Outdoor Recreation Studies

Gain specialized knowledge in environmental protection and criminal justice.

The Conservation Law Enforcement concentration is designed for students aiming to become federal, state, or county rangers with various governmental agencies. The program emphasizes environmental knowledge, interpretation, and criminal justice. Students who enter the program with Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) fulfill some of the requirements for this concentration.

Through a blend of rigorous courses and field experiences, students learn to design, implement, and administer outdoor programs that are safe, challenging, and enjoyable. The program integrates various environmental education and outdoor leadership theories, offering both core and practical experiences.

Inspire others and deepen their understanding of the natural world.

The Environmental Education and Interpretation concentration emphasizes enhancing environmental knowledge and mastering educational and interpretive techniques. It includes all requirements for certification as a North Carolina Environmental Educator and as an Environmental Interpreter through the National Association for Interpretation.

Through a blend of rigorous courses and field experiences, students learn to design, implement, and administer outdoor programs that are safe, challenging, and enjoyable. The program integrates various environmental education and outdoor leadership theories, offering both core and practical experiences.

Lead and inspire others in the great outdoors.

In the Outdoor Leadership and Adventure Education concentration, students develop the essential skills and practical experience needed to become effective and confident outdoor adventure leaders. The program prepares students to make sound decisions and manage risks in various outdoor environments. Classes blend traditional instruction and diverse field experiences to enhance leadership capabilities.

Montreat College’s Outdoor Recreation Studies (ORS) program is ideally located adjacent to Pisgah National Forest, close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and within a two-hour drive of numerous climbing locations, four major wilderness areas, and several rivers with whitewater rated up to class five. This prime location enhances the program’s emphasis on developing students into competent outdoor leaders skilled in using outdoor environments for education, business/program administration, and ministry.

Share your love for Christ and the great outdoors.

The Outdoor Ministry concentration cultivates a strong ministry mindset in students, equipping them to use the outdoor environment for evangelism and discipleship. Ideal for those with a passion for ministry, this concentration prepares students to create impactful experiences at summer camps, Young Life camps, and church retreats, guiding others through transformative outdoor experiences.

Through a blend of rigorous courses and field experiences, students learn to design, implement, and administer outdoor programs that are safe, challenging, and enjoyable. The program integrates various environmental education and outdoor leadership theories, offering both core and practical experiences.

The Wetzel-Hagaman Awards are named for Jake Wetzel and Penny Hagaman, founders of the Outdoor Recreation Department (now Outdoor Recreation Studies Program) at Montreat College. Jake also founded and directed the Discovery Wilderness Program from 1975-1984. After many years on the mission field in Bolivia, Ethiopia and Ireland, Jake and his wife Sarah settled back in the Montreat Cove. Jake still has great enthusiasm for the field of Outdoor Education and Recreation. He often stops by for visits in the department and you may see him out on his touring bike.

Penny Hagaman was a tenured professor in the Outdoor Recreation Department at Montreat-Anderson College (when it was a two-year college). She taught and coached volleyball, cheerleading and tennis from 1974 to 1981. She also worked as the Girls Camp Director (1979 – 1984) at Wheaton College’s Honey Rock Camp in Three Lakes, WI, where she served as a Vanguard/High Road wilderness learning instructor. Penny served in the 1980s as director of the southeastern United States region of Christian Camping International’s “Foundations for Excellence” camp certification program. Penny went to be with the Lord in 2008.

Penny Hagaman and Jake Wetzel invested their lives in Montreat students over the years. It was in that spirit that the Outdoor Education Department (former name of the program) established this award in 2005 as an investment in the next generation of Christian Outdoor Leaders.

Awards are for $2000.00 each ($1000.00 each semester). Awards are only for the freshman/first year of study at Montreat College. Awards will be withdrawn should a recipient decide to major in something other than Outdoor Recreation Studies since they are program/major-specific scholarships.

Students eligible to apply must meet the following criteria:

• Be a freshman or transfer student majoring in Outdoor Recreation Studies and plans to enroll in Spring or Fall 2023.
• Selection will be based on an application and essay (described below).
• Student must declare the Outdoor Recreation Studies major in the first semester and continue as a major.
• Student must make no lower than a B in OREC 1110 (Fall Semester) to be awarded for the Spring Semester.
• Student must plan to continue in the major to receive the spring award.

Complete the online application and essay. For any questions, contact Dr. Dottie Shuman, Professor of Outdoor Recreation Studies ([email protected]). NOTE: The due date for all applications and essays is April 1st of each year.