Outdoor Recreation Pathway

This pathway is designed to empower students with essential outdoor skills and leadership abilities for Colorado’s 13 Billion dollar Outdoor Recreation Industry. Each step of the pathway offers hands-on training and real-world application. With opportunities for internships and wilderness first responder certification, students gain not only proficiency in outdoor activities but also the confidence to explore and lead in the great outdoors.

IN-DEMAND CAREERS

Entertainment & Recreation Manager - $$$$

Ag Equipment Operator - $

Landscape Supervisor - $$$

Recreation Attendant - $

Groundskeeping Worker - $

Environmental Protection Tech - $$$

Farmers - $$

Lifeguard - $$

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Salary ranges based on Larimer County Workforce data:     ($) $25k-$49k       ($$) $50k-$74k       ($$$) $75k-$99k       ($$$$) $100k +

OUTDOOR RECREATION PATHWAY PLANNING GUIDES

Create a four-year high school plan aligned with PSD graduation requirements for your school, beginning with the Class of 2029 and beyond.

Polaris

Suggested Course Sequence

Level 1 Courses

EXPLORATION OF OUTDOOR RECREATION A (4057A)

5 Wellness Credits

Offered at: PHS

Course Description
This class will address intermediate or highly skilled individuals who wish to continue with traditional activities at an advanced level as well as being exposed to new and non-traditional sports. Past examples of classes include wall climbing mountain bike polo roller hockey scuba diving the ropes course and orienteering.

FRCC WILDERNESS FIRST AID (9042)

5 PSD Wellness Credits
1 FRCC Credit

Offered at: Polaris

Course Description & Outline

LEAVE NO TRACE (4315)

5 Elective Credits

Offered at: Polaris

Course Description
Introduces the student to the principles of Leave No Trace and prepares students to teach Leave No Trace curriculum in a variety of outdoor and urban settings. This class is a must for guides, outfitters, outdoor educators, agency employees, scout/youth group leaders, or anyone who cares about minimizing impact on the Colorado backcountry.

Level 2 Courses

BIKE TECH 1 A/B (4118A/B)

10 Science credits

Offered at: PHS

Course Description
This course is an introductory course to bicycle mechanic skills. This class will teach the basic skills necessary to gain entry-level employment or to simply work on a personal bike. From basic bicycle build requirements to drive-train tune-ups, this course will enable students to complete common repairs performed in a typical bike shop. This course is applicable to all types of bicycle enthusiasts and will cover all forms of bicycle types. Students will build scientific knowledge using the bike as a functional model to demonstrate concepts of laws of motion, forces, energy transformations, materials science, and sustainability.

FRCC WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDER (9004)

5 PSD Wellness Credits
4 FRCC Credits

Offered at: Polaris

Course Description & Outline

FRCC OUTDOOR LEADERSHIP (4053)

5 PSD Elective Credits
2 FRCC Credits

Offered at: Polaris

Course Description & Outline

Level 3 Courses

RIVER ORIENTATION (4313)

5 Elective Credits

Offered at: Polaris

Course Description
Emphasizes camp and travel skills in whitewater river environments as a self-contained group. Areas of study include boat handling skills, safety procedures, ecology, geology, geography, safe and efficient travel, Leave No Trace principles, and group dynamics.

SNOW ORIENTATION (4058)

5 Elective Credits

Offered at: Polaris

Course Description
Emphasizes camp and travel skills within a winter environment as a self-contained group. Areas of study include backpacking skills, safety procedures, ecology, geology, geography, safe and efficient travel, Leave No Trace principles, and group dynamics.

Level 4 Courses

WORK-BASED LEARNING: OUTDOOR REC (4130)

Variable Elective Credits

  • Capstone Opportunity
Course Description & Outline

Go Beyond the Classroom

Go Beyond the classroom and get #FutureReady by participating in student leadership organizations, earning college credit, industry certifications, and exploring careers in work-based learning opportunities!

FFA

Get Involved in a Student Leadership Opportunity!
FFA Poudre FFA Web Site

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NALP

Learn more about Industry Certifications!

Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado

FRCC

Front Range Community College

Horticulture and Landscape Design Program

NTHs

National Technical Honor Society

PSD Outdoor Recreation Teachers

Impalas

Poudre High School

Greg Golz

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Polaris High School

Sarah Bayer

industry Partners

CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW TO SUPPORT STUDENTS IN THIS PATHWAY