YHC students visit Nantahala Outdoor Center
Young Harris, GA (10/06/2025) — Some might argue the best lessons in life are learned firsthand. And if that is the case, a group of students from Young Harris College learned a great lesson in safety as they hurled down the Nantahala River in an inflatable raft.
A group of students from a variety of YHC majors traveled to the Nantahala Outdoor Center recently to participate in an experiential site visit where the staff gave real-time instruction on risk management, facilitating rafting and aerial adventure trips, and guiding people safely through the outdoors.
"Visiting the Nantahala Outdoor Center provides students with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and learn from leading professionals in their field," said Thomas Clanton, Assistant Professor of Sport & Recreation Studies. "Experiences like these help our students expand their awareness of the world around them while providing them with new sources of social capital and professional connections."
The Sept. 9 trip allowed students to participate in an immersive site visit through the Nantahala Outdoor Center to learn more about risk management and outfitter/adventure operations in the field of outdoor recreation. This opportunity drew students from multiple classes, including Outdoor Risk Management, Sport & Recreation Risk Management, and Outdoor Pursuits.
"The NOC exemplifies the peak of risk management and whitewater safety," said Dylan Ericksen, a junior majoring in Outdoor Studies. "It serves as an exceptional model of professional conduct to embody in my own professional future opportunities."
Fellow student, Beth Moreland, a senior majoring in Sport & Recreation Studies, agreed: "Honestly, I wasn't sure what to expect, but this ended up being one of the best learning experiences I've had. The rafting was a blast, and the conversations with NOC team were super insightful. Hearing how they think through safety and decision-making on the river gave me a much better understanding of how these skills apply in the real world."
Meeting with NOC Staff, including the NOC Recruiter, who discussed internship, summer, and professional opportunities, the students learned about NOC's operations through presentations from both the Rafting and Aerial Department Managers.
"Opportunities like visiting the Nantahala Outdoor Center afford Young Harris College students with direct and relevant experiences, connecting them to larger professional networks and a practical demonstration of what they are learning in the classroom. This helps them make connections through real-world applications," said Joseph Pate, Professor of Outdoor Studies. "Meaningful learning experiences set the stage for lasting educational events, helping to further contribute to students' growth and transformation.
"And, as a significant regional employer in the tourism and hospitality field, the NOC has provided numerous professional opportunities for YHC students and alumni alike. We are extremely grateful for the ongoing partnership and continual support the NOC provides YHC students."
In addition to meeting with the NOC staff, students rafted down the river with some of the industry's best guides, Pate said. The guides took the opportunity to share about the native flora and fauna of the gorge, river hydrology, and whitewater features, and share about their own professional journeys and the value they find through their work in the outdoor recreation field.
"The rafting guides know how to create a positive learning environment and keep the trip engaging and lively," said Emma Parks, a senior, majoring in Psychology & Environmental Studies. "The honesty and authenticity of the risk management talk made for a truly impactful learning environment to better understand these topics."
Established in 1972, the NOC ranks among the biggest outdoor recreation organizations in the country, offering over 120 land- and river-based itineraries in ten different locales throughout four states in the Southeast.
"This was a very valuable experience getting to speak and ask questions to professionals in the field of outdoor recreation and risk management," said Rhylie Turner, a senior, majoring in Sport & Recreation Studies. "It was also very cool to see how they run and manage the behind-the-scenes operations at the NOC."
About Young Harris College
Young Harris College is a private baccalaureate and master's degree-granting institution located in the beautiful mountains of Northeast Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, Young Harris College educates, inspires, and empowers students through an education that purposefully integrates the liberal arts and professional studies. The College offers 34 majors and 23 minors, ranging from biology or outdoor studies to business administration or kinesiology. Approximately 1,400 students are enrolled in its residential and Early College programs.
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