Leading Expeditions Program
Learn. Explore. Lead.
High Stakes Leaders are equipped to handle uniquely challenging objectives with confidence.
Leading Expeditions is a transformational co-curricular opportunity to immerse yourself in the study and application of leadership. These experiences allow you to apply knowledge gained in the classroom during an exhilarating outdoor adventure in one the most beautiful settings in the U.S.
The concept behind the Leading Expeditions Program is simple but deep: Through intensive, immersive experiences, we can learn lifelong lessons about leading and active followership, including opportunities to discover and develop the following skills of a High Stakes Leader:
- Communication
- Trust
- Teamwork
- Negotiation
- Conflict management
- Adaptability
- Managing emotions
The Leading Expeditions program is also eligible for credit within the Dean's Leadership Academy and funding within the Second-year Transformational Experience Program (STEP).
Program Requirements
T/Th, 9:10-10:30am (SP25)
Dr. Timothy Judge
Considers the unique challenges involved in high stakes leadership - situations when leadership can mean the difference between life & death. Students will develop skills that will prepare them for an outdoor, team-based, high stakes experience by discussing leadership concepts, completing case studies with their expedition teammates, learning to tie important knots, climbing on outdoor field days, and more. Topics: self-leadership, managing emotions, risk assessment, leadership emergence, decision-making, trust, communication, teamwork, & active followership. Repeatable.
This course provides you with academic credit for attending the expedition. The course will meet just one time in-person following your expedition (date/time TBD) for your team to present about your experience.
Due to the timing of the expeditions in August-October, participants must be active students during the autumn semester in which they take place.
We will teach you everything you need to know to have a safe and successful expedition experience!
Rocky Mountain Leaders Expedition
Estes Park and Boulder, Colorado
An unforgettable climbing and mountaineering adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, and nearby destinations. You will experience thrilling altitude and stunning scenery while testing your grit to reach some impressive summits. As you and your teammates undergo what might be the biggest physical challenge of your lives, learning to support each other well is key. You will also be introduced to taller multi-pitch climbing, which is an ambitious affirmation of you ability to manage fear, trust one another, and work as a team towards a complex objective.
Itinerary
Note: This expedition is offered twice, each with slightly different dates and itineraries.
August 2 - 9, 2025
Aug. 2.....Arrivals | Opening Dinner
Aug. 3.....Deer Mountain Hike | Rock Climbing I: Mary's Lake
Aug. 4.....Rock Climbing II: Jurassic Park | Lily Mountain Hike
Aug. 5.....Twin Sisters Peak Hike | Rock Climbing III: Performance Park
Aug. 6.....Flattop-Hallett Peak Hike | Explore Downtown Estes Park
Aug. 7.....Longs Peak Prep Day
Aug. 8.....Longs Peak Summit | Closing Dinner
Aug. 9.....Departures
August 9 - 16, 2025
Aug. 9.......Arrivals; Opening Dinner
Aug. 10.....Deer Mountain Hike | Rock Climbing I: Mary's Lake
Aug. 11.....Rock Climbing II: Jurassic Park | Lily Mountain Hike
Aug. 12.....Twin Sisters Peak Hike | Rock Climbing III: Performance Park
Aug. 13.....Flattop-Hallett Peak Hike | Explore Downtown Estes Park
Aug. 14.....Multi-pitch Climbing: Eldorado Canyon
Aug. 15.....The DeCaLiBron: Four 14ers in One Day | Closing Dinner
Aug. 16.....Departures
Expedition Requirements
- Enrollment in BUSMHR 3500: High Stakes Leadership (3 credits) in SP25 semester
- Enrollment in BUSMHR 3501.03: Rocky Mountain Leaders Expedition (1 credit) in AU25 semester
- Program fee: $700
- Includes all ground transportation while in Colorado, lodging, meals, rental gear, and activity-related expenses.
- Participants are responsible for purchasing their own airfare to and from Colorado and may need to purchase some items from the packing list.
Seneca Leaders Expedition
New River Gorge and Seneca Rocks, West Virginia
A diverse outdoor experience of climbing, hiking, and rafting located at the New River Gorge and Seneca Rocks in West Virginia. Whitewater rafting is the ultimate team activity, as you must listen, communicate, make quick decisions, and act in sync to navigate the world-class rapids of the Gauley River. Seneca Rocks is the tallest summit east of the Mississippi with only a technical climbing route to the top. As the trip's final objective, it is a true test piece for you to exemplify leadership of yourself and each other. It is hard to think of a more valuable way to spend a fall break.
Itinerary
October 16 - 19, 2025 (Fall Break)
Oct. 16.....Drive to Fayetteville, WV | Rock Climbing I: The Pinnacle and The Junkyard (NRG)
Oct. 17.....Rock Climbing II: The Tan Wall (NRG) | New River Gorge Bridge Walk
Oct. 18.....Whitewater Rafting: Lower Gauley River
Oct. 19.....Seneca Rocks Climbing Summit | Drive to Columbus, OH
Program requirements:
- Enrollment in BUSMHR 3500: High Stakes Leadership (3 credits) in SP25 semester
- Enrollment in BUSMHR 3501.02: Seneca Leaders Expedition (1 credit) in AU25 semester
- Program fee: $350
- Includes all transportation, lodging, meals, rental gear, and activity-related expenses.
Buckeye Leaders Expedition
Various Locations in OH, WV, and KY
A series of weekend excursions to the best rock climbing areas in Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky. This unique experience introduces you to a whole new world of outdoor destinations within arms reach. Taking place over a longer timeframe, you will enjoy the opportunity to witness growth unfold from week to week. This pace also allows for an introduction to lead climbing and belaying (where one is setting up there own rope from the base of the climb). This helps forge a high level of mental composure and trust in your climbing partners.
Itinerary
September 5 - October 3, 2025
Friday, Sept. 5.......John Bryan State Park | Yellow Springs, OH
Friday, Sept. 12.....Mad River Gorge | Springfield, OH
Friday, Sept. 19.....Marne Road Crag | Hannover, OH
Friday, Sept. 26.....New River Gorge | Fayetteville, WV
Friday, Oct. 3........Red River Gorge | Stanton, KY
Program requirements:
- Enrollment in BUSMHR 3500: High Stakes Leadership (3 credits) in SP25 semester
- Enrollment in BUSMHR 3501.01 (1 credit) in AU25 semester
- Program fee: $50
- Includes all transportation, snacks, rental gear, and activity-related expenses.
For questions or additional information, please contact Dr. Timothy Judge at judge.56@osu.edu
The Leading Expeditions program is proudly supported by the Rosenfield Family Foundation.
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