The Community Development and Applied Economics (CDAE) program will be launching a new, hands-on course for Fall 2026: CDAE 2990 Community Based Outdoor Education. Designed and taught by Devin Farkas, the course combines experiential learning, youth mentorship, and community engagement to expand access to outdoor education in Burlington.
Farkas, an outdoor educator and curriculum designer, brings a teaching philosophy rooted in experiential learning. His work emphasizes that outdoor education should be both intentional and accessible, using nature as a platform for leadership development, social-emotional learning, and community connection.
“Students in this course learn through direct experience. During their Wednesday lab sessions, they will lead hikes for Burlington’s fourth and fifth graders. Weekly class sessions are dedicated to honing skills, reflecting on the prior week’s experiences, and planning for the next Wednesday session,” says Farkas. “The result is a genuine partnership—students gain relevant, real-world teaching experience, children get meaningful time in nature that supports their growth, and families receive an affordable, enriching after-school option.”
Through a partnership with Burlington School District Expanded Learning, UVM students enrolled in this class will design and lead the Burlington Hikers Afterschool Program, working with 4th and 5th graders from Sustainability Academy, Champlain Elementary, Edmunds Elementary, and C.P. Smith Elementary.
Students in CDAE 2990 will guide youth in exploring Burlington’s parks and Wild Ways trail network while teaching practical skills like navigation, public transportation use via GMT buses, and environmental awareness. Weekly field-based lab sessions will take place across Burlington, immersing students in real-world program facilitation and outdoor leadership.
The course also draws on Farkas’ experience developing college-level outdoor education curricula and leadership training programs. By the end of the semester, students will have built a fully realized outdoor education program model.
“By the end of the course, students will understand how experiential education, outdoor education, and environmental justice can intersect for the benefit of a community,” says Farkas. ” They will develop skills in leadership, lesson planning, facilitation, outdoor & nature-based instruction, outdoor group management & outdoor risk management. Assessment in the course will be relevant and directly applicable. Students will receive timely feedback on their skills development, with clear, actionable feedback for improvement in their practice as outdoor educators.”
The Chair of the Department of CDAE, Dr. Jason Konefal, notes that the CDAE department has always been committed to learning that strengthens communities and that this new course embodies that mission perfectly.
“Community Based Outdoor Education gives our students hands‑on experience in program design and youth mentorship and helps expand access to meaningful outdoor learning for young people across Burlington,” says Dr. Konefal. “We’re thrilled to support Devin Farkas’ innovative, equity‑centered approach and to partner with Burlington School District Expanded Learning in creating opportunities that connect UVM students, local youth, and the natural spaces that make our community so special.”
Students interested in learning how the class can apply to their degree should connect with a CDAE professional advisor.
Course Details:
- Course Title: Community Based Outdoor Education (CDAE 2990)
- Credits: 4
- Instructor: Devin Farkas (He/Him)
- Email: Devin.Farkas@uvm.edu
- Schedule: Mondays & Wednesdays, 8:00–9:15 AM (Room TBD)
- Lab: Wednesdays, 2:00–5:00 PM (Field sites across Burlington)
- Term: Fall 2026
For more information, please contact Devin Farkas at Devin.Farkas@uvm.edu.