Frequently Asked Questions About The CRUX Leadership Program

What will I get out of being a leader?   This is an exhaustive leadership development program and will provide training in many different outdoor and life skills areas.  Rock climbing, caving, canoeing, white-water rafting, backpacking, camp-craft, group management, challenge course, and orienteering are just some of the awesome activities you will be qualified to lead your peers in.  You will also become a certified Leave No Trace trainer and certified WFR (Wilderness First Responder), and a qualified challenge course instructor during your time with CRUX.  At the end of the year you can essentially add “Adventure Professional” to your resume if you care to pursue a job in this field and at the very least, own skills you can enjoy for the rest of your life.  One of the biggest benefits is that all of the training is free and would cost thousands of dollars anywhere else.  Besides all of this, you will no doubt have unforgettable experiences outdoors.

Do I need to have previous experience in the outdoor field?   No previous experience is required.  A love for the outdoors, a willingness to learn, and a sense of commitment is all you need to be a CRUX leader.  If you have experience in one of the areas, great!  Maybe you can teach us a thing or two!

What is training like?   The first semester of training is focused on cultivating technical, medical, facilitation, and judgment skills that will be needed to lead trips.  In the second semester, new leaders will be able to serve as an assistant instructor on trips for their fellow students while completing their training.  While there is a good deal of time involved in training, it is something that is beyond compare since you will be surrounded by like minded people who enjoy doing these things.  After the first year of training, CRUX leaders will continue to undergo advanced trainings as well as leading trips, both locally and around the world.

What kind of commitment is this?   CRUX requires a large commitment from all those involved.  Attending weekly meetings, fulfilling office/operating related roles, and partaking in trainings are all expectations that take up a lot of time and effort.  We expect about three hours a week, not including weekends.  Although there is a hefty commitment associated with being a CRUX leader, it is well worth it.  The skills you will learn and experiences you will undoubtedly have, make it all worth it!

So do you guys just go out and play in the woods every weekend?   Although all CRUX leaders have a personal appreciation for the outdoors, have a sense of adventure, and are always up for a good time, being involved with CRUX is so much more.  Being responsible for other peoples’ lives is not a responsibility that can be taken lightly.  Leading others in this field leads to unimaginable personal and professional growth.  This development is supported by the experiential education philosophy that enhances both the perspective of the participants and developing leaders.

What does CRUX mean anyways?   CRUX stands for Challenging Recreation, Unleashing Experiences.   CRUX believes that the outdoors provide a limitless possibility to challenge us as individuals and to unleash our true potential.   It is for this reason that we use the outdoors as a backdrop for all of the experiences we offer.

So is there free food involved?   If you’re looking for s’mores and GORP (Good ol’ Raisins and Peanuts), heck yes!