During the program philosophy. During the 1960s, students at American universities fought stifling structure and eventually won greater independence and responsibility. The resulting changes have turned out to be the healthier for both students and administrators. Students are more prepared to assume productive, responsible roles in society, and college administrators, assuming less the role of policeman and surrogate parent, can concentrate on the business of education. Outdoor programs with participant - initiated programs within an environment of less structure have helped fill an important need of those students attracted to the outdoors.
Certification is a step backward.
It is a step toward greater structure. Having a body of people set the standards and determine the rules for all outdoor programs destroys the independence and the freedom outdoor programs now have to police themselves and determine their own standards for their own geographical locations. The most pragmatic way of viewing the polemic is to consider money. Nowadays with tighter budgets, most programs must squeeze out everything they can from their hard earned dollars. Requiring certification for outdoor program employees is extremely costly.