THE LEADER IN WILDERNESS EDUCATION

NOLS Scandinavia
NOLS Yukon
NOLS Alaska

NOLS Pacific
Northwest

NOLS Northeast
NOLS Teton Valley
NOLS Rocky Mountain
Wyss Wilderness Medicine Campus
NOLS Southwest

NOLS Mexico

NOLS Amazon NOLS East Africa

All photos featured in this catalog were submitted by

multi-talented nOls students and instructors. If you’ve
taken or instructed a course, we invite you to submit
your photos. Visit www.nols.edu/photos to learn more.

NOLS Patagonia

1
 NOLS Facts
{p.3–4}

A Letter from
our Executive
Director
{p.5}

Grads Tell
Their Stories
{p.7–14}

Fall Semester
NOLS India Courses
{p.15–40}

Fall Classic
Courses
{p. 41–46}

Fall Prime
Courses
NOLS Australia {p.47–48}

Fall Career
Courses
{p.49–52}
NOLS New Zealand

nOls, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational institution, operates under permit and in partnership with the UsdA Winter/Spring,
Forest service, national Park service, Bureau of land Management, Us Fish and wildlife service, state Summer Courses
organizations, and international land management agencies. see a complete list of our operating areas online
at: www.nols.edu/operatingareas. {p.55–56}

cover Photo: David Anderson. Cochise Stronghold, Arizona.

2
 LEADERSHIP • SKILLS JOIN NOLS ADVENTURE • FUN
– EST. 1965 –

With NOLS you can

TRAVEL the world and
UNPLUG and set forth on
immerse yourself in
new ADVENTURES.
awe-inspiring
WILDERNESS and
diverse CULTURES.

Learn the LEADERSHIP and TECHNICAL SKILLS

necessary to become SELF-RELIANT in remote
wilderness settings.

When you graduate, you will have the experience and

background necessary to LEAD OTHERS comfortably
and responsibly in the backcountry.

Alumni are welcomed into the NOLS

COMMUNITY and return for more
No matter your path, you’ll carry the NOLS
courses, alumni trips, or CAREERS in
DIPLOMA, the recognized certification awarded
to outstanding leaders and outdoors people and outdoor education.
admired by employers, coaches, and teachers.

RESEARCH and
Curriculum
Founded in 1965 by legendary mountaineer Paul Petzoldt, NOLS takes
students of all ages on remote wilderness expeditions and teaches them
JUDGMENT SELF-AWARENESS
technical outdoor skills, leadership, and environmental ethics. NOLS’ & DECISION MAKING Know your strengths and
unrivaled curriculum is informed by nearly 50 years of development and Demonstrate situationally appropriate weaknesses, your leadership
dedicated research in a wide range of topics, including experiential educa- decision making, use your experience to style, and how you influence
tion, risk management practices, and wilderness ecology. develop good judgment. or affect others.

3
 97% of NOLS graduates would
recommend NOLS to a friend

JOIN NOLS. (800) 710-6657 www.nols.edu 

233,000
Staffing, admissions, and curriculum
development all happen at our
CENTRALLY headquarters in Lander, Wyo.,
ADMINISTERED meaning you get the same
high-quality experience wherever
i In 2013,
NOLS had
Locally you take your course. Course
over 19,000
students from
Operated logistics, outfitting, and planning are
49 states done at each location, by staff who
and 45 understand the culture and nuances
countries! of that place.

MISSION NOLS STAFF

The mission of the National Outdoor Leadership
School is to be the leading source and teacher of
wilderness skills and leadership that serve people and
the environment.
NOLS has the most experienced, well-rounded instructional staff in outdoor
education. All instructors take the NOLS instructors course and serve as apprentices
on courses before being certified to teach for NOLS. All NOLS instructors are
certified in wilderness medicine and CPR. They also take advantage of continuing
education, including 50 instructor seminars each year.

Develop sound
The average student-to- JUDGMENT and
instructor ratio is 5:1. This DECISION MAKING,
• People thrive when challenged. provides our students with the situational awareness,
personal instruction they need
• Living in nature teaches responsibility. to be successful. RISK MANAGEMENT,
• Leadership can be learned. injury and illness
prevention and treatment,
• Learning should be fun. rescue techniques, and
LEADERSHIP emergency procedures.
We believe that leadership can be learned. We facilitate the develop-
NOLS Professional Training offers innovative, customized
i NOLS courses for businesses and organizations ranging
from NASA to The Archer School for Girls.
ment of key leadership skills as students progress through the NOLS
leadership curriculum with experience and feedback.

EXPEDITION BEHAVIOR COMMUNICATION COMPETENCE TOLERANCE FOR VISION & ACTION

Be a strong team member by Be a clear communicator, an Possess and use knowledge, ADVERSITY & UNCERTAINTY See the possibility in any situation
keeping yourself and others understanding and invested listener, skills, and technical ability, as Learn to endure–even enjoy–hard work and find creative ways to move
motivated and exercising good and give and receive well as organization and and challenge, and adapt to changes and your team toward it. Have initiative
conflict resolution. feedback well. management. challenges with focus and a sense of humor. and motivate others.

4
 THE POWER OF
OUTDOOR EDUCATION
Growing up, I frequently heard people referred to as
“born leaders.” I generally accepted that until I discovered
nOls. At nOls, we believe leadership is not a trait one is
born with, but a skill that can be learned, and we develop
positive, ethical leaders on our courses so they can go out
TRAcy BAynEs, sTEP
and change the world.
leadership is taught in and by wild spaces. living in
nature teaches responsibility—not only for our waste and
consumption, but also for our actions. nature provides
dAVId AndERsOn
real and immediate feedback on decisions like packing your rain jacket in the bot-
tom of your pack or failing to communicate about a route with your team. nOls
students learn technical and leadership skills alike because they are essential to
success in the backcountry. Graduates carry those skills with them for the rest of
their lives because they are effective and ingrained through repetition and powerful
learning experiences.
Outdoor education teaches students how to thrive in varied and challeng-
ing environments around the world, and we know these skills are transferable to
all environments including the boardroom and classroom. The University of Utah
researched the benefits of wilderness education on nOls graduates and found that,
beyond outdoor and survival skills, graduates gained critical life skills including
effective handling of difficult circumstances, teamwork, leadership, strategic plan-
ning, and effective and inclusive communication.
A number of renowned U.s. business schools, including northwestern
University’s Kellogg Business school, the University of Pennsylvania’s wharton
Business school, and the yale University school of Management, have turned
to nOls to help students tap into the potential each of us has for strong leader-
ship. Over the course of a nOls expedition, students graduate from followers
to increasing levels of leadership. By placing more responsibility on students,
instructors develop leadership largely organically, cemented by daily reflection,
analysis, and classes. By the end of a course, nOls students are in charge of
everything from setting routes to managing group dynamics.
nOls alumni are competent wilderness travelers and leaders, prepared to
take novices into the backcountry or lead a team into a corporate merger. Equipped
with strong leadership skills learned in the great outdoors, our graduates continu-
ally amaze (but don’t surprise) me with all they accomplish in making the world a
better place.

