As a former PRM student, describe the quality of the education you received.

Simply put, I've attended a total of 5 'higher learning' facilities, two of which were Community Colleges. More than any other program, BC3 prepared me the best for working in the field.

What were your best experiences and memories as a student?

I made some life-long friends at BC3 and I acquired a quality base education that I still draw from today.

Cite examples of how the program prepared you for transfer to another institution and the work force.

I transferred to the program at SRU. I sort of felt like a kid that had gone to pre-school on his first day of kindergarten...I already knew a lot of the stuff. That freed me-up to look into details and various pursuits with my career. As for the work force, what I learned at BC3 was "immediate-use" stuff in the field. I came to work my first summer with the Corps of Engineers and knew how assemble interpretive programs, had a strong background in group dynamics, knew about the various agencies and what department they were under...I applied most of it the first summer.

What were your best experiences and memories as a student?

Leadership class, group dynamics, water rescue training, wildland firefighting, canoe outings for phys education credit.

As a former PRM student, describe the quality of the education you received.

Chris Calhoun, PRM staff and the outside training partners are at the forefront as park and resource management professionals and educators. BC3's PRM program is well known throughout Pennsylvania. It seems that more and more graduates are being employed by Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources as well as many other land managing agencies.

Cite examples of how the program prepared you for transfer to another institution and the work force.

The programs expectations are equal to and sometimes exceeded those of many PRM 4-year programs. The hands on experience and individualized training at BC3 allow the student to experience real life working scenarios.

What were your best experiences and memories as a student?

The best experiences for me while attending BCCC were by far all of the hands-on programs associated the department including Swift and Ice water Rescue, Wildland Fire Fighting, team building skills, leadership skills, group trips (canoeing, hiking trips), Project WET, Wild, and Learning Tree, etc. The memories from the department will always be the tight "P and R family" that we established while attending, this family is not just the students that I have met while attending but I have also met many others that have been through the same program with Chris before and after me who are part of the extended family and by association have become close friends that I can rely on. The best part of the extended BCCC P and R family is that we are spread all over the world so anytime you're looking for a getaway or adventure there are countless places and experiences that can be found.

As a former PRM student, describe the quality of the education you received.

The quality of education that I received in the PRM department at BCCC was second to none as far as I am concerned! Between all of the hands on learning experiences and the small class sizes the program felt much more personal than that of other higher educational institutions.

Cite examples of how the program prepared you for transfer to another institution and the work force.

Coming from a very small town, heading straight into a University from high school would have been very challenging for me if not impossible. Starting at BCCC gave me a small taste of what the larger University would have in store for me and was a great stepping stone where I learned not only skills of the major but also Life skills and made for a smooth transition to the larger University.

What were your best experiences and memories as a student?

Swift water rescue training at Slippery Rock Creek The Leadership workshop at Westminster Highlands Learning how to kayak

As a former PRM student, describe the quality of the education you received.

The quality of education I received was outstanding. The PRM program prepared me to further my education and I received valuable certifications for my career.

Cite examples of how the program prepared you for transfer to another institution and the work force.

I gained valuable leadership experience, certifications that employers want, and the program enhanced my writing, research, and public speaking skills

What were your best experiences and memories as a student?

My career at BC3 is full of fond memories, but they all shared one key factor. The kinesthetic teaching style within the program is the key to its strength. We were out in the field constantly working on leadership training, rescue scenarios, hazard control, and learning about different recreational opportunities.

I hold a special place in my heart for the water rescue and whitewater paddling programs.

As a former PRM student, describe the quality of the education you received.

I will never regret choosing BC3. The PRM program has completely prepared me for a career in the field of conservation/environmental education. I have utilized elements of EVERY class from the PRM program in my post-graduate career. There is little, if any, unnecessary fluff with this program. The professors always found time to assist students as long as the students were giving an honest effort to meet the goals and objectives of the class. This program molded my life and gave me the edge to find full time employment in the field.

Cite examples of how the program prepared you for transfer to another institution and the work force.

