend Fall and Spring trainings. Once all requirements are completed, you will be ready to become a Backcountry Trip Leader. Benefits include free use of OAC equipment; Black Diamond Pro Deal; one BTI, MSR, or NRS Pro Deal per semester; and leadership experience.

Scholarship Trip Leader

Must be a full-time UVU student, maintain an overall GPA of 2.75, lead one overnight excursion, one day event, and an educational clinic.  Leadership experience and prior experience with the OAC is strongly encouraged. Basic First Aid & CPR, UVU Van and Safe Driver Certifications. Attend Fall and Spring trainings and weekly meetings. Once all requirements have been completed, you will be ready to become a Backcountry Trip Leader. See below for more scholarship information. Benefits include free use of OAC equipment, access to most Pro Deals, tuition waiver, and leadership experience.

Backcountry Trip Leader

Wilderness First Responder or EMT. Lead an extended backcountry multiday excursion, mentor three day activities per year, and plan a service excursion. Present at Fall and/or Spring trainings. Assist in planning, developing, and teaching training sessions each month for all trip leaders. Benefits include free use of OAC equipment, discounts on leadership training and conferences, access to all Pro Deals, and leadership experience.

Are Scholarships Available for ATLs?

The Outdoor Adventure Center offers four scholarships each April for the upcoming school year. Scholarship students must lead one day trip , one multi-day excursion, an educational clinic, attend all required meetings and trainings, and become certified to operate university vehicles. Basic First Aid/CPR/AED certifications are also required within three months of acceptance.

Additional Requirements for Scholarship Trip Leaders Include:

  • Commit to the program for a full academic year, fall and spring semesters
  • Maintain full-time student status, 12 credits or more
  • Maintain  a 2.75 GPA 

Scholarships applications open March 18th, 2024 and close April 15th, 2024 for the upcoming school year.

Apply Now

Contact the Outdoor Adventure Center with further questions.