Outdoor Skills & Leadership Week

For young leaders ready to take their outdoor skills—and responsibility—to the next level.

Outdoor Skills & Leadership Week is a hands-on training program designed for teens who are excited about the outdoors and interested in becoming future Virginia Outside counselors, or simply stronger leaders in adventure settings. Throughout the week, participants will practice real-world outdoor skills, learn how to support younger campers, and build the confidence and judgment needed to lead safely, responsibly, and enthusiastically.

This is not just a week of learning—it’s a week of doing. Leadership campers join VO staff for immersive activities that include fishing instruction, paddle basics, trip planning, gear management, safety and risk awareness, communication skills, and positive youth engagement strategies. Whether teaching a younger camper how to tie on a lure, helping organize gear, or guiding a group down a local river, participants step into the mindset of an outdoor educator.

By the end of the program, campers leave with practical leadership tools, stronger outdoor competence, and a clearer understanding of what it takes to support a safe, fun, and rewarding day in the field. Successful participants may be eligible to become future Virginia Outside Secondary Counselors!

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What Participants Will Learn

Outdoor & Technical Skills

• Fishing knots, tackle setup, safe handling, and teaching techniques
• Canoeing and kayaking fundamentals: paddle strokes, boat control, reading current
• Introductory river safety, risk assessment, and group travel strategies
• Gear organization, equipment maintenance, and van/boat loading
• Outdoor ethics: Leave No Trace, stewarding land & water responsibly

Leadership & Teaching Skills

• How to encourage, guide, and assist younger campers
• Communication strategies for inclusive, supportive group dynamics
• Problem-solving and decision-making in real outdoor scenarios
• Modeling responsibility, preparedness, and enthusiasm
• Building confidence and leadership identity through action

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Who This Program is For

Outdoor Skills & Leadership Week is ideal for teens who:

• Are interested in becoming Junior Counselors or eventually working for Virginia Outside
• Enjoy time outdoors and want to build stronger skills and responsibility
• Like working with younger kids and want to learn how to teach and lead
• Are motivated, willing to try new challenges, and excited to grow

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A Week in the Life

Every day brings a balance of adventure, leadership moments, and behind-the-scenes learning:

1. Day 1
   Leadership Foundations & Outdoor Skills BasicsIcebreakers, communication strategies, safety principles, and hands-on fishing.
2. Day 2
   Teaching & GuidingPractice supporting younger campers, mock teaching sessions, and gear prep.
3. Day 3
   River DayCanoe skills, river reading, risk management drills, and leadership rotations.
4. Day 4
   Counselor Life: Behind the ScenesPacking vans, equipment systems, group management, and field scenarios.
5. Day 5
   Final Leadership Challenge & RecognitionParticipants lead a mini-adventure, demonstrate skills, receive evaluations, and completion certificates.

* Activities and daily schedule may change. Our camps are always fluid based on weather, river conditions, Mother Nature’s whims, etc.

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Program Outcome

Participants complete the program with:

• A strong understanding of outdoor leadership and safety
• Real experience teaching and supporting others
• Improved outdoor competence and self-confidence