The program prepared me for a career in conservation and the outdoors through traditional topics, such as field identification, first aid, whitewater paddling, trip planning, recreational leadership, and the history of conservation in our nation. I would like to emphasize some of the experiences that I did not expect from the program. I learned how to interview and how to apply for jobs at the federal and state levels. I learned how to develop a better resume than some of my friends who were preparing for careers in the business world. I learned how to network and find job opportunities without them passing me by. Those are the most valuable tools of the program.

What were your best experiences and memories as a student?

I of course enjoyed the fun stuff like learning about plants and animals but I really enjoyed learning to succeed at school.

As a former PRM student, describe the quality of the education you received.

I think my education at BC3 was excellent and I enjoyed my time there.

Cite examples of how the program prepared you for transfer to another institution and the work force.

The program was designed so that it was easy to transfer to SRU and continue on to a bachelor's degree

What were your best experiences and memories as a student?

I'm an outdoors type of person and my memories of BC3 are from always being in the field and learning hands on. I think you lose that when you attend bigger colleges (at least I did).

As a former PRM student, describe the quality of the education you received.

BC3 was an excellent experience for me and was instrumental in my career plans. I owe a lot to the PRM program and Chris for his enthusiasm for the program and classes. The education I received from BC3 has helped me in my career more than one could imagine.

Cite examples of how the program prepared you for transfer to another institution and the work force.

There are many classes that I use regularly at my job. From Forestry to Visitor Use Services, BC3 prepared me for a career in the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

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What were your best experiences and memories as a student?

My ice and water rescue training taught me to face my fears. These experiences gave me confidence and growth. My best memory, being 8 months pregnant canoeing on Lake Arthur in terrible weather, with Chris Calhoun and my hilarious classmates. Also, the high ropes course trip at SRU. So many great experiences and memories

As a former PRM student, describe the quality of the education you received.

The quality of education I received was amazing and changed my life. As a PRM student, the education I received was very hands on, and took place within a very strong team of classmates.

Cite examples of how the program prepared you for transfer to another institution and the work force.

The program gave me the drive to want to further my education and pursue a career in PRM.

What were your best experiences and memories as a student?

Well Chris Calhoun will always be one of my mentors and friends. He has an ability to make concepts real and has a passion to help students understand them. I will never forget the ice rescue training or swimming in the Slippery Rock Creek in the cold spring water. The Leadership Class helped me in breaking down barriers when leading guest in past and present adventures. The bond that myself and my classmates formed over our time in the department.

As a former PRM student, describe the quality of the education you received.

I received the highest quality education while I was at BC3. The hard skills and critical thinking learned in the PRM program helped me not only in recreational pursuits but in life pursuits. The experiential learning and teaching techniques learned in the PRM program have helped me through the rest of my college career and continue to help me today in staff training sessions.

Cite examples of how the program prepared you for transfer to another institution and the work force.

Leadership. Pursuit of Perfection. Critical Thinking. Dedication to Education. Ability to Adapt. These are areas that Chris and his team stress to students. These are skills that are needed in any profession, recreation related or not.

What were your best experiences and memories as a student?

All of the hands on activities that they offered. The best way to learn is to get out there and do what you are learning about. BC3 does a fantastic job of allowing students to get out in field and see what it like to work in the Parks and Rec. field.

As a former PRM student, describe the quality of the education you received.

The Best! There is no other way to put it.

Cite examples of how the program prepared you for transfer to another institution and the work force.

Much of what you will learn at BC3 you will see again when you transfer. I noticed that I had a "leg-up" on most of the students that did not go through BC3.

What were your best experiences and memories as a student?

My best experiences and memories as a student are too numerous to mention in this short section. Canoeing the Allegheny River(even when the canoe ends up wrong side up), Swiftwater Rescue training on the Slippery Rock Creek, Backpacking at Minister Creek and Oil Creek State Park, PA Wilds Land Firefighting training and many recreational leadership experiences are just to name a few!

As a former PRM student, describe the quality of the education you received.

The quality of education I received in the PRM program was excellent. As a hands-on learner I was afforded many opportunities that many other educational institutions do not offer for hands-on learning.

