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Outdoor Experiences

Adventure Leadership invites you to grow your comfort, confidence, certifications, and community through our outdoor experiences. We offer trips and adventures, outdoor education and safety training, certification programs, clinics, and even a night of adventure and environmental films. Whatever you are looking for, find yourself here!


Microadventures

Adventure doesn’t have to wait for a weekend. Microadventures are short, guided outdoor experiences designed to help University of Michigan students step away from their routines, connect with others, and discover new ways to explore the world around them. Whether you’re trying something new, slowing down in nature, building outdoor skills, or simply looking for a reason to get outside, Microadventures offer meaningful experiences that fit into your schedule. Join Adventure Leadership to cultivate community, boost your well-being, and rediscover that adventure can happen in less than a couple hours.

There are 3 microadventures. Expand all into a list.

First Light
Mondays at 7:30AM

Register Here!

Start your day with intention. First Light is a series of guided morning experiences that invite you to greet the sun, connect with others, and begin your week grounded in nature.

Each gathering offers a simple way to welcome the rise — whether that’s sharing coffee, taking a reflective walk, practicing mindfulness, or enjoying a quiet outdoor activity. There is no expectation of prior experience — just a willingness to show up and begin the day together.

More than a morning meetup, First Light is about creating time to pause, build community, and carry a sense of energy and purpose into the rest of your week.

  • Semester Pass: $59
  • Standard Drop-In: $16

Questions: Email us at [email protected]

Excursion Lab
Wednesdays at 6PM

Register Here!

Adventure starts with trying something new. Excursion Lab is a series of guided experiences designed to help you explore outdoor recreation, build confidence, and experiment with new skills alongside a welcoming community.

Each session introduces a different activity — like geocaching, slacklining, rucking, or other outdoor pursuits — in an approachable, beginner-friendly environment. There is no expectation of prior experience — just curiosity and a willingness to give it a try.

More than a skills session, Excursion Lab is about discovering what you enjoy, meeting new people, and realizing that adventure often begins with a single step outside your comfort zone.

  • Semester Pass: $59
  • Standard Drop-In: $16

Questions: Email us at [email protected]

Make Space
Thursdays at 5PM

Register Here!

Life moves fast. Make Space is a series of guided experiences that invite you to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and explore creativity, nature, and community in new ways. Join Adventure Leadership for an evening of restoration and discovery.

Each experience offers a different opportunity to engage with the outdoors — whether through art, mindful movement, nature journaling, or other hands-on activities. No prior experience is necessary — all you need is a willingness to slow down, be present, and share the experience with others seeking the same.

More than a creative outing, Make Space is an invitation to rest, reconnect, and recharge. Through shared experiences in nature, you’ll cultivate moments of calm, foster meaningful connections, and explore simple practices that support resilience and well-being long after the experience ends.

  • Semester Pass: $59
  • Standard Drop-In: $16

Questions: Email us at [email protected]


Find Your Trip

Embark on a journey of self-discovery and adventure with Adventure Leadership at the University of Michigan! Our expertly guided trips offer students the chance to explore the State of Michigan, build lifelong friendships, and develop essential leadership skills. Join us to push your boundaries, connect with nature, and create unforgettable experiences. Discover your next adventure and find your trip with Adventure Leadership today!

Questions: Call 734-764-3967 or email us at [email protected]

There is 1 trip. Expand all into a list.

First Ascent
August 24–28, 2026

Register Here!

For Incoming, First-Year Students Only

Welcome, Wolverines! The University of Michigan community is excited to welcome you as you begin your next chapter. Before classes begin, join Adventure Leadership for First Ascent, a five-day, four-night outdoor experience designed to help you start college with confidence, meaningful friendships, and a strong sense of belonging.

Cost: $630

Questions: Email us at [email protected]


Outdoor Education

Build skills, confidence, and community with Adventure Leadership’s education and training programs at the University of Michigan. From beginner-friendly introductions to outdoor recreation to advanced professional development for emerging leaders, these offerings are designed to meet you where you are and help you grow. Through hands-on workshops, multi-session series, certifications, and immersive experiences, you’ll learn practical outdoor skills, deepen your relationship with land and place, and develop the tools to recreate responsibly — and help others do the same. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your path as an outdoor educator, Adventure Leadership offers a supportive, experiential gateway into lifelong adventure and stewardship.

There are 2 opportunities. Expand all into a list.

Community & Camping 101
September 11–13, 2026

Register Here!

Whether you’re brand new to camping or looking to build confidence in the outdoors, Community & Camping 101 is designed to help you feel at home outside. Join Adventure Leadership for a weekend of learning and connection.