John Gans,
NOLS Executive Director

cAss cOlMAn
5
BRAd cHRIsTEnsEn
Earn Your Diploma Between High School and College
NOLS is a school, not a travel company, and we are a school particularly well
equipped to prepare you for success in college.
At NOLS, you’ll earn the diploma that leads to a successful college career.
Your NOLS diploma is proof that you have mastered the leadership skills all
NOLS students learn, the wilderness medicine curriculum they become famil-
iar with, the risk management skills that become second nature, the cultural
insights they gain, and so much more. The NOLS diploma is a certification
colleges and employers value.
It is for this reason that NOLS has been sought out by college scholar-
ship programs like the University of North Carolina’s Morehead-Cain Schol-
arship Program, the University of Notre Dame’s Hesburgh-Yusko Scholar-
ship Program, the TEAK Fellowship, and Summer Search Scholars Program.
“A NOLS course provides an excellent transition from high school to
university because it is a generous gift of time and adventure to reflect on
where you have been, who you are, and who you would like to become,”
said Morehead-Cain Executive Director Chuck Lovelace. “Its challenges
require personal growth, especially in teamwork and other interpersonal
JOIN NOLS. (800) 710-6657 www.nols.edu
skills. It requires students to disconnect from their digital world
for an extended period, providing space for them to come to
know and appreciate our natural world.”
NOLS meets the expectations of Morehead-Cain and many
students, parents, and scholarship programs through our continual
and passionate pursuit of excellence. Partnering with the University
of Utah, we continuously research our curriculum to ensure we
provide the best outdoor leadership education possible. We publish
books regularly, establishing a library of 16 books on a variety of
outdoor recreation, leadership, and education topics.
The standing NOLS holds among colleges and universi-
ties across the U.S. as an outstanding educational institution is
evidenced by every NOLS course being approved for academic
credit and by the hundreds of colleges that accept credit earned
on NOLS courses. A NOLS graduate did not go on vacation; he
or she earned a powerful and widely recognized diploma.
6
 Expedition Denali
last June, a team of nine African American mountaineers, including Erica
wynn, made history through an attempt to summit the highest peak in north
America—denali. The peak was a goal, but it was never the priority for these
role models, and their efforts to inspire youth of color to get outside, get active
Expedition Denali team
and chase denali-sized dreams have already had a profound impact. The expe- members at their campsite
dition designed, developed, and led by nOls is inspiring a generation of youth on Denali. HUdsOn HEnRy
to reach their own great heights in the backcountry. Erica took an Alaska Back-
packing course and a Patagonia Mountaineering course as part of her prepara-
tion for Expedition denali.

NOLS teaches the importance and the skills of

“staying found.” HUdsOn HEnRy

Expedition Denali set out to be the first African

American team to summit Denali. Erica is shown
on the bottom left. HUdsOn HEnRy

JOIN NOLS. (800) 710-6657 www.nols.edu

NOLS Alaska boasts sights and challenges

7 found nowhere else on earth. IsTOcKPHOTO
Worth Thousands of Words
ERICA WYNN / Alaska Backpacking ’12, Patagonia Mountaineering ’13, Expedition Denali ‘13

Of all the photos I have collected from my NOLS
courses, one of my favorites is a snapshot of a view I had
from an Anchorage-bound plane. The photo captured
snow-covered peaks jutting through the clouds below
me, and I remember thinking, “there’s no turning back
now.” I was en route to NOLS Alaska. As a New York
City native, this expedition would be my first-ever
camping trip. Little did I know the breathtaking photo
I had just taken wouldn’t even touch the awe-inspiring
landscapes I would explore in the weeks and years
to follow.
Living in the mountains provided me with
experiences that resonate so deeply I don’t need
photos to relive them. I can easily recall how tiring yet
empowering it felt to carry more than a third of my
bodyweight while trudging through rain and sunshine,
mud and snow. The river crossings, topography maps,
backcountry baking, and tent story-time need no photos
because I left Alaska with a set of skills that I could have learned
no other way. I discovered my body’s physical capabilities, I
survived with minimal possessions, I endured ruthless weather,
I navigated with compass and map, I trusted my team, and I
saw scenery more awe-inspiring than any city skyscraper.
How could I possibly know that I was in for such a ride
while sitting on that plane? I certainly had no idea that this trip Living in the
was the beginning of an ongoing relationship I would develop mountains
with wilderness. Six months later, I found myself climbing in provided me
Patagonia to prepare for Expedition Denali. But even if all of with experiences
the opportunities that followed had never happened, I still that resonate so
would have walked away from my NOLS Alaska Backpacking deeply I don’t
course with an awesome photo album, a profound introduction need photos to
to the outdoors, and most importantly a stronger sense of self. relive them.
Erica is investigating ways to combine her psychology major
at American University with her outdoor experiences, applying
for internships at wellness centers that offer mind-body therapies,
counseling, and psychotherapy.

0
Lightning in the Backcountry HIGH RISK 0 1 2 3 AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE

1
1 1
3
2
3

Expedition Denali had the summit of Denali in sight but had to turn back due to an incoming lightning storm.
1 When you’re exploring the backcountry and realize a storm is approaching, steer clear of peaks, ridges, open
fields, relatively tall trees, and bodies of water. Seek shelter in gullies, ravines, or relatively low forested areas.
Learn more in our book, “NOLS Lightning,” available at the NOLS Online Store and preferred retailers in May.

8
 ‘To live the dream I stepped
out of the box’
DAVID GULDEN / Semester in Kenya ‘91

I first visited Kenya with my father at age 15. For years, Kenya
was a place I kept finding my way back to.
I graduated from high school with no intention of
attending college. So I took a gap year, which included my
NOLS Semester in Kenya. Of course, my time with NOLS
only fueled my love affair with Kenya; for years I kept returning
for safaris, even though I returned to the States after my course
Over a
with new confidence and the desire to attend university.
lifetime of
Upon my graduation from Roanoke College, I started a
education, none
career in the financial industry. Little did I know at that moment
has been more
in my life that I would eventually return to Kenya to live, raise
valuable than
a family, and publish a wildlife photography monograph.
my Semester in
One day, I took a gamble and left the financial industry
Kenya with NOLS.
to move to the land of my dreams since age 15. In 2012, I
published “The Centre Cannot Hold.” This book of intimate
wildlife photographs documents the incredible creatures and
the declining habitat I first came to know on both personal and
academic levels at the age of 19 with NOLS. There’s beauty
in East Africa’s wildlife, but it’s a stark and often harsh beauty.
There’s no glory, only survival. As I recently told CNN, I try
to make my photos a bit gritty, a bit raw. I don’t wish to over-
dramatize my subjects, and I wish to avoid sentimentality.
Over a lifetime of education, none has been more valuable
to me than my Semester in Kenya with NOLS. I now split my
time between Kenya and New York, photographing some of
the world’s rarest and most iconic wildlife to tell a story to the
world. To live the dream I stepped out of the box.
David Gulden is a native New Yorker who has made Kenya his
home and the focus of his photography. He fastidiously photographs
wildlife across the country. His work can be seen in his book and
online at www.davidgulden.com.