Cite examples of how the program prepared you for transfer to another institution and the work force.

The background information valuable skills I received in courses like micro computing, forestry, recreation leadership, water rescue and emergency response, wildlife management, environmental biology, park and recreation administration, other courses and the numerous certificates I achieved including Projects WET, WILD and Learning Tree have all helped to prepare for my current career in recreation program coordinating and my further career pursuits and were a helpful basis for more advanced courses in my bachelor degree program at Slippery Rock University.

What were your best experiences and memories as a student?

My favorite class was Canoeing! I loved every minute of it!

What were your best experiences and memories as a student?

I really enjoyed getting out in the field on our backpacking trip and the white water rescue class.

As a former PRM student, describe the quality of the education you received.

This program was top notch when I attended BC3. I really enjoyed all the Search and Rescue (SAR) training Chris put on. He really helped prepare me for my career as a National Park Service Law Enforcement Ranger.

Cite examples of how the program prepared you for transfer to another institution and the work force.

I currently work for Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Here, I work in the busiest district, where I am constantly called to assist and manage Search and Rescues. These rescues range from swift water to long carry outs from the mountains. I also worked at Yosemite National Park where I honed my Search and Rescue skills. Chris really got me kick started and interested in Search and Rescue.

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What were your best experiences and memories as a student?

So many great times. Overnight trips, SAR scenarios, and opportunities to grow as a leader all rank up there. The whole program was such great exposure to real-world material that I have used many times. Swift-water rescue and advance line systems training really sticks with me.

As a former PRM student, describe the quality of the education you received.

I attended four colleges in my quest for knowledge, BC3 and the PRM program was by far the most exciting and informational. Those great hands-on activities and learning experiences will stick with me forever.

Cite examples of how the program prepared you for transfer to another institution and the work force.

Going on to SRU to earn a Bachelors, many of my credits transferred, if not all from BC3. It was great to have the hands on back ground that many of the 'traditional' four year students lacked.

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What were your best experiences and memories as a student?

I have to admit it was the fun stuff- wildfire training, water rescue, and other field experiences. Additionally, I believe Chris Calhoun serves as an excellent role model, particularly for students just out of high school.

As a former PRM student, describe the quality of the education you received.

Top notch! Although I went on for a 4 year degree in Environmental Education at Slippery Rock University, BC3 provided the strong and broad foundation needed to immediately enter into the work force. Throughout my career, the broad skills and knowledge I obtained at BC3 are what I reflect on most and provided the strong resume needed for this field. No question about it, the Parks and Recreation Management program at BC3 is, in my opinion, the best of the best.

Cite examples of how the program prepared you for transfer to another institution and the work force.

In terms of the work force, the broad training and skills gained at BC3 are very impressive to potential employers and has continued to be an asset for me. Additionally, the training is very concrete and practical and allows new graduates to hit the ground running entering the work force. In terms of transfer to another institution, I felt I was light years ahead of others at SRU when I went into their EE program. Again I credit this to the very practical skills learned at BC3 (i.e. lesson plans, presentation skills, field knowledge in areas of biology, forestry, interpretation, etc.). Plus the broad training in a variety of disciplines provides a much better perspective and broader thinking that is critical as you narrow your focus in a particular area.

What were your best experiences and memories as a student?

Where do I begin? PRM pushed me outside my comfort zones and helped me in every aspect of my life. The lessons learned through the PRM program can be applied universally through many other facets of whatever it is one decide to do.

The most valuable lessons and experiences learned were those of group dynamics, leadership, and the value of preparation. Having the ability to identify when action needs to be taken in a group, knowing how to read the group and lead accordingly and ALWAYS being prepared has helped me run my many ventures with great success!

As far as specific favorite activities and experiences. I would have to say the highlights were the Westminster Highlands Rope/Obstacle Course, the white water, ice rescue and line systems workshops and the wildlife management field trips to Pymatuning, Lake Arthur and West Sunbury.

As a former PRM student, describe the quality of the education you received.

