Outdoor classes can garner certificate

Fitchburg State College is offering professionals a chance to participate in a hands-on educational adventure.

The Office of Graduate and Continuing Education created a new graduate certificate in leadership in outdoor-based adventure education, which begins this fall with a Foundations of Outdoor-Based Education course. The certificate is the only graduate certificate program of its type in Massachusetts.

The certificate program is designed for working professionals such as educators, youth workers, camp counselors, recreation directors, therapists and others who are interested in complimenting their existing practices with an experientialbased approach to learning. Through five courses, students will combine hands-on experience and theory, using the outdoors as a resource to develop skills associated with the field of adventure education.

Students also have the opportunity to provide feedback and ideas to course instructors Bob Tremblay and Dave Antaya, leading to customization of their practical training.

To introduce the program, Tremblay and Antaya are hosting an information session from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 13, in Classroom A of the Recreation Center at Fitchburg State College. For registration or more information, contact Graduate and Continuing Education at (978) 665-3182.