Building a Wilderness Ethic Students graduate with an understanding of their impact on places like those they called home during their courses.
They re-enter the front country as positive leaders with a strong environmental ethic.

We believe we owe it to our world to teach our students wilderness skills and a Our classrooms inspire awe and RAISE AWARENESS of their IMPORTANCE
wilderness ethic that will help all of our graduates to be WISE STEWARDS of and VULNERABILITY, particularly in the face of our increasingly urban, connected,
our PUBLIC LANDS and WATERS. screened world.
9
A semester in East Africa allows you to get to know Tanzania on a
deeper level. THEA sITTlER

Education on your course will

come from experienced local
instructors. JAMIE O’dOnnEll
Fall Semester in East Africa
This action-packed semester takes you off the
tourist track to explore the wonders of Tanzania,
developing leadership and outdoor skills,
learning of new cultures, and pushing yourself.
Go from the high peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro to
the valleys of ngorongoro crater. learn more
on page 28.
NOLS courses in East
Africa have a strong cultural
component. MEAGAn BInKlEy

See all the different terrain types of You’ll find unrivaled wildlife
Tanzania. JAMIE O’dOnnEll viewing opportunities in East
Africa. MIcHAEl scHMERTzlER

JOIN NOLS. (800) 710-6657 www.nols.edu

10
 In addition to the NOLS core curriculum,
you will learn outdoor skills specific to the
region. ABE GOOdAlE

JOIN NOLS. (800) 710-6657 www.nols.edu

Elsa did as much learning here as she

did in the classroom, probably more.
ElsA GUEnTHER

Learn to thrive in challenging

environments. FREdRIK nORRsEll

A NOLS semester is not a vacation; class is held

every day. RAcHEl cURTIs

Fall Semester in New Zealand

Get to know the south Island’s natural history, as well as its human history on foot. spend time
with the local Maori. whether your semester canoes, sea kayaks, or sails next, you’ll practice
technical skills along new zealand’s coastlines or rivers. And no matter what, you’ll experience
the unpredictable weather of the “Roaring Forties.” learn more on page 32.

11
A Little Stress on the Strings
ELSA GUENTHER / Spring Semester in New Zealand ‘13

I remember the moment I decided to take a NOLS
course: I was a sophomore in college, studying English
and theatre. On a frigid February weeknight, I found
myself writing an essay at 2 a.m. I was tired of essays
and classrooms and my thoughts drifted to my friend
who was in India with NOLS. The essay could wait. I
opened my browser determined to find a NOLS course
for myself. I still have the piece of paper on which I
scribbled “NOLS New Zealand.”
I may not appear the typical NOLS student—a
writer and an actress. However, after explaining the
curriculum to my university, they agreed to grant me
plenty of elective credits and credit for an Honors Lab
Science. Writers and actresses need to experience our
wide world to make the observations and feel the things
that lead to creating art.
I have vivid memories of my days on trail, in
kayaks, and sailing. The lightning storm under a double
rainbow. The blue penguins moaning their way to shore at
night. What we called “bog wrangling.” Hiking through a
gorge in rushing, chest-deep river water. Tacking in crazy
wind gusts. Seeing nothing but mountains or ocean in every
direction. Realizing the people around me provided 10 times
the valuable entertainment a TV ever could. The most
It’s undeniable that the most valuable thing I have taken valuable thing I
from NOLS is belief in myself. NOLS has hugely helped me have taken from
prepare for my life as a writer and actress and friend or whatever NOLS is belief
I am, not because I can pitch a tent in a storm or poop in the in myself.
woods, but because I know I am capable of those things and so
much more. As my kayaking instructor told me, “you have to
put a little stress on the strings to create a great harmony.”
Elsa is graduating from DePaul University and is pursuing
career paths in writing, theatre, and teaching yoga.

Keeping an Expedition Journal

"When you open the journal to write, bring whatever self you are at the moment to the page, as purely
as possible. Listen, wait, keep reaching for clarity. Excise the meaningless and habitual. Keep
watching." –Hannah Hinchman, A Life In Hand

Journaling is regular writing, in any format. Some people write reflective commentary; others
write structured entries. Whatever your journal looks like, it can facilitate REFLECTION,
support understanding, develop CRITICAL THINKING, and increase involvement in
LEARNING. NOLS encourages journaling throughout your course to help you SET GOALS,
learn along the way, and achieve your aspirations on your course and beyond.

12
 The Power of a NOLS Gap Year
LYDA LANGFORD / Spring Semester in the Rockies ‘13

My NOLS Semester in the Rockies was a highly valuable aspect
of my gap year because it gave me strength and skills that I need
to excel in college and life. One of the things I learned through
my NOLS experience is that any physical challenge is mental and
emotional as well. I have never been an athlete, so the first month
My NOLS spent hiking up to 10 miles a day with a heavy backpack was a
experience shock. At first it seemed almost impossible, but I came out the
made me other side feeling exhilarated and strong. Just knowing that I’ve
a more done the incredibly challenging things required of any student on
desirable and a NOLS semester has given me strength and confidence in myself
interesting to tackle the challenges of college.
student in For example, while carrying the strange and often heavy
the eyes of assortment of accouterments required for my current life as an art
my college. student, I recall carrying water jugs up the beach during the river
section of my NOLS course and feel a surge of confidence.
Furthermore, my course strengthened my relationships with
others. Being part of a cook group has given me an easy way with
roommates. I believe strongly that communication training like
that I experienced at NOLS is a powerful addition to anyone’s
education. I am much better able to communicate with my
teachers and classmates in the college environment than I would
have been otherwise.
Following my gap year, my academic advisor told me he
thought a gap year should be mandatory and that I was far ahead
of other students in maturity and determination. This kind of
feedback makes me feel that my NOLS experience made me a
more desirable and interesting student in the eyes of my college.
Lyda is currently a freshman at Maryland Institute College of
Art, thinking of majoring in fibers, ceramics, or general fine arts.

Leadership Skill: Vision and Action Great leaders create an environment that inspires individuals and groups to
achieve their full potential. The leadership skill of vision and action means:

INITIATE, MOTIVATE, INSPIRE

SEE creative ways to move the group

1 ASSESS what needs to be done and do it 5 forward

ADD energy and a can-do attitude to STAY open and flexible to change
2 projects 6

INVIGORATE individuals and groups to 7 LEAD by example

3 achieve their potential

4 USE teamwork strategies

13
 JOIN NOLS. (800) 710-6657 www.nols.edu

If you can make a

Gain confidence before heading to college.
gourmet meal here,
BEn FOX
you’ll do fine in a dorm
kitchen. KylE dUBA

A NOLS course will prepare you to excel as

a team member. JAMIE O’dOnnEll

Semester in the Rockies

nOls invented the outdoor semester, and this course is where it all
began. A semester in the Rockies will take you on a wild west “tour
de force” while giving you a complete set of skills to lead or teach in the
backcountry. Because the Rockies are a hotspot for outdoor activities,
this semester offers a variety of skill sets, allowing students to choose
the combinations they prefer among backpacking, mountaineering, river
travel, canyons, skiing, rock climbing, wFA/wFR, and more. learn more
about the Fall semester in the Rockies on page 18.

