Resilience in the Outdoors

Labs

Move through some of the most inspiring landscapes in the West—crossing alpine ridgelines, winding through canyon country, and discovering what you’re capable of in wild, unforgettable places. With adventures at the Kennedy Mountain Campus and on expeditions across the Rockies, the desert Southwest, and beyond, you build resilience, confidence, and essential backcountry skills.

With mentors by your side, you and the group will learn to navigate terrain, endure shifting weather, and make decisions together in real time. These adventures strengthen leadership, emotional intelligence, and ability to thrive in challenging environments—skills that stay with you long after the journey ends. 

Programs

  • number-1-icon

    Level 1: KMC Introduction to Resilience in the Outdoors

  • number 2 icon

    Level 2: Wilderness Expeditions

  • number three icon

    Level 3: Outdoor Leadership Program

Stay tuned for more information on programs in AY26-27! 

The programs develop the following

  • lightbulb-icon

    Adaptive Judgment and Risk Communication

    Hazard identification, route-finding, decision quality, and contingency planning.

  • lightbulb-icon

    Resilience Micro-Practices

    Mindfulness, self-compassion, growth mindset, gratitude, emotion naming and regulation in briefs and debriefs. 

  • lightbulb-icon

    Perseverance and Self-Reliance

    Personal systems, nutrition, sleep, gear management, pacing, and daily goal setting in changing conditions.

  • community icon

    Collective Resilience

    Expedition behavior as a means to belonging, psychological safety, conflict tools, and constructive feedback. 

  • star icon

    Purpose and Transfer

    ePortfolio artifacts and 30-day practice plans that connect field learning to campus roles and studies.