I think the curriculum, standards; hands on experience and staff competency are unparalleled. This is a top notch program and a true asset to BCCC. In my opinion, it's the best program they offer.

Cite examples of how the program prepared you for transfer to another institution and the work force.

The program gave the confidence I had not had until that point. I chose to work at the YMCA during my years in the PRM program as a way to practice and apply what I was learning. One of the more important things I came to learn and value was the attention that needs paid towards liability. As I've stated earlier in this survey, there are several skills that have been immensely useful in school and business.

A specific example would be my tenure with the Pittsburgh Piranhas 18+ Women's Hockey Team. The lessons I learned at BCCC and the YMCA enabled me take a group of 21 adult women, with minimal experience, and turn them into a championship team. The key factor was learning and realizing how a group of women interact with each other. It's quite different then a group of men. The biggest part of coaching women was overcoming apprehension and fear and making them feel valued. Many "ice breaker" games from the Project Wild handbook came into play here. Once everyone gained a certain comfort level, they were able to concentrate on the skills, tasks and game plans on hand without having to worry about what someone else thought of them. In just 2 years we won our first championship! 6 Years later, this team has turned into a competitive USA Hockey sanctioned team that competing in tournaments and games all over the US & Canada. The team is bursting at the seams now with talent, publicity and a hunger to play. Without my background from BCCC in recreational leadership and team building, I would never have attempted something like this.

My 2nd example of how BCCC has helped me and is still helping me is for some plans I am in the midst of now. My wife and I rode the Great Allegheny Passage and the C&O Canal the whole way from Pittsburgh to Washington DC this past spring. In a word... AMAZING!! I've been out of the PRM field for nearly 10 years, but this ride got the juices flowing again to get back to my PRM roots. I just love facilitating, organizing, planning and implementing activities for people. We are currently looking to plan a multi-use facility along one of these trails. The idea is to start a combo B&B, Bike shop, Rental, Shipping Center, Camping, Shuttle Service and Environmental Education Center in one of the trail towns along the way. For this plan, the Recreation Resource Development class I took has really opened my eyes to how people thing, act & plan their activities. It's taught me to be aware of extraneous factors that the normal Joe may not notice or acknowledge. The towns we are looking at are Rockwood PA, Hancock MD, and Harpers Ferry WV. I've still got some work to do on the plan but I know it will be a success.

In addition to that, I have considered teaching some Lifelong Learning classes at BCCC dealing with Bicycle Camping, Rural Bicycle Maintenance, First Aid Preparedness & Awareness and Overall Trip planning.

What were your best experiences and memories as a student?

My best experiences were the hands on training and skills I received. The best memories were my entire experience as a PRM student.

As a former PRM student, describe the quality of the education you received.

The education I received here was like no other. The instructors were very good. I would recommend this curriculum to anyone interested in the parks field. I would rate my educational experience here at BC3 a 10 out of 10.

Cite examples of how the program prepared you for transfer to another institution and the work force.

Many hands on skills and certifications that I received were very useful as many of them can easily be obtained in class. Also many classes and group challenges prepared me better for the real world.

What were your best experiences and memories as a student?

Every minute of every day..I love learning and Chris Calhoun is the man to do it with, knew when to have fun and when to be stern. Will cherish my memories there forever and always.

As a former PRM student, describe the quality of the education you received.

Beyond any other training or schooling I have ever received including undergraduate.

Cite examples of how the program prepared you for transfer to another institution and the work force.

I was actually over prepared to walk into a University at a sophomore level; it was difficult taking steps backwards with how prepared Chris had made us all.

What were your best experiences and memories as a student?

I remember the cold water during our water rescue classes the most. It was a lot of fun

As a former PRM student, describe the quality of the education you received.

I would have to say that BC3 has the highest quality of education in the PRM department.

Cite examples of how the program prepared you for transfer to another institution and the work force.

BC3 did nothing to prepare me for another institution…in fact they spoiled me with their small classes and frequent hands on training. However, for the workforce BC3 helped a lot. I was better prepared to interact with the public and the training increased my situational awareness and helped prevent multiple accidents in the field.