A NOLS Semester in the Rockies is a

chance to design your own adventure.
BEn FOX
JOIN NOLS. (800) 710-6657 www.nols.edu

Location
PHOTOGRAPHER
14
14
 WHAT SETS NOLS GAP YEAR • STUDY ABROAD • CONTINUING ED
SEMESTERS APART

NOLS CLASSROOMS ARE

SOME OF THE WILDEST AND MOST AWE-
INSPIRING LOCATIONS IN THE WORLD.
NOLS operates around the globe, offering
you the chance to develop the outdoor skill
that most appeals to you and discover the
new territory that most excites you. Each
fully staffed facility is a cornerstone of the
students spent a community, ensuring our students come to
semester with NOLS truly understand the people and the
in 2013.
environment of the area.

“Credits in environmental studies, risk management, and various other fields allowed me to not fall
behind in school, and more importantly my NOLS semester gave me a 77-day experience that was
more beneficial than any class I could have taken.”
Wendy Cirko, Semester in New Zealand

15
• •
•

CULTURE
•
• •
• •
• •
•
NOLS values the importance of LEARNING •
• •
The average size of a
•
FROM LOCALS about their history, their •
• • semester course.
•
environment, and their culture. All NOLS •

BUILDING YOUR PERSONAL

• •
•
semesters cover both human and natural •
•
•
•
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•
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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•
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LEADERSHIP SKILLS
•
history and environmental studies specific to •
• •

the region, and some include HOMESTAYS •

•
•
• SCHOLARSHIPS
and SERVICE PROJECTS. • As your course progresses, you will develop •
•
•
individual leadership skills that will help you become • $1.5 million in scholarship assistance is awarded to NOLS
•
• a strong and confident leader. • students each year.
• •
15
the
Semester Tuition •
•
•
Tolerance for Adversity & Uncertainty Adventure
COMPARISON Self CONFIDENCE COLLEGE CREDIT
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
• Awareness scholarships ECOLOGY GROWTH
outdoor classroom
• EXPERIENTIAL
APPLY NOW. (800) 710-6657 www.nols.edu
communication
•
•
•

Vision & Action SUSTAINABILITY

•
•
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ROOM & BOARD

•
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•

LEARN BY DOING
•
$5,231

Judgment and
RELEVANT
•
•
ROOM & BOARD

•
Decision Making
healthy lifestyle PROFESSIONAL
•

RESUMÉ
•
•
$4,602

$700
life-changing LEAVE NO TRACE
•

BUILDING
•
GEAR DEPOSIT •
•

teamwork
CHALLENGE
•
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financial aid
TUITION, FEES, ROOM & BOARD

•
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• COMPETENCE CULTURE

ENVIRONMENTTRAVEL
• MARKETABILITY
certifications
FUN
•
•
•
•
TUITION & FEES

TUITION & FEES

•
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EXPEDITION EXPLORE CAMP
$12,760
$15,047

$11,102

BEHAVIOR STEWARDSHIP
ETHICS
•

skills
•
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FRIENDSHIP

EXPLORATION
•
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CONFLICT
i Ask us about our
•

PRIVATE PUBLIC NOLS

• RESOLUTION scholarship program.
leadership
•
FOUR-YEAR FOUR-YEAR SEMESTER •
•
around
COLLEGE OUT OF STATE IN THE • the
world
TEACHING
•
SEMESTER SEMESTER ROCKIES •
•
•

i Data was acquired through the College Board’s

national average college costs for 2013-14.
•
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Additional
BE IT KNOWN THAT
THE DIPLOMA CERTIFICATIONS
HAVING COMPLETED THE REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION FROM THE

A NOLS diploma is a LEADERSHIP CREDENTIAL that

NATIONAL OUTDOOR LEADERSHIP SCHOOL

WIND RIVER WILDERNESS

Diploma + CPR & First Aid

employers value, an accomplishment that is recognized for
The Leader in
Wilderness Education

+ WFA (Wilderness First Aid)

encompassing tolerance for adversity, vision and action, and
Executive Director Instructor(s)

+ WFR (Wilderness First Responder)

judgment and decision making, in addition to development of + WEMT (Wilderness EMT)
Professional strong outdoor skills. + SWR (Swift Water Rescue)
Your communication, conflict resolution, and self-motiva- + Avy 1 (Level 1 Avalanche)
MARKETABILITY tion skills will SET YOU APART on college and job applica- + LNT Master (Leave No Trace)
When NASA and the U.S. Naval Academy tions and transfer to whatever you may pursue for the rest of *Availability of specific certifications is
train leaders, they send them to NOLS. your life. dependent on course curriculum.
16
 fall

Where the outdoor semester was born

BEn FOX

In 1974, nOls invented the outdoor semester. now each year nearly 800 students spend a
semester at nOls learning new skills, exploring new ideas, and making new friends while
surrounded by wilderness. All nOls semesters are broken into a series of expeditions,
called sections. These sections run from two weeks to a month in length and cover a wide
variety of outdoor skill areas. They are as varied as your desire to learn, which means you’ll
leave your nOls semester with a series of valuable outdoor skills developed in a number
of different environments.
Every nOls course is approved for college credit, and more than 75 percent of our college-
age students take advantage of this option.

17
 Fall Semester in the Rockies
nOls invented the outdoor semester, and this course is where it all began. A semester in the
Rockies will take you on a Wild West “tour de force” while giving you a complete
set of skills to lead or teach in the backcountry. learn to paddle a canoe down a
class-III rapid, make sound first-aid decisions miles from the nearest road, and navigate
through winding slot canyons. carve a telemark turn through the winter wilderness on one
section and jam your hands into cracks while climbing on the next. Because the Rockies are
a hotspot for outdoor activities, this semester offers a variety of skill sets, allowing students
to choose the combinations they prefer among backpacking, mountaineering, river travel,
canyons, skiing, rock climbing, and wFA/wFR.
• 89 days • Optional academic credit: 16–19 hours • Minimum age: 17 • $12,760 with WFA,
BEn FOX $13,580 with WFR

PAscAl BEAUVAIs BEn FOX

BEn FOX

APPLY NOW. (800) 710-6657 www.nols.edu

KEITH cRAwFORd 18
 Semesters

dAVId AndERsOn

19
BEn FOX

APPLY NOW. (800) 710-6657 www.nols.edu

JAMIE O'dOnnEll
BEccA PARKInsOn

cRAIG MUdERlAK

Fall Semester for Outdoor Educators

There’s only so much you can learn about outdoor education indoors. The nOls
semester for Outdoor Educators is a chance for aspiring and practicing pro-
fessional educators and students studying outdoor education to get
into the wilderness and out of the classroom. you’ll be with other profes-
sionals and students who want to learn outdoor skills—such as skiing, canyons,
rock climbing, and backpacking—and leadership as they further develop their
teaching skills. Translate your theoretical knowledge about outdoor education into
reality. certifications include wFR and Recreational Avalanche level 1 certifica-
tion. Eligibility: Qualified practicing or potential outdoor educators.
• 89 days • Optional academic credit: 19 hours • Minimum age: 21 • $14,030

