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The Indiana Daily Student

CORE philosophy explores the unconventional

Semester-long program gets students outdoors

Mountaineering and canyoneering are only a sample of the leadership and outdoor skills taught on a typical day in the Conservation and Outdoor Recreation/Education program at IU. \n"It is not the sort of program where you would want to skip a day of class," said Frank Vernon, coordinator and instructor for the program.\nCORE is a semester-long academic program through the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, facilitating the challenge of teaching and learning outdoor recreation in an outdoor setting.\nWhen lecture is held at 10,000 feet above sea level on the slopes of Utah's Henry Mountains range or deep in the confines of a canyon below, the blend of expedition and academics gives new meaning to leadership in the classroom for some IU students.\n"(CORE) is a marriage of university academics with field experience in the outdoors," Vernon said.\nHe said during the semester, 45 to 50 days are spent in the field. Within the first week, the group of 18 participants will step out into their outdoor classroom.\nIn its ninth year as part of the IU curriculum, the program is based on the philosophy of providing students with professional, leadership and group management training. By learning outdoor skills, such as group facilitation, wilderness medicine and a wide range of technical skills like canoeing and rock climbing, students are able to put theory into action.\n"When I got a chance to do CORE, I didn't hesitate," said graduate student Ko-Fan Lee, who participated in the program last spring. Originally from Taiwan, Lee heard about CORE before he came to the United States and said the program's practical application and improvement of skill exceeded his expectations.\nOf the 16 to 18 positions in the program, up to three are reserved for graduate students. The majority of the group is comprised of undergraduates, though the program does not accept freshmen due to the intensive nature of the course and importance of experiencing campus the first year at IU.\nVernon said he looks for applicants that show a great deal of leadership potential and encourages students with a high level of personal motivation to apply. CORE accepts applicants from all backgrounds of outdoor experience.\nSenior Joe Grubbs, who graduated from the CORE program last spring, said the time and energy investment is not for everyone but it let him build confidence and trust in himself. \n"CORE definitely built up the confidence to go outside for myself or leading a group," he said.\nThough most of the participants are outdoor recreation and resource majors, with the addition of one more recreation course, the 17-credit program fulfills most of a minor in outdoor recreation and resource .\nCORE is not exclusive to those going into the outdoor field. \n"You just need a love of the outdoors," Vernon said, "The skills are transferable to any field."\nWhile most participants agree that it is one of the best semesters they experience in college, Vernon encourages people interested in taking a semester and investing it in themselves to apply. Applications are being accepted through the end of October. For more information, visit www.indiana.edu/~recpark/undergraduate/core.shtml.

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