Develop your leadership skills through this interactive and exciting course. Participants will be learning both leadership and technical skills in classroom sessions and on hands-on. Technical skills include equipment, food preparation, logistics and clothing needs. Leadership topics include decision making, critical thinking, informal interpretation, teaching skills, leadership qualities and styles. Take this opportunity to expand your leadership abilities in the outdoors.
This course is required to apply and interview to become a Volunteer CSUSB Adventure Leader.
When you register you will receive a questionnaire to complete. A group interview will be scheduled for select applicants. After the interviews we will select participants to continue in the training program. Payment will not be due until you are accepted into the program.
Prerequisites
In order to register for the Adventure Leader Program course, you must be CSUSB student, faculty or staff, have a CA Driver License, pass a background check, and have a minimum of a 2.0 GPA.
We have 2 Levels of Leaders
CSUSB Adventure has 2 levels of leaders. Adventure Trip Leaders and Explore Trip Leader.
Explore Trip Leaders
Can lead 1-day trips that do not travel into the wilderness and do not include food preparation. This includes, whale watch, museum trips, art tours, ice skate, theme parks, plays, gardens, aquariums, snowboarding, etc.
Adventure Leaders
In addition to leading all Explore trips, Adventure leaders can lead 1-day and multiday trips that travel into the wilderness and include food preparation. This includes, National Parks, canoeing, kayaking, climbing, backpacking, camping, hiking, rafting, snorkeling, surfing, etc.
Adventure Leader Training Dates
Summer 2025
Apply Here before July 7, 2025
Wilderness First-Aid
July 25 - 26, 2025, 8:00am - 5:00pm each day
Location: SRWC
Multi-day Wilderness Trip
August 7 - 10, 2025, 8:00am Friday - 8:00pm Monday
Location: Eastern Sierra
Shadow Trips
Select 2 trips within 2 months after the Multi-day Wilderness Trip to shadow at 50% off.
One-day or multi-day trips
Additional Required Training
- CPR and AED (online and in person)
- Defensive Driver (online and in person)
- Food Handlers (online)
- Leave No Trace (online)
- CSU Learn Trainings (online)
Adventure Leadership Program Cost
CSUSB student, faculty or staff: $75
To be paid after applying if accepted if selected
Explore Leader Training Date
Fall 2025
Explore Leaders are able to lead 1-day non-wilderness cultural trips, to museum, art tours, plays, amusement parks, etc. . Explore trip leaders are trained in standard CPR, AED and First-Aid as well as driving safety.
After successful completion of the Explore Leadership Program you can apply and interview to become a volunteer CSUSB Explore Leader. Leaders must volunteer to lead at least one trip every semester to stay active.
Applications Due TBD
Leadership Training ( All Required)
TBD 2025, 8:00am - 5:00pm
Adventure Center, SMSU South Room 114
Additional Required Training
- Defensive Driver
- Adventure Leadership Program Cost
- CSUSB student, faculty or staff: $25. To be paid after applying if accepted if selected.
- CSU Learn Trainings
Once a Leader
As a CSUSB Adventure Leader, you can request trips that you would like to lead in future semesters. We will then assign you with a co-leader to lead trips that match your skills and leadership ability. Leaders are expected to continue to attend leader training trips and to keep current in certifications.
Benefits of Being a CSUSB Adventure Leader
- Great leadership experience
- Discounts on trips and rentals
- Explore the great outdoors
- Make friends with similar interests
- Opportunity to stay fit and healthy
- Possible career exploration
- Conferences and trainings for free or at reduced price
- Discounts on purchasing outdoor gear
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer leader for CSUSB Adventure, register for our Adventure Leader Program which is offered quarterly. For more information on becoming a leader you can call Mark Oswood (909) 537-3863 or email moswood@csusb.edu.
MARK OSWOOD
Title: Adventure Program Coordinator
Education/Qualifications: Education: Bachelor and Master of Science, Recreation Administration. Qualifications: Mark has been with CSUSB Adventure since 2007 and before that he worked for UC Riverside's Outdoor Excursions program. Mark is a Leave No Trace Master Educator, Smith System Driver Trainer, Certified Course Manager and Level 2 (Association for Challenge Course Technology), Wilderness First Responder, and American Red Cross instructor. Mark is also an instructor at UNLV where he teaches backpacking and canoeing classes.
My Favorite CSUSB Adventure Experience: "I am not able to go on all our adventures but I do get to hear about them from our trip leaders and participants. My favorite experience is hearing about the beautiful places visited and connections people have made whil eon our trips. I would have to say my favorite trip is snowshoeing in the winter in Yo So Mighty!"
Favorite Hobbies: Exploring new places, rafting and spending time with my family.