20
20
 Semesters

APPLY NOW. (800) 710-6657 www.nols.edu

EVAn HORn

21
AsHlEy wIsE

JOsIE McKEE

Fall Wilderness Medicine & Rescue Semester

you could be a member of a search and rescue team, leading wilderness
trips, backcountry skiing, assisting with rock rescue, or working on an
urban ambulance. If this is how you want to spend your time, this semester
is for you. The course begins with a demanding, four-week wilderness Emer-
gency Medical Technician (wEMT) course, followed by nine weeks of backpack-
ing, rock climbing, a winter camping expedition, and an avalanche seminar. The
environmental studies curriculum focuses on the impact of environmental health
on human health. certifications earned include EMT, wEMT, rock rescue, level 1
avalanche, cPR instructor, and lnT master.
• 91 days • Optional academic credit: up to 19 hours • Minimum age: 18 • $15,750

GATEs RIcHARds

MARcIO PAEs BARRETO

BRAd cHRIsTEnsEn 22
22
 Semesters

APPLY NOW. (800) 710-6657 www.nols.edu

BEnJAMIn lEsTER

23
 Fall Semester in the Pacific Northwest
In the wilderness of the northwest you’ll explore steep, heavily glaciated mountains, impres-
sive forests of towering evergreens, outstanding rock climbing areas, and miles of wilder-
ness coastline. Throughout, you’ll be experiencing things few other semesters at
NOLS offer, including keelboat sailing in Canada and a coastal hiking section
where you’ll study marine life. you’ll navigate, learn, and practice your skills, returning home
with a solid foundation in wilderness expeditions.
• 80 days • Optional academic credit: 16 hours • Minimum age: 17 • $12,600

PAscAl BEAUVAIs

AlEXIs AllOwAy
BEn FOX

nIcK cROss
24
24
 Semesters

APPLY NOW. (800) 710-6657 www.nols.edu

dAVId AndERsOn

25
 MAdHU cHIKKARAJU

AdAM swIsHER

MATTHEw McARdlE

Fall Semester in the Southwest

This semester will give you an unique glimpse into the living desert. The sections will take
you from the rushing waters of the Rio Grande to the ponderosa pine forests of the Gila
Range. you will find yourself hand-jamming granite cracks, navigating in the vast wilder-
ness, and discovering the desert’s rich human and natural history. Consistent weather
provides ample time toward mastery of all the skills needed for the independent
MAdHU cHIKKARAJU
student expedition that is the grand finale of your course. This semester offers different
combinations of wFA, backpacking, climbing, canoeing, and caving sections.
• 80 days • Optional academic credit: 16 hours • Minimum age: 17 • $12,700

26
 Semesters

APPLY NOW. (800) 710-6657 www.nols.edu

MIcHAEl scHMERTzlER

27
 Fall Semester in East Africa
This action-packed two and a half months includes exploring the wonders of
Tanzania on foot, camping in the bush, developing leadership and outdoor
skills, meeting new people, learning of new cultures, and pushing yourself
physically and emotionally. you will go from the high peaks of Mount Kili-
manjaro to the valleys of ngorongoro crater and Olduvai Gorge. you will see
wildlife you have only ever dreamed of and mingle with Maasai,
Bushmen, Chaga, and Meru people in rural villages.
• 75 days • Optional academic credit: 16 hours • Minimum age: 18 • $19,025

JAMIE O'dOnnEll

MEAGAn BInKlEy

MEAGAn BInKlEy

MEAGAn BInKlEy

JAMIE O'dOnnEll 28
 Semesters

APPLY NOW. (800) 710-6657 www.nols.edu

AlEXIs AllOwAy

29
MAdHU cHIKKARAJU

cAss cOlMAn

Tc RAMMElKAMP

cAss cOlMAn

KEVIn s. EMERy

Fall Semester in India

Touch down in the ancient world of the Himalaya and prepare for a semester
packed with unparalleled language and cultural opportunities in one
of the most breathtaking backcountry classrooms in the world. From our
base in the mountain town of Ranikhet in Uttarakhand, you will travel through the
valleys of the Kumaon and Garhwal, switching between backpacking, rafting, wilder-
ness medicine, and cultural sections. This semester culminates in an independent
student group expedition.
• 80 days • Optional academic credit: 16 hours • Minimum age: 18 • $16,500

30
 Semesters

APPLY NOW. (800) 710-6657 www.nols.edu

FREdRIK nORRsEll

31
RAcHEl cURTIs

Fall Semester in New Zealand

Join us for an exciting educational opportunity in a remarkable country.
you’ll learn about the south Island’s natural history as you travel through its
forests, which contain remnants of Gondwanaland, a prehistoric continent.
Along the way, you’ll spend some time with the local Maori who will
teach you about their culture and connection to the land. Then, whether you
choose to canoe, sea kayak, or sail (more details online), you’ll practice
technical skills along New Zealand’s coastlines or rivers. And no
matter what, you’ll experience the unpredictable weather of this latitude—
the “Roaring Forties.”
• 77 days • Optional academic credit: 16 hours • Minimum age: 18
• $18,110, including New Zealand 15% goods and services tax
FREdRIK nORRsEll

ABE GOOdAlE

lEslIE PAlOTAs
32
32
 Semesters

APPLY NOW. (800) 710-6657 www.nols.edu

cAss cOlMAn

33
 Fall Semester in Baja
Flanked by the Pacific Ocean on the west and the sea of cortez
on the east, the Baja california Peninsula is a land of extremes
and contrasts. you’ll explore the differing environments of
desert and ocean on foot, in a sea kayak, and under sail
while having ample opportunities for cultural and Spanish
language interactions with local students, educators, ranchers,
and fishermen. you will learn the skills you need to visit these eco-
systems and communities comfortably and responsibly in the future.
• 78 days • Optional academic credit: 16 hours • Minimum age: 17
• $13,000
BRAd cHRIsTEnsEn

cAss cOlMAn
BRAd cHRIsTEnsEn

AlIsHA BUBE BRAd cHRIsTEnsEn

34
 Semesters

APPLY NOW. (800) 710-6657 www.nols.edu

dAlIO zIPPIn nETO

35
 MAURIcIO clAUzET

dAlIO zIPPIn nETO

RAcHEl cURTIs

dAlIO zIPPIn nETO

Fall Semester in the Amazon

This is an expedition through the southern part of the Amazon Basin, where you
will experience the diverse forest types and their myriad birds and
mammals, as well as the fascinating culture of the people who live
there. The Amazon region is an incredibly beautiful part of the world but a highly
challenging place to travel through, varying from dry upland forests to the lowland
rain forest closer to the equator. canoeing, hiking, and canopy ascension will allow
you to take it all in on this remote, extended, and demanding tropical expedition.
• 80 days • Optional academic credit: 16 hours • Minimum age: 18 • $15,650

