Location

Dublin, Letterkenny, Bundoran, Kilarney, Ireland

Program Description

This three-credit Sports and Recreation Management elective course is open to all majors. The course is designed to introduce students to the field of outdoor adventure program management. The course will explore these topics from both the United States and Irish perspectives. The rationale and benefits of Adventure Education's application in recreational settings are explored. Program administration and risk management will also be a focus of this class.

The purpose of the trip to Ireland will be personal hands-on experience in adventure activities management at the Gartan Outdoor Education Centre, an introduction to Irish culture, and the role of sports in conflict resolution in Ireland.

Course topics include the nature and scope of adventure programs, theoretical models, program planning, and risk management. Course highlights include hands-on instruction in various adventure sports (sailing, kayaking, climbing, mountain biking, surfing, etc) at the Garton Outdoor Education Centre, viewing Gaelic Games, touring Irish adventure sports facilities, live Irish music and lectures delivered by experienced Irish adventure program facilitators.

The course will begin with three days of online instruction followed by hands-on experience in Ireland. Personal reflection assignments will be assigned in Ireland to help students make meaning from the learning experience.

Location Description

Gartan Outdoor Education and Training Centre has been providing courses and training in adventure activities since 1988 to children as young as five and adults as old as… we won’t say. Whatever your outdoor adventure interest may be, Gartan has the answer. Providing courses to schools, adventure holidays for families, training courses for individuals or something different for a group of friends, Gartan caters for everyone.

Set in the heart of the ‘coolest place on the planet’ on the shores of Lough Gartan in County Donegal and a stone’s throw from Glenveagh National Park, Garton is 15 minutes from the vibrant town of Letterkenny and a short drive to the stunningly beautiful Donegal coastline and the Wild Atlantic Way.

Activities include: Kayaking, Canoeing, Sailing, Windsurfing, Powerboating, Surfing, Coasteering, Gorge Walking, Mud Run, Raft Building, Team Challenge, Hill Walking, Climbing, Archery, Orienteering, Mountain Biking and more.

Director

Guy deBrun |debrungb@jmu.edu | Hart School

Accommodations

Students will stay in hotels in Dublin and a hostel at the Gartan Outdoor Education Center.

The daily meal plan includes a continental breakfast each morning of juice, cereal & yoghurt, toast & preserves, pastries, cold meats, and cheeses, with provision for vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets. A full cooked breakfast is provided where available. Evening Meals will be provided in local restaurants in Dublin and Bundoran, and on-site in Gartan OETC.

Additional Items to Consider

Some coursework is required prior to departure.

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must have a GPA minimum of 2.0

Open to first-years, sophomores, juniors, and seniors in all majors.