Instructor Fundamentals is a pathway of qualifications designed for those pursuing a career in outdoor recreation leadership and instruction—from foundational to advanced mentoring roles. Courses cover planning, preparation, safety management, leadership, and teaching practices for dynamic and potentially complex outdoor environments. Each level builds instructional competence for leading groups, developing other instructors, and operating effectively and safely according to robust industry standards.

Course Content

• Planning and preparing outdoor activities

• Leadership theory and styles

• Activity management plans

• Effective communication for group leadership

• Safety management and emergency response

• Kaitiakitanga and cultural competence

• Weather interpretation and decision-making for outdoor activities

• Learning and teaching theories in outdoor instruction

• Facilitation and evaluation of learning outcomes

• Legislation and codes of practice in adventure activities

• Development and evaluation of risk and safety management systems

• Mentoring and instructing other outdoor instructors