WILDERNESS AWPE COURSES

The AWPE (Athletic, Wellness, and Physical Education) requirement at Earlham involves taking four courses—each with no fewer than 20 hours of course related physical activity. The Wilderness Program offers a wide range of AWPE courses for all interest and ability levels. Taught by Earlham students, Wilderness AWPE’s are an incredible opportunity to try new skills, explore more of the surrounding area, and learn from your peers.

Opportunities also exist to teach AWPE courses for the Wilderness Program. These courses offer a unique chance to develop your leadership and teaching skills as a student of outdoor education.

READ THIS! IMPORTANT REGISTRATION and ENROLLMENT INFORMATION

No refunds are given after the 3-day add/drop period at the beginning of the semester. Over-enrolled courses are registered by lottery at the first class meeting. First priority is given to pre-registered and add-drop students. Seniors are NOT given lottery exemptions. Please be sure to note the time, date, and location of your first class meeting. You must attend the first class meeting to register for the course. Students bumped from courses are given lottery exemptions for the following semester.

COURSES

*Some courses may not be offered each semester. Check WebDB for more information.

Caving

The southern part of the state offers several great caving opportunities including Buckners cave near Bloomington.

Cross-Country Skiing

The northern parts of Michigan get excellent lake effect snow. A mid-winter break trip takes full advantage of the great conditions and beautiful northwoods scenery.

Downhill Skiing

This course takes place in the first seven weeks of the semester. We travel south towards Cincinnati to ski at Perfect North Slopes—a respectable midwestern ski area with a surprising variety of terrain. Six trips are planned. This course is appropriate for both beginner and intermediate skiers.

Ice Climbing

A mid-winter break trip to the ice-strewn cliffs on the shores of Lake Superior!

Indoor Gym Climbing

Utilizing the state of the art climbing wall in the Wellness Center, this course is a fun introduction to the sport of climbing. Topics include proper belay technique, knots, climbing movement, and safety considerations. This class will involve five introductory classes and an additional 10 documented hours of open climbing throughout the semester.

Intermediate Rock Climbing

This course will emphasize the development of more advanced rock climbing techniques and skills. Several trips to local outdoor climbing areas in Ohio and Indiana will be combined with a extended, weekend trip to the internationally acclaimed Red River Gorge in Kentucky. We’ll camp by a pristine river and climb on the beautiful and exposed sandstone cliffs of this unique geologic region

Introduction to Canoeing

A fun introduction to canoeing on local lakes and rivers including a possible overnight at Turkey Run—one of the most pristine rivers in the state.

Introduction to the Vertical World

An introduction to the skills and activities of the vertical world including climbing, rappelling, rope ascension, zip-lines, and high ropes course activities. Highly recommended for those interested in working for the Challenge Education Program or the Solomon Climbing Wall.

Whitewater Canoeing

Big Bend, Texas is the typical destination for this Spring Break trip. A student favorite at Earlham for years, this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience through one of the grandiose canyons of the west.

Whitewater Kayaking

You’ll start out with several local trips to lakes and rivers to get the feel for the boats and the paddling techniques. Then, over mid-fall break, the course heads down to the beautiful Nantahala River in western North Carolina for three days of paddling on great class 2-3 whitewater.

Contact Us:

Wilderness Programs
801 National Road West, Drawer 87
Richmond, IN 47374
phone:(765) 983-1327; fax: (765) 983-1207
Wilderness@earlham.edu