MAURIcIO clAUzET
36
 Semesters

APPLY NOW. (800) 710-6657 www.nols.edu

FREdRIK nORRsEll

37
 Fall Semester in Patagonia
This semester has strong leadership outcomes forged by
adapting to and operating in harsh weather. Teamwork,
communication, and problem solving are critical to the success
of this expedition. you’ll hike in Patagonia’s valleys and moun-
tains and sea kayak in breathtaking archipelagos, stopping to
visit locals along the way. The grand finale is the independent
student expedition you and your peers will earn the privilege of
planning and traveling on your own, putting all your skills to use.
• 80 days • Optional academic credit: 16 hours • Minimum age:
18 • $16,400

BETsy wInsTOn

IGnAcIO GREz

AlEX cHAnG - cORnEll lEAdERsHIP EXPEdITIOn

IGnAcIO GREz
38
 Semesters

APPLY NOW. (800) 710-6657 www.nols.edu

BETsy wInsTOn

39
 Year in Patagonia
At 135 days long, a full academic year, this is the longest outdoor program available anywhere.
This study abroad year packs in outdoor skills, wilderness certifications, and
international culture to create an unparalleled adventure. From mountain travel on
remote peaks to sea kayaking along Patagonia’s archipelagos and rock climbing at the foot
of the Andes, this course provides a comprehensive backcountry immersion. with a strong
focus on spanish language and cultural interaction, the Patagonia year allows you to spend
one section living and working with local poblador families.
• 135 days • Optional academic credit: 27 hours • Minimum age: 18 • $28,000

FREdRIK nORRsEll

FREdRIK nORRsEll

RAInBOw wEInsTOcK

FREdRIK nORRsEll
40
 fall
Extended backcountry expeditions
MAdHU cHIKKARAJU
no organization offers expeditions that are longer or more remote than nOls. Gain lead-
ership skills such as resilience, judgment, self-awareness, peer leadership, and more
that will lead to your success in college, in extra-curricular pursuits, and in your career.
A nOls diploma is the leadership credential employers value, and academic credit is
available on all nOls courses.
Identifying and mitigating risk—skills transferable to all aspects of your life—are
41
important parts of any nOls education. you’ll also gain the confidence of being prepared
to assess and manage an emergency as you develop wilderness medicine skills that are
both essential in the backcountry and invaluable in the frontcountry.
see the world with nOls. develop all these skills and more in some of the most awe-
inspiring locations in the world, and carry them with you for success down the road. no
classroom will rival the world’s most pristine and untrammeled wilderness.
 Legendary mountaineer founded NOLS in 1965, and
SEE THE WORLD
classic courses are the same approximate length and
format as his first courses.

BUILD YOUR EARN HIGH SCHOOL LEARN WILDERNESS EARN YOUR DEVELOP YOUR
RESUMÉ OR COLLEGE CREDIT MEDICINE SKILLS BRAGGING RIGHTS LEADERSHIP SKILLS

JAMIE O'dOnnEll

nIcK cROss

Southwest Lightweight
Backpacking
leave your hiking boots and water bottles at home;
trail shoes and hydration bladders are all the rage
these days. you’ll explore the Southwest for
two weeks in a way you may never have thought
possible: with only 25 pounds on your back.
By weighing all your gear and pulling together a
specialized ration for your expedition, we’ll help
you learn to shave ounces for the lightest possible
load without compromising functionality.
• 14 days • Optional academic credit: 2 hours
APPLY NOW. (800) 710-6657 www.nols.edu • Minimum age: 18 • $3,595
nIcK cROss
42
 Classic

APPLY NOW. (800) 710-6657 www.nols.edu

AlEXIs AllOwAy

43
AMEs BROwn

cRAIG lEnsKE

AlEXIs AllOwAy

Himalaya Backpacking
The Kumaon and Eastern Garhwal regions of the Indian
Himalaya are rugged glacially carved ranges famous for
climbing and trekking. you’ll make your way up high mountain
passes, some reaching 15,000 feet above sea level, and travel through
lush river valleys. you’ll visit teahouses and hike past fields that are
still worked with water buffalo. you’ll accumulate backcountry skills
and learn the core nOls curriculum while experiencing the land and
culture on an intimate level.
• 35 days • Optional academic credit: 6 hours • Minimum age: 18
• $7,200

Himalaya Mountaineering
The remote and spectacular Kumaon region in the state of Uttarakhand
is the setting for this course. In these surroundings, you’ll focus on
topics such as expedition planning, cultural awareness,
high altitude physiology, and mountaineering. Beginning your
trek into the mountains at 5,500 feet, there is potential for camping as
high as 18,000 feet. The breathtaking scenery, variety of terrain and
travel, and tremendous opportunities for cultural interactions make
this a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
• 40 days • Optional academic credit: 8 hours • Minimum age: 18
• $7,850

MAdHU cHIKKARAJU
44
 Classic

APPLY NOW. (800) 710-6657 www.nols.edu

nIcK HAll

45
 Baja Coastal Sailing
A NOLS sailing course will get you well on your way to sailing on your own
and being a competent crew member. you’ll be aboard a unique yawl-rigged open
boat, the drascombe longboat—a light, maneuverable craft perfect for learning sailing
basics, exploring shallow coves, or hauling onto desert beaches. you’ll learn coastal navi-
gation on waters rich with marine life and to read winds and waves with confidence. On
windless days, you’ll practice rowing and towing. The boat will be your home on the water,
and you’ll practice leave no Trace camping on shore.
• 22 days • Optional academic credit: 4 hours • Minimum age: 16 • $4,300
BRAd cHRIsTEnsEn
cAss cOlMAn
Baja Sea Kayaking
Technical skills, incredible scenery, leadership practice, and cultural exchanges. On
this course you’ll navigate the Sea of Cortez, carrying everything you need for your
journey inside the hull of your sea kayak and learning how to maneuver this craft
onto remote beaches and paddle well when wind and waves pick up. Free
diving is a special part of this course, and you’ll often spend afternoons exploring coastal
reefs and their vast array of multi-colored fish. you may even have the opportunity to enjoy
the catch of the day from local fishermen.
• 22 days • Optional academic credit: 4 hours • Minimum age: 16 • $3,725
AlIsHA BUBE
cAss cOlMAn
46
 fall
Designed for students 23 years old and over
BRAd cHRIsTEnsEn
you’re in the prime of your life, and these courses are specifically designed to meet the
needs of adults ages 23 and over. Because nOls does all the planning, you can enjoy an
expedition and bolster your leadership skills without all the work up front.
no nOls course has a maximum age, but prime courses are designed for students over
22. They last two weeks to minimize your time away from work, but, as on every nOls
47
APPLY NOW. (800) 710-6657 www.nols.edu
course you will learn the basic backcountry skills and practice them under the guidance of
the best instructors in the industry. leadership lessons focus on the expedition model of
setting goals and mustering all the resources available to meet them.
After you graduate, go on to use the skills you learned—from taking family and friends
on backcountry outings to demonstrating outstanding leadership in the workplace.
 Wind River Wilderness—Prime
For 14 days, immerse yourself in the spectactular surroundings
of Wyoming’s Wind River Range, a wilderness range renowned for
pristine lakes and rugged mountain beauty. you will take turns being
“leader of the day” and baking gourmet pizzas over a camp stove as you
hike from campsite to campsite developing your outdoor and leadership
skills. This course is horse supported to keep pack weights low.
• 14 days • Optional academic credit: 2 hours • Minimum age: 23 • $3,595

