Students in Sul Ross State University’s kinesiology program wrapped up a semester of outdoor training with an overnight field experience at Davis Mountains State Park, highlighting hands-on learning in mountain recreation and safety.
The course, KINE 3378: Mountain Recreation and Safety, is designed to prepare students for real-world outdoor leadership through practical instruction and field application. Led by instructor Mary Rose Powers, the class culminated in a trip where students applied skills developed throughout the semester.
Program organizers said students spent the term learning outdoor safety principles and responsibility, then put those lessons into practice in one of West Texas’ most rugged landscapes.
Training components included backcountry camping, orienteering and navigation, and introductory rock climbing. Students also practiced equipment use, knot-tying, belaying and rappelling techniques.
The curriculum emphasizes risk management, leadership development and adherence to industry safety standards. Instruction includes several full days of fieldwork intended to build confidence beyond classroom instruction.
Faculty said the overnight trip served as a capstone experience, reinforcing teamwork and experiential learning — a core focus of the program’s approach to outdoor education.
University officials encourage students interested in outdoor leadership careers to explore the sport and recreation management concentration within the kinesiology program.
