Lifetime Leisure Skills Classes

Recreational Services offers outdoor education Touch the Earth (TTE) classes for credit. Each course is listed in the Lifetime Leisure Skills Department (410:000) and will receive one credit hour.

Registration takes place on ISIS.

Fall 2008 Courses

410:041 SCUBA

The SCUBA class is designed to teach the basics of scuba diving. The student will learn in both the classroom and a confined water (pool) training environment. Both academic and confined water presentations will be held each night the class meets. 

Course Objectives:

• To provide the student with the knowledge and skills to safely enjoy scuba diving
• To enable the student to independently plan and conduct recreational scuba dives.
• To gain limited experience in the diving environment under normal open water diving conditions.
• To prepare the student for Open Water Diver certification by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI).       

Course Requirements:

• Attend all classroom (Knowledge Development) sessions.
• Complete and hand in knowledge reviews at the end of each Knowledge Development module.
• Demonstrate understanding of Knowledge Development topics by scoring a minimum of 75% on all weekly quizzes and Final Exam.
• Demonstrate mastery of all required water skills in the weekly confined water training.
• In addition, certification as a PADI Open Water Diver requires successful completion of four open water training dives. The cost of these dives is included in the course fee. The time and place is to be determined. Student is responsible for travel, lodging and lake entry fees as required.

Course Topics:

• Diving Equipment
• Diving Practices
• The Underwater Environment
• Diving Physics
• Diving Physiology & Medical Aspects
• Diving Emergencies
• Dive Planning
• Diving Activities
• Diving Skills

Field House Pool and Room 201 FH. Students learn the basics of scuba diving. The non-refundable fee includes equipment, instruction, texts, and certification, which is not refundable upon cancellation.

• 410:041:SCM - August 25 - October 15
• 410:041:SCN - October 20 - December 8

410:042 Introduction to Rock Climbing

Course Fee: $50

Students spend Saturday in the Field House climbing gym learning the basics of climbing and Sunday at Pictured Rocks County Park near Monticello, IA to practice those skills. No experience is necessary. The fee covers equipment and transportation. All three sessions (Wednesday night, Saturday and Sunday) are mandatory for credit. This class can be strenuous at times.

The fee includes: equipment rental, Climbing Gym use and transportation. The fee is non-refundable. Upon completing the class, students will receive their 2006 - 2007 Climbing Gym Approval Card.

• 410:042:SCM - Meeting September 3, Class September 6 - 7
• 410:042:SCN - Meeting September 10, Class September 13 - 14
• 410:042:SCP - Meeting September 17, Class September 20 - 21
• 410:042:SCQ - Meeting September 24, Class September 27 - 28
• 410:042:SCR - Meeting October 1, Class October 4 - 5
• 410:042:SCS - Meeting October 15, Class October 18 - 19
• 410:042:SCT - Meeting October 22, Class October 25 - 26
  
  

Course Fee: $35

One of the oldest classes offered by the Lifetime Leisure Skills Program, Bicycle Touring takes the class on two leisurely 20-mile Iowa City rides. Helmets and working bikes are required. The class will meet at an Iowa City location for the weekend sessions so transportation will not be an issue. The instructor teaches the basics of bicycle safety and mechanics on Saturday before the class heads out on the ride. The class will learn how wind affects the ride. The instructor will demonstrate how to carry gear on a bicycle. On Sunday everyone will learn how to shift properly and "spin". Students are encouraged to walk on the hills if needed. Finally, everyone will learn how to fix a flat tire! This class can be strenuous.

There is a required meeting prior to the start of class. The fee includes: equipment rental, repair equipment and cycling room rental. The fee is non-refundable. Students will need their own bicycle and helmet.

• 410:043:SCM - Meeting September 3, Class September 6 - 7
• 410:043:SCN - Meeting September 10, Class September 13 - 14
• 410:043:SCP - Meeting September 17, Class September 20 - 21
• 410:043:SCQ - Meeting September 24, Class September 27 - 28
  

Course Fee: $35

This is a fast-paced class which will demonstrate and explain mountain bike skills.  Class participation includes riding on the local off-road trail system located at the Sugar Bottom Recreation Area off the Mehaffey Bridge Road between North Liberty and Solon.  Students should have a good, working mountain bike and ANSI approved helmet. Students are responsible for their own transportation to the trail system.  Class can be physically strenuous.  Attendance at all sessions is mandatory.

There is a required meeting prior to the start of class. The fee includes equipment rental, repair equipment and cycling room rental and is non-refundable. Students will need their own bicycle and helmet.