ABE GOOdAlE

JAMIE O’dOnnEll

BRAd cHRIsTEnsEn

SHORTER COURSE LIGHTER PACK WEIGHT GREAT NETWORKING DEVELOP YOUR

OFFERINGS FIT YOUR OPTIONS OPPORTUNITIES LEADERSHIP SKILLS
BUSY SCHEDULE

Prime courses are

designed specifically
for students over the
age of 22 UNPLUG FROM YOUR HECTIC LIFE. PLUG INTO AN EXPEDITION.
48
 fall

Advance your career in outdoor education

RAInBOw wEInsTOcK

Recognizing our role as the “teacher of the teachers,” nOls offered our first course
specifically for outdoor educators more than three decades ago, and the school is the
worldwide leader in this field. choose from a variety of courses for outdoor profes-
sionals based on your interests—the options are wide open.
nOls career courses feature opportunities to teach in front of your peers and
de-brief the experience over the stove. The days are active and the nights are filled with
professional discussions that will send you back to your organization inspired and
brimming with ideas.
As an outdoor educator, your responsibility doesn’t end with content delivery. It’s also
up to you to recognize, prevent, and treat wilderness medicine emergencies. The nOls
wilderness Medicine Institute (wMI) is the leader in wilderness medicine education. Our
goal is to provide the highest quality education and information for the recognition, treat-
ment, and prevention of wilderness emergencies.
The potent combination of field and wMI curriculum will set you up for success in your
outdoor education career.

49
 Rocky Mountain Outdoor Educator with APPLY NOW. (800) 710-6657 www.nols.edu
Rock Climbing
nOls has been inspiring and teaching outdoor educators for
49 years. This course offers two formats, both packed with the
latest techniques on living, traveling, and leading groups in the
backcountry. Granite peaks, rugged terrain, and high
mountain lakes and rivers will teach you what it takes
to lead and educate others in the west’s ranges and beyond.
Eligibility: qualified practicing or potential outdoor educators.
• 23 days • Optional academic credit: up to 7 hours • Minimum
age: 18 • $3,680

JUAn QUEIROlO

dAVId AndERsOn BRAd cHRIsTEnsEn

EARN GRADUATE NETWORK WITH OUTDOOR NOLS SCHOLARSHIPS BUILD YOUR RESUMÉ LEARN THROUGH REALISTIC
LEVEL CREDIT EDUCATION PROFESSIONALS ARE AVAILABLE SCENARIO-BASED EDUCATION

Learn from the best and improve your Professional MARKETABILITY

teaching skills. NOLS can help you BE IT KNOWN THAT

A NOLS diploma is the outdoor certifica-

HAVING COMPLETED THE REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION FROM THE
NATIONAL OUTDOOR LEADERSHIP SCHOOL

develop your confidence leading a

WIND RIVER WILDERNESS

Diploma
The Leader in

tion that employers are looking for.

Wilderness Education

group in the outdoors.

Executive Director Instructor(s)

50
 NOLS Wilderness
Medicine Institute
nOls wilderness Medicine Institute offers the highest quality education and information
in the prevention, recognition, and treatment of wilderness emergencies.

Wilderness EMT (WEMT) Wilderness First Aid (WFA)

This intensive course combines wilderness medicine with urban medical care The wFA introduces trip leaders, camp staff, outdoor enthusiasts, and individuals
practices into a single month-long program that includes clinical rotations in a local working in a remote environment to wilderness medicine principles. you’ll learn how
emergency room. to improvise equipment, deal with challenging environments, and act with confidence.

Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Wilderness First Responder Recertification (WFR-R)

The wFR is geared toward outdoor professionals who lead multi-day to multi- This scenario-based course is designed to help you review and practice evacuation and
week trips. This course provides the tools to make important medical and evacuation decision-making guidelines. It may be used to recertify WAFA, WFR, and WEMT
decisions in remote locations. (wilderness portion only).

Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) Education for Medical Professionals

designed for those traveling or working in remote areas who need a more extensive
training program than a WFA. Emphasis is placed on long-term patient care manage-
ment and specific injury evaluation.
These courses offer a variety of opportunities for healthcare professionals and
medical students to learn practical, hands-on wilderness medicine while earning con-
tinuing education credits. From two days to 30, in the classroom or in the wilderness, we
have a program to meet your needs.
Visit www.nols.edu/wmi/courses for more information, dates, and pricing. • 2–30 days

CONTINUING
COURSE LENGTH CPR INCLUDED ACADEMIC CREDIT
ED. CREDIT

WEMT 30 days (200 hours) 9 hours

WFR 9–10 days (80 hours) 3 hours

WAFA 5 days (40 hours) 2 hours

WFA 2–2.5 days (16-20 hours) Variable 1 hour

WFR-R 3 days (24 hours) 1 hour

51
 Career

APPLY NOW. (800) 710-6657 www.nols.edu

BRAd cHRIsTEnsEn
MIcHAEl TREwARTHA

BRAdly J. BOnER

lEnA cOnlAn
APPLY NOW. (800) 710-6657 www.nols.edu

52
 Semester in
New Zealand
start thinking about your FREdRIK nORRsEll

SPRING SEMESTER

Semester in
Wilderness Medicine
India
& Rescue Semester
MARcElO MAscAREÑO
GATEs RIcHARds

