A Capitol (Reef) Class Experience
Outdoor Recreation Studies Students Supplement Classroom Learning with NP Trip
By Sarah Shebek
Imagine camping under towering Wingate sandstone formations, hiking to spectacular overlooks, and sitting around a crackling fire as a cool desert breeze sweeps through. To many Utahns, it’s an ideal getaway, but for Outdoor Recreation Studies students in the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, it’s just another perk of coursework.
Since 2012, faculty have led this group of majors on a weeklong camping and adventure excursion in Capitol Reef National Park. The trip has plenty of fun moments, but it’s designed to give students a hands-on look at public land management and environmental leadership. Distinguished Professor Kirk Nichols, PhM, is one of the key leaders, along with Jeff Rose, PhD, associate professor.
“We’re looking at how public lands are managed for particular outcomes, especially health outcomes,” Rose said. “How do we make sure they’re inclusive and safe, as well as their management, like do they have enough parking and restrooms at the trailhead, for example.”
“We’re looking at how public lands are managed for particular outcomes, especially health outcomes,” Rose said. “How do we make sure they’re inclusive and safe, as well as their management, like do they have enough parking and restrooms at the trailhead, for example.”
Around the last week of March, students trade seats in the classroom for camping spots in Fruita Campground at Capitol Reef. They arrive on Monday and learn best practices for gear setup, cooking, and sleeping. The rest of the week is spent in the field on day hikes, meeting with a park ranger or superintendent, and presenting environmental interpretation talks.
“Those are the explicit things they’re learning, but they’re also gaining basic outdoor living skills,” Rose said. “How do you keep yourself happy, dry, warm, and fed? We get students who have never cooked a meal for themselves, and their first attempt is cooking on an outdoor stove at our campground. It’s a cool developmental experience.”
When the students meet with park leadership, they get a behind-the-scenes look at the complexity of the jobs and the tradeoffs required to live and work in a beautiful place. On hikes, they take turns leading ranger-style presentations on natural or cultural history, local flora and fauna, or geology.
That can lead to lightbulb moments. On a recent trip, students decided that they needed a better catchphrase for Leave No Trace. They decided upon ‘Hey bro, don’t step on the crypto,’ which has a certain appeal for younger generations of outdoor adventurers.
At the end of the week, the group embarks on a canyon hike through a wash, that turns into wading through ankle-to-waist deep water. It’s one more memorable moment in a week packed full of new experiences.
“We take a lot of pride in this being a social bonding experience for the students, especially our out-of-state students,” Rose said. “It helps them get to know the state better and it’s legitimately one of their highlights from their time at the U.”
PRT faculty are experts in turning natural experiences into quality-of-life boosts. When students return to Salt Lake City, they may have newfound physical strength, but they certainly have improved mental health and better social connections.
“At the end of the week we ask the group what they’ve learned, and we’ve had students moved to tears,” Rose said. “They tell us ‘This is why I came here—this is what I came here to do.’ It really speaks to the impact of this experience.”
