REC 123 - Wilderness Survival - Garrett Hooper; Brittany Applen

Introduction

Welcome to REC 123 - Wilderness Survival!  This course is a great way to disconnect from our creature comforts and re-discover our appreciation of them, get in touch with nature, learn survival skills, and play in the backcountry!  

Your instructors, Brittany Applen and Garrett Hooper, have decades of experience recreating in the outdoors and leading trips into the backcountry.  Brittany has taught both Wilderness Survival, Backpacking, and Rock Climbing courses at California State University Northridge for twenty years, in addition to her own extensive personal experience backpacking and climbing.  Garrett has been an avid backpacker for over 30 years and has logged numerous miles on solo and group trips, both in the Mountain West and internationally.  Together, we co-chair the Recreation Management Department and are thrilled to now offer courses such as Wilderness Survival at College of the Canyons!

Course Description

REC 123 - Wilderness Survival explores the essential skills for backcountry travel and wilderness survival. Topics will include navigation, shelters, edible plants and animals, water treatment and collection, food preparation and storage, primitive technologies, environmental awareness and conservation, safety, and managing wilderness emergencies. A multi-day overnight trip is required.

What to Expect in this Course

REC 123 is a HYBRID course:  this class will feature both ONLINE and In-Person instruction. The Lecture portion of this course will meet ON CAMPUS as scheduled: Wednesdays, 8/21, 9/4, 9/18, 10/2 & 10/9 from 6:00pm - 8:30pm. The Lab portion of this class will be a required weekend backpacking trip beginning at the trailhead on Friday, 10/4 at 8:00am, and ending at the trailhead on Sunday, 10/6 at 2pm. 

Transportation is the responsibility of the student. Appropriate clothing and shoes are required. All backpacking equipment and main meals will be provided at no cost to students. Students will be expected to carry their backpacks with food and gear for a 3-day trip covering approximately 8-12 miles.

Types of Assessments

The culminating experience and main assignment for this class is the weekend backpacking trip, survival style. Reading assignments will be posted on the course website. There may be short online quizzes. There will be a skills test that will assess your knowledge of course material - this will happen during the weekend field trip.

Textbook Information

There is no textbook for this course.  Course readings and instructional materials will be provided via our Canvas course website.

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

• CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
• CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 08/08/2024 Sub#: 1793