• 410:044:SCM - Meeting September 3, Class September 6 - 7
• 410:044:SCN - Meeting September 17, Class September 20 - 21
• 410:044:SCP - Meeting October 1, Class October 4 - 5
• 410:044:SCQ - Meeting October 8, Class October 11 - 12

Course Fee: $50

This course covers Tae Kwon Do philosophy, ethics, history and discipline. While self defense and exercise are vital to Tae Kwon Do practitioners, they also learn that it is mentally and physically challenging. A standard Tae Kwon Do uniform is required, you may provide your own or order one the first day of class.

The fee includes instructional materials and is non-refundable.

• 410:046:SCM - August 25 - October 15 - 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM, MW
• 410:046:SCN - August 26 - October 16 - 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM, TTH
• 410:046:SCY - October 20 - December 10 - 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM, MW
• 410:046:SCZ - October 21 - December 11 - 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM, TTH

Course Fee: $50

This physically challenging course covers basic kicking, punching and footwork. While using the most advanced teaching methods, this class emphasizes safety. No sparring is allowed. Lectures included the differences between competitive kick-boxing, martial arts based courses and Kick-boxing as an exercise. Hand wraps and bag gloves are required, we will go over this the first day of class.

The fee includes instructional materials and is non-refundable.

• 410:047:SCM - August 25 - October 15 - 10:55 AM - 12:10 PM, MW
• 410:047:SCN - August 26 - October 16 - 10:55 AM - 12:10 PM, TTH
• 410:047:SCY - October 20 - December 10 - 10:55 AM - 12:10 PM, MW
• 410:047:SCZ - October 21 - December 11 - 10:55 AM - 12:10 PM, TTH

Course Fee: $45

A course for the novice paddler, basic canoeing provides a solid foundation of paddling skill and knowledge. In the course of an evening meeting and two extended paddling sessions on the following Saturday and Sunday, participants will have the opportunity to learn and practice fundamental strokes and practices in both the stern and bow positions to enhance the safety and ease with which they handle a tandem canoe on flat-water. The essential canoeing equipment is provided at MacBride Nature and Recreation Area; participants must be able to arrange for their automotive transportation, appropriate attire, and their nutritional needs-lunch, beverages, and snacks for both weekend sessions.

There is a required meeting prior to the start of class. The fee includes: equipment rental and Social Center rental. The lab fee is non-refundable.

• 410:048:SCM - Meeting September 3, Class September 6 - 7
• 410:048:SCN - Meeting September 10, Class September 13 - 14
• 410:048:SCP - Meeting September 24, Class September 27 - 28
  

Whitewater Kayaking is a course which is designed to give the class a basic understanding of the sport. The first session takes place in the classroom where terminology, paddling techniques, and river safety are discussed. This session also includes an organizational meeting for the river sessions. The second session, on the following Sunday, takes place in the Field House Pool for three hours. The class has a hands-on lesson, paddling a kayak and practicing paddle strokes and maneuvers in the pool. The class is also required to swim a lap in the pool to demonstrate a level of comfort in water. The third session is a trip to a whitewater river. The class leaves on a Friday afternoon and arrives at the campground late that evening. On Saturday the river trip begins with a review of the classroom and pool session on the rivers edge. The class practices the paddle strokes and kayak maneuvers on a calm section of the river. The lesson continues with paddling a section of a whitewater river to hone skills. On Sunday, the class paddles another section of whitewater to refine their paddle strokes and build their confidence on the river. The river trip should end in the early afternoon so the class can return to Iowa City around 10:00 PM. The first two sessions are a mandatory requirement in order to participate on the river sessions. The fee covers transportation, kayaking and safety equipment-including wetsuits, helmets, paddle jackets, and PFDs-camp fees, and nutrition and hydration while on site. Participants must be able to provide their own appropriate camp attire, their own footwear, swimwear and eyewear for on the river, good humor and willingness to contribute to the group's camp and boating activities.

