<aside> 🌱 This page includes all of the information a Fall 2025 Outdoor Leadership Program Applicant would need to apply, click the link below to complete our short (<20 minutes) application by Friday, September 12th, 2025!
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The Outdoor Leadership Program (OLP) is an optional component of the Group Facilitation Fellowship (GFF) (more details below). You must participate in the GFF to participate in the OLP, but don’t have to do the OLP as part of the GFF. This semester-long practical experience is designed to teach 8-10 selected participants the fundamentals of outdoor leadership.
Any and all first and second year students at Gettysburg College who possess a motivation to develop their skills in leadership— especially in an outdoor context—, self- improvement, public speaking skills, collaboration, and real-time decision making. Prior outdoor experience is required to apply for this program, preferably with the GLC, however those with external outdoor experiences will also be considered. Outdoor experience can be (but is not limited to) day hikes, backpacking trips, outdoor climbing, or kayaking trips. Those interested in leading outdoor experiences as GLC staff are especially encouraged to apply.
This year, the process is the simplest it’s ever been, use link above or navigate to the GLC Leadership Program Application in Engage. There is only one application for all 3 fall programs (the GFF, OLP, and Leadership Certificate (LC))— fill this out by Friday, September 12th and wait to hear back from our team.
<aside> 👥 Group Facilitation Fellowship (GFF): A 6-week intensive open to first and second year students who are selected through an application and interview process. Participants will develop skills in group leadership, navigating difference, and facilitating engaging meetings.
Group Facilitation Fellowship 2025 Participant Information
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| Event | Date (month/day) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| GLC Fall Programs Applications Due | Fri. 09/12 | noon |
| GFF + OLP Interviews | Mon. 9/15 - Fri. 9/26 | Variable |
| GFF StrengthsQuest Session | Mon. 09/29 | 4-6pm |
| GFF Fundamentals of Facilitation Session | Wed. 10/01 | 4:15-6:15pm |
| OLP Lesson Session 1 | Thurs. 10/02 | 4-5:30pm |
| GFF Challenge Course Day | Sun. 10/05 | 9am-5pm |
| OLP Backpacking Trip Prep Session | Tues. 10/09 | 4-5:30pm (6-8pm duffle shuffle) |
| OLP Fall Break Outdoor Leadership Intensive (FBOLI) | Fri.- Mon. 10/10-10/13 | depart after classes Fri., return Mon. morning |
| OLP Lesson Session 2 | Thurs. 10/16 | 4-5:30pm |
| GFF Nuances of Facilitation Session | Wed. 10/22 | 5:30-8:30pm |
| OLP Wilderness Medicine + Outdoor Community of Practice Meeting (optional) | Thurs. 10/23 | 4-5:30pm |
| GFF Practical | Sat. 11/01 | 1-6pm |
| OLP Introduction to Climbing | Mon. 11/03 | Time TBD |
| OLP Lesson Session 3 | Thurs. 11/06 | 4-5:30pm |
| OLP Lesson Session 4 | Thurs. 11/13 | 4-5:30pm |
| OLP King’s Gap Orienteering Day | Sat. 11/15 | 9am-5pm |
| GFF Celebration & Next Steps | Fri. 11/20 | 5:30-7pm |
| OLP Closing | Thurs. 12/04 | Dinnah |