They backpack, rock-climb and canoe. They sit around a campfire, talking late into the night.

You”d probably guess that these college students were enjoying a weekend escape from the labors of learning.

But, in fact, class is in session.

The campout is a field trip. As they climb, hike, paddle and cook by lantern light, these young men and women are learning how to lead and work effectively as a group. They”re also getting a first-hand look at some sticky issues involving how people use wild areas. And they”re learning some rudimentary outdoor skills.

The course, “Leadership in Outdoor Recreation,” is offered through the Department of Forest Ecology and Management. It is designed for students majoring in Recreation Resources Management, but it draws students from across campus.

It”s not a camping class. The focus is on leadership and on learning to help people experience wild areas without destroying those areas in the process.

“We aim to teach leaders to make good decisions with the goal of enhancing people”s use of natural areas while minimizing their impact,” explains Chris Lupton, who instructs the class and lectures and advises in the Recreation Resources program. “In an outdoor setting, students need higher-order thinking, communication, decision-making and problem-solving skills. These skills are transferable to other areas of life,” Lupton adds.

Her students delve into a variety of philosophical issues related to outdoor recreation ? things like appropriate use of natural resources, sustainability, minimum impact on wilderness, etc.

They also learn practical skills. By semester”s end, they”ll know how to use a map and compass, read the weather, meet nutritional requirements, and buy and pack food and gear for individuals and groups for wilderness outings.

The class emphasizes learning by experience. Since it”s a leadership class, that means students help decide how the course objectives will be met. Each student also sets individual goals and decides how to meet those goals. Each also teaches class at least once and takes a turn as “leader of the day” in class and on field trips.

“Being ”leader of the day” is like being a mom of 20 kids who all have different agendas and opinions and trying to get them to collaborate on every detail,” says Sarah Estrella, a senior who took the class last spring. “It”s challenging, but it”s a lot of fun.”

The weekend field trips to nearby recreation areas offer practical lessons in issues related to outdoor recreation.

“For example, we see the rangers struggle with user conflicts ? like when people who like to stay up and party are camped next to families who want to get to bed early,” says Lupton.

The class is popular. More than 50 students tried to register this past spring, but Lupton could take only 20. She had only planned on 10.

While many in the class plan on careers related to recreation resources management, the course also attracts students from disciplines ranging from occupational therapy to finance. What attracts them is the chance to develop leadership skills and to learn outside of a traditional lab or lecture format.

“If you want a class where you are lectured to and expected to spit back information, walk away from this class,” advises Tora Frank, an English major with a strong interest in leadership. “You can get the most out of this class by being as highly involved as possible. Be prepared to be engaged and frustrated, to teach and to learn, to take roles in class that you”ve never thought of taking.”