In 1979 Jim Blanchard was hired as Coordinator of the newly renamed Adventure Pursuits Program in the Department of Physical Education and assigned the task of developing a broad-based outdoor activities program. In its initial configuration, the Program included:

•An entry course Wilderness Ethics and Safety, designed to address most of the safety and environmental topics common to all outdoor activities,

•A series of classroom-based ‘Preparation’ courses that focused on teaching information, skills, and concepts specific to each activity,

•And a series of outing courses that provided opportunities for practicing skills and developing field experience.

The courses were taught by Jim or by one of several Graduate Teaching Fellows (GTF’s), with optimal field instructional ratios achieved through extensive use of student and community volunteers. Very quickly it was evident that the availability of qualified leaders was the principal limitation to adding courses to the curriculum. In 1980 Principles of Outdoor Leadership was added to the curriculum in order to develop the skills and experience of outdoor leaders assigned to assist with field outings. An outdoor pursuits ‘Specialization’ was introduced that combined the Principles of Outdoor Leadership course, several outdoor skills courses and a set of practicum experiences. The Specialization was designed to provide students with a well-rounded exposure to outdoor pursuits activities and an introduction to outdoor pursuits leadership.

A more comprehensive Leadership Program was initiated to provide a structural framework for training students to become outdoor pursuits instructors. The Leadership Program was designed to combine the best elements of nationally respected outdoor leadership programs in the United States with those of several European programs. The Program consisted of skills acquisition, leadership training, and field experience, followed by comprehensive written and skills examinations. The Leadership Program was an immediate success, and soon became an essential part of the Adventure Pursuits Program. After only a year of operation it was possible to simultaneously add courses and reduce the level of dependence on community volunteers to staff field outings.

Over the next few years the Program grew steadily. Courses were modified, and offerings were adjusted in response to student interest and demand as well to address the needs of the Leadership Program. The name ‘Adventure Pursuits’ (a common British term for outdoor adventure programs) was changed to the Outdoor Pursuits Program (OPP).

Michael Strong was hired as a GTF in the PE Department and teaches a variety of land-based OPP courses, including rock climbing, backpacking, ski touring, and mountaineering. Michael went on to develop our water-based courses which enabled the OPP to expand its course offerings Newly minted courses included two levels of whitewater rafting, canoeing, sailing, two levels of windsurfing, and whitewater kayaking. Mountain biking was also added to the curriculum.

During this time period the OPP offered a rich blend of land, water and snow-based activities. Popularity and participation grew and Jim and Michael prepared documents for the inclusion of a Minor in Outdoor Pursuits Leadership in the Physical Education Department (one of the Departments in the College of Human Development and Performance). The Minor is approved in the early 1990’s.

In 1990 Ballot Measure 5 was passed by Oregon voters. The measure established limits on Oregon’s property taxes, significantly impacting school funding in Oregon at all levels of education.Faced with an immediate and unprecedented budget shortfall, the University elects to eliminate the degree offering Departments in the College of Human Development and Performance.

The Physical Education Department retracts. Activity courses are preserved and offered under a newly named Program titled Physical Activity and Recreations Services (PARS). Jim operates a ‘bare bones’ Program and works hard to keep the Program functioning. The PE Department receives approval for a .5FTE position in Outdoor Pursuits. Michael is rehired to teach in the program. Within a year he has earned a full-time position by introducing new courses (and revitalizing some previously dormant ones) into the OPP curriculum. The Leadership Training Program is reconfigured and its structure mirrors (in terms of credits required) the Minor in Outdoor Pursuits Leadership that never came to fruition in the early 1990’s.

A new Student Recreation Center opens and one of the inclusions is an indoor climbing wall, enabling the OPP to offer climbing courses every term, rather than just spring and fall terms.

Jim Blanchard announces his retirement, effective at the end of fall term 2003. Beginning Winter Term 2004, Michael Strong assumes responsibility for directing the operations of the OPP.

In Spring Term 2004, Dan Crowe is hired to manage the rock climbing wall and teach select OPP courses starting in Fall Term 2004.

Kristin Gloystein is hired into the position of Coordinator of Rock Climbing effective Spring Term 2017. Her duties are to manage the Climbing gym and teach a variety of classes through the OPP.

Michael Strong announces his retirement, effective at the conclusion of Spring Term 2019.

Dan Crowe assumes assumes responsibility for directing the operations of the OPP starting Fall term 2019.

Anne Borland is moved into a full time instructor position, teaching classes at the Rock Wall and a variety of back-country courses.