OUtdoor Leadership & Education

The Journey to Leadership

The goal of this program is to prepare students to be leaders in outdoor learning through adventure and nature study.

Launching 2026-2027

Enroll in a program with uniquely designed opportunities tailored for specific outcomes. The outcome of this program is that students will be prepared for future work and leadership opportunities in state and federal parks programs. As well as create experience toward other outdoor educational fields and jobs in outdoor recreation.

About the program

What will students learn?

Students will learn how to lead groups in a variety of outdoor adventures which include, but are not limited to kayaking, canoeing, hiking, birding, snow activities, survival, and more.

Students will learn about jobs related to the state and national park system.

Students will learn about the various habitats throughout the world through study and hands on work as a naturalist.

When will the program meet?

This program will meet Thursdays while school is in session from 11:00am-3:00pm.

Where will the program meet?

This program will take place in various places throughout Newaygo County.

Who is eligible for the program?

This program is only available to fully enrolled students at Northern Discovery Academy.

What will the program cost?

The cost of this program will be $900 per year. This does not include the activity fees that will be paid as needed. The expectation is that these fees throughout the year should not exceed $200 per year.