COR Professional Instructor Course

A course for aspiring outdoor professionals seeking to work for COR or other outdoor ministry programs.

The COR Professional Instructor Course (PIC) is an intensive training program delivered by seasoned COR staff, aimed at developing, assessing, and mentoring prospective COR full-time and adjunct staff into exceptional outdoor ministry professionals. This course is also advantageous for individuals involved in various ministry roles, Catholic leadership, or those pursuing an intensive approach to personal development.

The PIC is tailored for candidates with significant backcountry experience. Below are the details regarding the application process for those interested in enrolling. If you feel that you are not yet prepared for the PIC, you may want to explore the possibility of attending a COR Leader Week or participating in an open enrollment course.

Risk Management

Learn to professionally evaluate risk and give meaningful risk assessments while managing groups in complex terrain and environments. Understand your own views and tolerance of risk.

Course Elements

Experiential Education

Develop teaching skills and resources for hands-on learning in the outdoors. This includes COR leadership training and classes.

Technical Skills

Make sure your basic backpacking skills are strong and learn advanced techniques to work better in different settings. Some PICs may involve extra rope or technical training.

Leadership

Receive real time assessment of your leadership style and traits, considered especially in the guiding and teaching context. The PIC will focus heavily on wholehearted, sustainable, and holistic leadership.

Discipleship

All PICs have an intense focus on spiritual formation and development. They challenge individuals to re examine their relationship with the Lord in the context of discipleship and spiritual leadership. Participants build discipleship and spiritual programing skills.

Evaluation

PIC students are regularly assessed by senior COR staff. This includes written and verbal evaluations during and after the course, along with ongoing feedback. Specific evaluation standards will be shared before the course starts.

Application Process

Participants must apply to attend the PIC. Senior staff will review applications, interview candidates, and make selections. Keep the preferred prerequisites in mind, although some exceptions may apply. Generally, all PIC participants should have proven self management skills in the backcountry and generally be comfortable in extended backpacking contexts. For those applying for a PIC with ropes or other technical elements, relevant experience will also be evaluated. You can apply even if you do not meet all the requirements.

Prefered Prerequisites:

Wilderness First Responder Certification.
COR, NOLS, SROM, Outward Bound or equivalent Alumni.
Previous experience working in the outdoor industry.
3+ weeks of backcountry experience.
Ability to complete pre-course work online.
Physical Ability- outdoor professionals are held to a higher standard than participants. Our staff must be able to hike 15+ miles carrying up to 50% their body weight in any and all conditions.

Course Cost

Course cost is dependant on activities. Please select the course you would like to apply for to see exact costs. PIC participants who intend to work for COR are able to receive a discounted rate, dependant on their ability to instruct future courses subject to evaluation on the PIC.

Academic Credit

Learn more about COR for academic credit in the application process.

Fall 2024 PIC - Includes Ropes Section

Dates: Oct 21 - Nov 7 - Desert Backpacking (1 week of optional ropes)

Cost: $2000 ($1500 w/o ropes section). Discount available for future COR staff.

This course begins with a ropes focused portion in the Moab area followed by extended desert backpacking. The ropes section will focus on fundamentals of single pitch climbing, canyoneering systems, and rescue systems. It also provides the opportunity to learn many of the ropes venues COR uses in the Moab area. Attendees of the ropes section will be equipped to act as an assistant ropes guide for COR courses.

The backpacking portion will take place in beautiful desert canyon systems and provide ample opportunity to challenge the aspiring outdoor professional.

Apply

Spring 2025 PIC - Wind River Range

Dates: May 20 - May 30

Cost: $1500 (Discount available for future COR staff)

This PIC takes place in the beautiful Wind River Range (dependant on snow conditions), requiring participants to use both backpacking and spring snow travel skills. The weather, snow, and terrain provide significant physical challenges. The course may include elements of technical mountaineering dependent on conditions. No snow travel experience necessary.

Apply

Spring 2025 PIC - Wind River Range

Dates: May 29 - June 8

Cost: $1500 (Discount available for future COR staff)

Apply

Fall 2025 PIC - Includes Ropes Section

Dates: Oct 20 - Nov 7 - Desert Backpacking (1 week of optional ropes)

Cost: $2000 ($1500 w/o ropes section). Discount available for future COR staff.

The backpacking portion will take place in beautiful desert canyon systems and provide ample opportunity to challenge the aspiring outdoor professional.

Apply

COR PIC Instructors