• 410:049:SCM - Meeting September 24, Pool Session September 28, Class October 3 - 5

410:050 White Water Canoeing

Course Fee: $120

Whitewater Canoeing is a course which is designed to give the class a basic understanding of whitewater canoeing. The first session takes place in the classroom where terminology, paddling techniques, and river safety are discussed. This session also includes an organizational meeting for the river trip. The second session of the class travels to a whitewater river. The class leaves on a Friday afternoon and arrives at the campground late evening. The Saturday sessions begins with a review of the classroom session on the rivers edge. The class will be paddling tandem (two person) canoes. The class practices the paddle strokes and canoe maneuvers on a calm section of the river. The lesson continues by paddling a section of a whitewater river to hone skills. On Sunday the class paddles another section of whitewater to refine their paddle strokes and build their confidence on the river. The river trip should end in the early afternoon so the class can return to Iowa City around 10:00 PM. The first session is a mandatory requirement in order to participate on the river trip. The course includes a written test. The weekend paddling requires out of state travel from Friday evening to Sunday night. The fee covers transportation, canoeing and safety equipment-including wetsuits, helmets, paddle jackets, and PFDs-camp fees, and nutrition and hydration while on site. Participants must be able to provide their own appropriate camp attire, their own footwear, swimwear and eyewear for on the river, good humor and willingness to contribute to the group's camp and boating activities.

• 410:050:SCM - Meeting September 17, Class September 19 - 21
  

410:051 Marathon Training and Racing

Course Fee: $30

Students will learn the basics of training for a marathon. Different running routes will be selected each meeting and various training methods utilized to prepare students for longer distances. Race preparation, strategy, nutrition, hydration, stretching, and recovery will be emphasized. The goal of the course is to enable students to run a 26.2 mile marathon. Note:Students should come to class able to already run for one hour or longer as class participants will log a 10 mile run during the first week of class. The class is strenuous.

• 410:051:SCM - August 27 - October 10 - 6:30 - 8:30 PM, MW
  

410:053 River Canoeing

Canoe the most scenic parts of the only Iowa River listed in National Geographic’s top 100 Adventure Magazine in 2003. We will spend two days on the Upper Iowa River enjoying the high limestone bluffs, tall stands of conifer trees, bald eagles and natural springs feeding into the river. The trip will also include two nights of tent camping (Friday and Saturday) at a well maintained and scenic campground in the small town of Bluffton with a large campfire to gather around each night. All major equipment and food will be provided while we are canoeing, but you will need to provide food while we travel to and from our campsite.

There is a required meeting prior to the start of class. The fee includes: transportation, most meals, equipment, camping equipment, camping fees and permits. The lab fee is non-refundable.

• 410:053:SCM - Meeting September 17, Class September 19 - 21
  

410:055 Intermediate Rock Climbing

Students spend the weekend at beautiful Devils Lake State Park, Wisconsin, learning techniques and skills to make them a more accomplished climber. Departure takes place on Friday afternoon and is coordinated around class schedules. The return on Sunday will take place in the afternoon with students arriving in Iowa City around 6:00 PM. Students will camp at the Devils Lake State Park on Friday and Saturday night. The non-refundable fee covers equipment, park fees, most meals and transportation. All three sessions are mandatory for credit. All sessions are mandatory for credit (Wednesday night and Friday through Sunday at Devils Lake). This class can be strenuous at times.

• 410:055:SCM - Meeting October 8, Class October 10 - 12

Special Permission is Required. Rock Climbing 410:042 is a prerequisite for this class.

Course Fee: $105

The Devil's Lake Hiking course is a fantastic opportunity for the student who wants to practice their hiking and camping skills.  Located approximately 4 hours from Iowa City in Baraboo, Wisconsin, Devil's Lake has over 29 miles of trails for any skill level and offers spectacular views in all directions. Trails may vary in difficulty and not all trails are surfaced. Students must be prepared for steep climbs or descents and stairways may be encountered.  Extreme caution should be used when on the steep bluffs or near cliffs. In addition, students should be prepared to hike and camp in hot, cold, windy, or rainy weather.

Transportation will be provided by Lifetime Leisure Skills staff and will depart on Friday and return Sunday evening.  Accommodations will be in a campground within Devil's Lake State Park.  Touch the Earth will provide tents, sleeping bags & pads, and other camping equipment, if needed.  Students will be expected to wear appropriate footwear and clothing.  The instructor will discuss what footwear and clothing is appropriate for this course at the mandatory Wednesday evening meeting.  This course can be strenuous, at times. 

There is a required meeting prior to the start of class. The fee includes: transportation, most meals, camping equipment, camping fees and permits. The lab fee is non-refundable.

• 410:056:SCM - Meeting October 1, Class October 3 - 5
• 410:056:SCN - Meeting October 8, Class October 10 - 12
• 410:056:SCP - Meeting October 22, Class October 24 - 26
  

Course Fee: $50

This class takes place in S507 of the Field House. Students will further their education of Tae Kwon Do. A Tae Kwon Do uniform is required. The fee includes instructional materials. The lab fee is non-refundable.