Throughout the weekend, you’ll learn foundational camping skills including setting up camp, preparing meals outdoors, using camping equipment, and caring for the places we visit through reciprocal stewardship practices. There is no expectation of prior experience—just curiosity and a willingness to learn.

More than a camping crash course, this weekend is about building community. Share meals around the campfire, explore nearby trails, learn new skills alongside supportive instructors, and discover how spending time outdoors can strengthen both confidence and connection.

Cost: $380

Questions: Email us at [email protected]

Outdoor Leadership Basecamp
September 18–20, 2026

Register Here!

Outdoor Leadership Basecamp is an immersive weekend designed for emerging leaders who want to build confidence facilitating groups, leading adventures, and creating meaningful experiences outdoors.

Through hands-on activities, peer leadership opportunities, outdoor living, and facilitated reflection, participants will develop practical leadership skills while learning how Adventure Leadership builds inclusive, supportive communities through outdoor recreation.

Whether you’re preparing to become an Outdoor Ambassador or simply looking to strengthen your leadership abilities, this weekend provides a foundation for leading with confidence, curiosity, and care.

Together we’ll build camp, cook meals, solve challenges, facilitate group experiences, and learn that leadership is something best practiced in the microsocieties we craft collectively.

Cost: $460

Questions: Email us at [email protected]


Wilderness Medicine

Hybrid Wilderness First Aid

Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course is designed for people taking half or full-day trips, and for those traveling with reliable cell phone coverage—where outside assistance is typically available within a few hours. WFA courses are an introduction to wilderness expedition medicine, focusing on general concepts, basic anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, assessment,  and treatment. Learn more about what to expect and how to prepare.

Refunds are not available for those who do not successfully complete the course or to those that are unable to attend the in-person portion. Is the hybrid model is right for you? Learn more here.

Because WFAs scratch the surface of many topics, many WFA graduates return to take more advanced courses to go more in-depth and get more hands-on practice.

Hybrid Wilderness First Responder

Wilderness First Responder (WFR) courses are designed specifically to meet the needs of wilderness guides, expedition leaders, and anyone traveling in the backcountry with friends or family. This is the industry standard for outdoor professionals and the course you want your friends to take before you travel with them. Using the Wilderness Medicine Training Center’s unique Hybrid Course, participants complete a course of study and tests online (Part 1) prior to the start of the practical on-site training (Part 2). Learn more about what to expect and how to prepare.

Refunds are not available for those who do not successfully complete the course or to those that are unable to attend the in-person portion. Is the hybrid model is right for you? Learn more here.

REGISTER WITH WMTC for May 3 – 7, 2026

Buy your pre-sale tickets here!

Ignite your passion for adventure! The Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour will exhilarate you with amazing big-screen stories when it comes to the Michigan Theater, hosted by Adventure Leadership.  Journey to exotic locations, paddle the wildest waters and climb the highest peaks. This local showing is sponsored by Bivouac.

Date

Date & Time of Show: Sunday, 12 April, 2026 at 7:00pm (Doors at 6:00pm)

Location

Michigan Theater @ 603 E Liberty Street, Ann Arbor

Limited availability and price increase on Day-of-Show.

 


Policies

Outdoor Experience Program Policies
  1. Participants must be currently enrolled as a University of Michigan student or have graduated from the University of Michigan within the past two years. These requirements apply to all open enrollment programs.
  2. Registration is on a first come, first served basis.
  3. Payment of the total program fee is required at the time of registration.
  4. Total program cost includes a non-refundable registration fee.
  5. A partial refund may be provided if the participant has a documented medical emergency.  Appropriate documentation can include a doctor’s note or hospital records.
  6. Adventure Leadership may remove a participant from scheduled activities for any reason. The University shall have no liability or responsibility to participants who are willingly or unwillingly removed from the program.
  7. The University of Michigan reserves the right to cancel any program at any time for any reason. Participants may receive a partial to full refund if the University cancels the program.  The University shall have no liability for cancellation of a program.
Wilderness Medicine Registration & Refunds
  1. Registration is on a first come, first served basis.
  2. Program payment is due in full at registration.
  3. Completed registration requires a two part enrollment:
    a. Through the Wilderness Medicine Training Center
    b. Through the Adventure Leadership Webstore
  4. Refunds are not available for those who do not successfully complete the wilderness medicine courses, testing, or those that are unable to attend the in-person class.
  5. Registration for all Wilderness Medicine programs will close at a minimum of seven calendar days before the first day of the in-person part of the program.
  6. The University of Michigan reserves the right to cancel any offering at any time for any reason. Participants may receive a partial or full refund if the University cancels the program.  The University shall have no liability for cancellation.
Your adventure starts here.