Semester in Semester in
Baja Patagonia
AlIsHA BUBE IGnAcIO GREz

53
 Semester in
the Southwest
RAInBOw wEInsTOcK

APPLY NOW. (800) 710-6657 www.nols.edu

Semester in
Australia
dAVId sUMMERs

Semester for Year in

Outdoor Educators Patagonia
BEn FOX BETsy wInsTOn

Semester on
the Borders
sAM slOsBURG

Semester in
the Rockies with WFA/WFR
BEn FOX
54

AlEX cHAnG - cORnEll lEAdERsHIP EXPEdITIOn
TOny JEwEll
Winter & Spring Courses
NOLS AUSTRALIA
• spring semester in Australia
NOLS INDIA
• Himalaya Backpacking
• Himalaya Mountaineering
• spring semester in India
NOLS MEXICO
• Baja coastal sailing
• Baja sea Kayaking
• Baja sea Kayaking–Prime
• spring semester in Baja
NOLS NEW ZEALAND
• new zealand Backpacking
55
INTERESTED IN COURSES DURING
OTHER SEASONS?
Get online to see all of our courses. Keep
an eye out for the winter/spring 2015
JOIN US.
course catalog in september.
www.nols.edu
.EDU
WWW.NOLS
AlIsHA BUBE
FREdRIK nORRsEll
• spring semester in new zealand NOLS SOUTHWEST
• southwest Outdoor Educator
• NOLS NORTHWEST • spring semester in the southwest
• spring semester on the Borders • spring semester on the Borders
NOLS PATAGONIA NOLS TETON VALLEY
• Patagonia Mountaineering • winter Outdoor Educator
• Patagonia sea Kayaking–Prime • splitboarding
• spring semester in Patagonia • splitboarding–Prime
• Backcountry skiing
NOLS ROCKY MOUNTAIN • Backcountry skiing–Prime
• spring Outdoor Educator semester
• spring semester in the Rockies
• spring wilderness Medicine and
Rescue semester
sTÉPHAnE TERRIER
Summer Courses
NOLS ALASKA
• summer semester in Alaska
• Prince william sound sea Kayaking–Prime
• southwest Alaska sea Kayaking
• Alaska Backpacking and sea Kayaking
• Alaska Outdoor Educator
• Alaska Mountaineering
• Alaska Mountaineering–Prime
• Alaska Backpacking
• Alaska Packrafting
• Brooks Range Backpacking and River
• Brooks Range Backpacking–Prime
NOLS AMAZON
• Amazon Basin River Expedition
NOLS AUSTRALIA
• Australia Backpacking
• Australia Backpacking and sea Kayaking
NOLS EAST AFRICA
• Tanzania wilderness–Prime
NOLS NORTHEAST
• Adirondack Backpacking Adventure
APPLY NOW. (800) 710-6657 www.nols.edu
TRAcy BAynEs, sTEP
• Adirondack Backpacking and canoeing Adventure • Rock climbing
• Rock and River
NOLS PACIFIC NORTHWEST • whitewater River Expedition
• Pacific northwest Trip leader
• Pacific northwest Backpacking NOLS SCANDINAVIA
• Pacific northwest Backpacking Adventure • scandinavia Backpacking and sea Kayaking
• waddington Range Mountaineering • scandinavia Backpacking
• north cascades Mountaineering • scandinavia Backpacking–Prime
• north cascades Mountaineering–Prime
• Pacific northwest Outdoor Educator NOLS TETON VALLEY
• Pacific northwest sea Kayaking and sailing • salmon Backpacking and Rafting
• Pacific northwest Mountaineering and sailing • Idaho Backpacking Adventure (female-only option)
• salmon Backpacking and Rafting Adventure
NOLS ROCKY MOUNTAIN
• summer semester in the Rockies NOLS YUKON
• summer wilderness Medicine and Rescue semester • summer semester in the yukon
• wind River wilderness • yukon Backpacking
• wind River wilderness–Prime • yukon Backpacking and wilderness canoeing
• Absaroka Backpacking • yukon Outdoor Educator
• lightweight Backpacking–Prime
• wyoming Backpacking Adventure NOLS INSTRUCTOR COURSES
• Rocky Mountain Outdoor Educator • nOls Instructor course (Ic)
• wilderness Horsepacking • wilderness Medicine Instructor Training course (ITc)
• wilderness Horsepacking–Prime
• wind River Mountaineering
56
 Philip Branca

ROBERT HAKIM

Matt McArdle

Jeannine M. Klewitz

Tracy Baynes, STEP

Fredrik Norrsell

57
 JOIN NOLS.
SCHOLARSHIPS & FINANCIAL AID AT NOLS
NOLS awards $1.5 million in scholarships annually to applicants who show po-
tential to excel with NOLS and would be unable to attend without financial aid.
Additionally, our partnerships allow you to access your Americorps, 529, or VA
funds. Call us at (800) 710-6657 or learn more at www.nols.edu/financialaid.
NOLS is a win-win for students and parents alike.
TALK TO YOUR CHILD!
1 NOLS IS AN ADVENTURE
“Learn technical skills in some of the most awe-inspiring classrooms in the
world. Rise to the challenge of long days, Mother Nature’s surprises, and
new lessons on working as part of a team every day. Return home prepared
and eager for your next adventure.”
2 DISCOVER YOUR INNER STRENGTH
“You need a lot less than you imagine, and you can thrive in tougher
conditions than you think. You’ll emerge from your NOLS course confident
in your ability and with a new understanding of your calling for your future.”
3 BRAGGING RIGHTS FOR A LIFETIME
“Impress your friends with your expertise and tales from life on the glacier,
and impress your boss with your newfound voice as a leader. Being a NOLS
graduate will set you apart in a crowd or in a pile of resumés.”
4 FIND NEW FRIENDS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD
“NOLS attracts highly motivated students like you from all over the world
and offers cultural interaction in international locations. You will grow and
learn from and with your coursemates, and the bonds will last long after
your course ends.”
5 BREAK AWAY FROM STUFFY CLASSROOMS
“Take a break from the traditional classroom without hitting 'pause' on
learning. NOLS courses are highly educational, experiential learning
opportunities. Continue to earn academic credit while exploring the
world’s most awe-inspiring classrooms.”
CHOOSE YOUR COURSE AND APPLY NOW!
(800) 710-6657 • www.nols.edu
COLLEGE CREDIT A+
Every NOLS course is approved for college credit, and more than 75 percent of our
college-age students take advantage of this option. Hundreds of colleges and uni-
versities accept NOLS/University of Utah credit or grant their own direct credit.
Learn more at www.nols.edu/credit.
CONVINCE YOUR PARENTS!
1 NOLS IS A SCHOOL
“NOLS teaches outdoor skills and will help me develop an active healthy
lifestyle, instilling leadership skills that apply in any environment. Like
most educational institutions, NOLS offers academic credit, financial aid,
and a recognized diploma.”
2 I'LL BECOME A LEADER
“I'll gain leadership skills that I will use in all areas of my life. I may find
the calling for my career is in outdoor education, and nobody will prepare
me better than NOLS.”
3 I'LL BUILD MY RESUMÉ
“This is a unique experience in which I'll gain skills critical for any job.
NOLS is a highly regarded institution, and having NOLS on my resumé or
college application will set me apart.”
4 I'LL BECOME AN ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARD
“NOLS teaches Leave No Trace practices. I'll also gain extensive knowledge
of the flora, fauna, and environmental issues in the region in which I study.
And all this knowledge translates to environmental science credits.”
5 THE NOLS ALUMNI ADVANTAGE
“Being a NOLS alum means that I will be part of a network of more than
233,000 people world-wide. This network can help me secure jobs, find
housing, meet people in a new city, and much more.”
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 National Outdoor Leadership School
284 lincoln street
lander, wyoming 82520-2848
www.nols.edu | admissions@nols.edu
Phone: (800) 710-nOls | Fax: (307) 332-1220

THE LEADER IN WILDERNESS EDUCATION

BEn FOX

Apply Now. (800) 710-6657 www.nols.edu