• 410:059:SCZ - October 20 - December 12 - 6:30 - 7:30 PM, MWF

Special Permission is Required

Course Fee: $30

Partner Dancing, as with a number of other activities, requires the use of the body, mind, spirit and emotions. There will be seven ballroom dances in which the basic steps will be taught. They are as follows: Fox Trot, Waltz, Swing (East Coast and/or West Coast), Rumba, Merengue, Cha-Cha and the Tango. The following elements will be stressed: the dance position, dance motions, basic rhythms, phrasing and dance expressions. This is an eight week course that is held during the early evening hours on Monday & Wednesday or Tuesday & Thursday.

The fee includes instructional materials, sound system rental and music. The lab fee is non-refundable.

• 410:060:SCM - August 25 - October 15 - 8:00 - 9:00 PM, MW
• 410:060:SCN - August 26 - October 16 - 7:00 - 8:00 PM, TTH
• 410:060:SCY - October 20 - December 10 - 8:00 - 9:00 PM, MW
• 410:060:SCZ - October 21 - December 11 - 7:00 - 8:00 PM, TTH

410:062 Trail Running

This class meets twice a week, normally at 6:00 pm. at local off-road trails. Information on trail running basics, techniques, planning and preparation will be covered. Each session will include a 1-4 mile run.  Students are responsible for their own transportation to trails.  Attendance at organizational meeting is mandatory and the class is strenuous. 

The fee includes equipment and instruction. The lab fee is non-refundable.

• 410:062:SCM - August 25 - October 15 - 6:30 - 8:30 PM, MW
• 410:062:SCN - August 26 - October 16 - 6:30 - 8:30 PM, TTH

This course will introduce students to basic orienteering skills, including map and compass use.  This class is designed for beginners and no prior experience in map and compass use is necessary.  Topics will include using a map, basic map interpretation, parts and function of a compass, how to use and follow a field bearing, combining the map and compass, triangulation, and route finding.  If time and weather permit, participants will have the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge in the field.

The class is held at Macbride Nature Recreation Area, Solon, IA. There is a required meeting prior to the start of class. The fee includes: equipment rental and instruction. The lab fee is non-refundable.

• 410:064:SCM - Meeting October 8, Class October 11 - 12
• 410:064:SCN - Meeting October 22, Class October 25 - 26
  

Loess Hills

The Loess Hills of Western Iowa are a landform unique to the Western hemisphere.  Hiking these rolling hills offers majestic panoramic views of rare prairie and woodland ecosystems.  Trails will vary in difficulty and students must be prepared to hike over 7 miles in a day.  Students should be prepared to hike and camp in hot, cold, windy, rainy, or snowy weather.                                                 

Transportation will be provided by Lifetime Leisure Skills staff and will depart Friday and return Sunday evening.  Touch the Earth will provide tents, sleeping bags and pads, and other necessary camping equipment.  The instructor will discuss course material and appropriate clothing and gear at the mandatory Wednesday evening meeting. 

Effigy Mounds

Explore the rich natural and cultural history of Northeast Iowa’s Effigy Mounds National Monument.  Trails will vary in difficulty and students must be must be prepared to hike over 7 miles in a day.  Students should be prepared to hike and camp in hot, cold, windy, rainy, or snowy weather.                                        

Transportation will be provided by Lifetime Leisure Skills staff and will depart on Saturday morning and return on Sunday evening.  Touch the Earth will provide      tents, sleeping bags and pads, and other necessary camping equipment.  The instructor will discuss course material and appropriate clothing and gear at the mandatory Wednesday evening meeting. 

There is a required meeting on Wednesday evening before the weekend sessions. The lab fee is non-refundable.

• 410:065:SCM - Meeting October 8, Class October 10 - 12, (Loess Hills of Western Iowa)
• 410:065:SCN - Meeting October 22, Class October 24 - 26 (Driftless Area - Effigy Mounds National Monument)

410:067 Team Building

The class meets on the Wednesday evening before, to prepare for the two-day weekend session.  The Team Building class is comprised of cooperative games and team challenges on the low course on Saturday.  On Sunday students will have the opportunity to be challenged by climbing the  thirty foot telephone poles to explore the high course.  Throughout the weekend themes of teamwork, group dynamics and leadership are explored in a fun, active, and safe setting.  The course is located just west of the Hawkeye Recreation Fields and next to the University of Iowa Ashton Cross Country Course.  Directions to the course will be discussed at the first session.  Transportation, meals, and hydration are not included.  The exact time for each weekend day will be discussed at the Wednesday session is often determined by weather and sporting events in the area.  