What were your best experiences and memories as a student?

The bond with the other BC3 PRM students and the outdoor activities.

As a former PRM student, describe the quality of the education you received.

The quality of education that I received at BC3 was excellent.

Cite examples of how the program prepared you for transfer to another institution and the work force.

The "hands on" training opportunities, like the ice and water rescue training.

What were your best experiences and memories as a student?

Meeting new people with the same interests and hanging out in the student lounge.

As a former PRM student, describe the quality of the education you received.

It was a top notch program for entry level education and aided me in establishing goals for my future.

Cite examples of how the program prepared you for transfer to another institution and the work force.

The program offers a variety of career paths through counselor advice and talking openly with faculty gave me clear direction to choose a career in the outdoor profession

What were your best experiences and memories as a student?

The overnight trip we took was one of the most memorable. We were using the skills we learned in the classroom to plan the trip, and we used them to get down the river. The best part was just sitting around the campfire and being able to spend time with everyone. I also liked the Park Safety training that we did. I did a lot of things in that class that I never thought that I would be able to do, and I would not have ever attempted it if not for the class. I'm happy that I took these classes in my last semester because I got to spend it having the most fun during my time at BC3.

As a former PRM student, describe the quality of the education you received.

I received an excellent education at BC3. I was pushed to try things that I never thought that I would be able to do. I was given feedback on all of my strengths and weaknesses, and I was able to grow into a stronger person. I don't think there could have been a better place for me to get the core of my education.

Cite examples of how the program prepared you for transfer to another institution and the work force.

I was very prepared to enter the workforce. When I went to work for United States Army Corps of Engineers, there were many things I knew. For example, how to put together a quality interpretation program and deliver it well. I also knew how to work on teams, take direction, and knew when to jump in without being asked. These were very important skills to have because they are ones that I used the most often while working.

When I transferred to Northern Arizona University, I was nervous about being so far away from all of my family, and of being in an environment so different from what I was used to. The only thing that I was never worried about was how I would perform in school. I knew that the standards were high for me before and that I would not have any problems in my classes here.

What were your best experiences and memories as a student?

Participating in a controlled burn, swift water rescue, and meeting many great friends

As a former PRM student, describe the quality of the education you received.

Excellent, the mix of classroom and hands-on experience was a confidence builder.

Cite examples of how the program prepared you for transfer to another institution and the work force.

The diverse subject in classes like Forestry and Wildlife Management enhanced my resume'

What were your best experiences and memories as a student?

My best experiences come from the hands-on canoeing and water safety classes as well as the backpacking course. The classes were fun while teaching us valuable skills for the future.

As a former PRM student, describe the quality of the education you received.

The PRM program is excellent. The education received is without question extremely useful in the field.

Cite examples of how the program prepared you for transfer to another institution and the work force.

The PRM program provided knowledge/skills through hands-on practical experiences. These skills enabled me to begin working while continuing my education at SRU.

What were your best experiences and memories as a student?

Wildland Firefighting, Leadership and hands-on outdoor experiences. Many professional and personal friendships were built through my experience. Today, many of my PRM colleagues are my professional associates.

As a former PRM student, describe the quality of the education you received.

The educational experience and quality of the PRM course offered at BC3 would rival any PRM four year program. I'd bet my career on it!

Cite examples of how the program prepared you for transfer to another institution and the work force.

The hands-on experience has built a base for developing proper resource management methods.

What were your best experiences and memories as a student?

After the first day of classes you realize that your fellow classmates will become lifelong friends. Because of the high intense and stressful situations the bond and Camaraderie you form is permanent.

As a former PRM student, describe the quality of the education you received.

The education I received was outstanding. Not only are the instructors extremely knowledgeable, they will make sure you end up where you want to be.

Cite examples of how the program prepared you for transfer to another institution and the work force.

The program hit on every aspect of the field that is important and when you get another university or an agency you already have experience in most all fields. That is what gives you the confidence and heads up organizations and universities look for.

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