The Clemson University Leisure Skills Program offers credit-bearing courses that support students’ personal, professional, and well-being development through hands-on recreation and outdoor experiences. These courses emphasize experiential learning, skill development, and intentional engagement with natural environments.
Below are examples of Leisure Skills (LS) courses that align especially well with Nature Rx principles, providing structured opportunities for students to engage with nature in ways that support physical health, mental well-being, stress reduction, and connection to place.
These courses are:
Open only to Clemson undergraduate and graduate students
Taught as scheduled classes (not informal activities)
To view current offerings or register, please visit iRoar. If you have general questions about the leisure skills program, please email Emily Metzger at turke@clemson.edu
An immersive, hands-on course designed to help students reconnect with nature through sensory experiences, mindfulness, and outdoor exploration. Drawing from principles of forest therapy, the course encourages students to engage with natural environments to enhance well-being, reduce stress, and cultivate a deeper connection to the world around them. Through guided activities, reflective practices, and group discussions, participants will learn how to integrate nature-based relaxation techniques into their daily lives.
Develops flexibility, strength, sensitivity, energy, and a sense of relaxation through the study of basic yoga postures, conscious breathing, and meditation techniques.
Exposes students to the benefits of relaxation and meditation techniques. Students learn different techniques used to relieve stress and promote relaxation.
Basic rock climbing skills, including philosophy, safety, knots, climbing techniques, site and supplies selection, and nature/conservation issues are covered.
Basic camping and backpacking skills including map and compass reading, outdoor cooking, camping hazards and safety, site selections, and trip planning.
Flat-water and whitewater skills, techniques, safety, rescue, equipment selection and maintenance, and selection of routes/trips to participate in basic white-water kayaking. Students must possess basic swimming skills to enroll in this course.
Introduction to basic skills necessary for safe enjoyment of flatwater (non-tidal waters: lakes, slow moving rivers) kayak touring. Students learn equipment selection, strokes, safety, and rescue techniques. Students must demonstrate swimming competence to enroll in this course.
Introductory course in the techniques of fly-fishing. Students learn casting, fly-tying, and equipment selection.
Teaches basic open water diving techniques; prepares students to complete requirements for the open water diving certification. Certifications are granted by an internationally recognized and accepted certifying agency. Students are required to pass a swim test required by certifying agency.
Introduces students to basic disc golf skills and knowledge. Topics include development of basic throwing skills, rules of the game, game strategy and disc golf etiquette.
This American Red Cross Wilderness First Aid course provides individuals involved with wilderness activities with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and provide basic care for injuries and sudden illness when more advanced help is not immediately available.
Introduces the skills necessary to lead others in a backcountry environment. Focus is on wilderness travel skills, minimum impact, group dynamics, leadership skills and decision making.