• 410:067:SCM - Meeting September 10, Class September 13 - 14
• 410:067:SCN - Meeting September 17, Class September 20 - 21
• 410:067:SCP - Meeting September 24, Class September 27 - 28
• 410:067:SCQ - Meeting October 1, Class October 4 - 5
• 410:067:SCR - Meeting October 8, Class October 11 - 12
• 410:067:SCS - Meeting October 15, Class October 18 - 19
• 410:067:SCT - Meeting October 22, Class October 25 - 26
• 410:067:SCU - Meeting October 29, Class November 1 - 2
  
  

410:068 Wilderness Appreciation

This exciting new class held at Macbride Nature Recreation Area is designed to help you feel comfortable in the out-of-doors and inspire you to do something to help protect it. The instructor teaches the " sacred order" of one's needs in Wilderness on the first day. The topics covered will be; shelter, water, fire and wild food. Each student will learn and demonstrate these four skills. On Sunday the class learns from one of the experts from the Macbride Raptor Project the needs of raptors and how they are threatened by society. The class concludes by discussing the ways in which every individual can appreciate, honor and even save Nature.

There is a required meeting prior to the start of class. The fee includes: equipment, food, camping fee and instruction. The course fee is non-refundable.

• 410:068:SCM - Meeting October 15, Class October 18 - 19

410:070 Intermediate Bicycle Touring

Intermediate Bicycle Touring is for the student who wants to take then next step toward multi-day bicycle touring. Students taking this course should be able to perform basic bicycle repairs for example: changing flat tires, fixing broken chains, and derailleur adjustments. Students will be expected to be familiar with the rules of the road and be comfortable riding in a group. Students taking this course should be prepared to ride for three to four hours at a time on flat to hilly terrain in hot, cold, windy, or rainy, weather. This course requires the student to travel by van to the destination, usually a paved bicycle trail, in Iowa or a neighboring state. Accommodations will be at camp grounds. The program will provide tents, and other camping equipment if needed. Students will be expected to provide their own bicycles, which must be in good working condition, helmets, spare inner tube, and means to carry water. This class can be strenuous at times.

There is a required meeting on Wednesday evening before the weekend session. The lab fee is non-refundable.

• 410:070:SCM - Meeting October 8, Class October 11 - 12

Special Permission Required

410:072 Sea Kayaking

A course for the novice paddler, basic sea kayaking provides a solid foundation of paddling skill and knowledge.  In the course of an evening meeting and two extended paddling sessions on  the following Saturday and Sunday,  participants will have the opportunity to learn and practice fundamental strokes and practices to enhance the safety and ease with which they handle a tandem or solo sea kayak on flat-water.  The essential sea kayaking equipment is provided at MacBride Nature and Recreation Area; participants must be able to arrange for their automotive transportation, appropriate attire, and their nutritional needs-lunch, beverages, and snacks for both weekend sessions.

There is a required meeting on Wednesday evening before the weekend session. The lab fee is non-refundable.

• 410:072:SCM - Meeting September 3, Class September 6 - 7
• 410:072:SCN - Meeting September 10, Class September 13 - 14
• 410:072:SCP - Meeting September 24, Class September 27 - 28

410:074 Intermediate Mountain Bicycling

This is a fast-paced class for cyclists who would like to improve their mountain bike skills.  This course requires the student to travel by van to the destination, a mountain-bike trail system, in Iowa or a neighboring state.  Overnight accommodations will be camping. The lab fee covers tents, and other camping equipment if needed, transportation, camping fees, permit fees and most meals.  Students should have a good, working mountain bike, ANSI approved helmet, spare inner tube and means to carry water (bicycles can also be rented from the Outdoor Rental Center). This class will be physically strenuous.  Attendance at all sessions is mandatory and tardiness will not be tolerated.

There is a required meeting on Wednesday evening before the weekend session. The lab fee is non-refundable.

• 410:070:SCM - Meeting October 22, Class October 25 - 26

Special Permission Required

Registration

Registration for all Lifetime Leisure Skilils (LTLS) classes takes place on ISIS, department (410:000). The fee for the class will be charged to your University of Iowa bill when the class actually meets. If you can not attend a class, you may drop the class on ISIS up to 11:59pm the day before the first class meeting. The fee will not be charged to your bill if you drop the class by this time. The fee is not refundable if you drop after this time.

If you can not find the class you are looking for on ISIS, make sure you have the correct academic session selected.