by Prof. Raoul Leuschke
Published 3 years ago
Updated 2 years ago
10 min read
What is a NOLS course like?
A NOLS course is an immersive expedition where you will spend time exploring remote, wild places with a tight-knit community of students and instructors. No experience is required, but by the end you'll have the skills and experiences to be a leader.
What does NOLS teach?
NOLS teaches risk management by applying leadership and wilderness skills and facilitating experiences to develop judgment. Students will be able to: Identify and assess hazards and understand risks in the wilderness. Use technical skills, leadership, judgment, and situational awareness to manage risks.
What is a NOLS semester?
A NOLS diploma represents your cumulative course accomplishments to universities, employers, and others. Some expeditions offer additional industry-recognized certifications and certificates of completion: Certifications.
Which is better NOLS or Outward Bound?
Outward Bound is a better place to go for a group cry." The difference between outdoor education's two biggest schools is philosophical. While Outward Bound leans more toward emotional development of its students, NOLS emphasizes technical prowess.Jun 10, 1996
How can I teach NOLS?
To become a NOLS field instructor, your first step is to complete a NOLS Instructor Course. The Instructor Course is expedition-based training focused on preparing you to teach NOLS' expedition core curriculum: leadership, risk management, outdoor skills, and environmental studies.
How do you get a NOLS scholarship?
NOLS accepts and reviews scholarship applications on a rolling basis. We recommend applying for financial aid early, as our scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. We currently have funds to support courses beginning Spring 2023 and beyond.
Do you need experience for NOLS?
Most of our courses do not require any prior experience. However, we do suggest a level of physical fitness based on the anticipated demands of the course. For more info, check our fitness guidelines. When will I be able to contact my family on a course?
How old do you have to be for NOLS?
NOLS Adult Expeditions are immersive 1- to 2-week wilderness experiences designed exclusively for adults 23 and over.
Can I use GI Bill for NOLS?
The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) is one of the top programs in the world for receiving an outdoor education. They offer courses here that are eligible for GI Bill benefits.Nov 3, 2019
How many Outward Bound schools are there in the world?
Outward Bound operates more than 35 schools in various countries and reports serving over 250,000 students each year.
With the Leader in Wilderness Education
All NOLS courses, from immersive wilderness expeditions to classroom-based wilderness medicine courses, are designed around learning by experience, mentorship from expert educators, and wilderness. Students finish their courses inspired and empowered to act as leaders in their community.
Committed to Community and Wilderness
NOLS’ mission is to be the leading source and teacher of wilderness skills and leadership that serve people and the environment. Our community—staff, students, trustees, and alumni—shares a commitment to wilderness, education, leadership, safety, community, and excellence.
Why I Trusted a NOLS Course during COVID
When I say 2020, what comes to mind? Pandemic, quarantine, fear, loneliness, job loss, online overload. It was February 2020 when I began my journey with NOLS, and I’m so glad that I did.
Stepping Into Action: First Aid On The Appalachian Trail
NOLS grad Kimberly Blazzard unexpectedly put her wilderness medicine skills into practice on a solo trip on the Appalachian Trail.
Training for Your Team
Your team needs confidence, resilience, and leadership to accomplish their goals. Build your team’s capacity and potential through proven experiential learning. Learn more about NOLS custom expeditions.
Risk Management
Risk management planning is valuable for anyone who ventures off the beaten path. Whether you take your family hiking or run an established program, choosing to invest in risk management planning is choosing responsible leadership.
Do NOLS courses have college credit?
Most NOLS courses offer college credit for students. All NOLS students get thoughtful evaluations and grades at the conclusion of the course. And if you’re past student age, put it on your resume. It’s an interesting outlet to talk about your passion for the outdoors, leadership skills, and work ethic.
Is backpacking good for you?
Yes, backpacking is a cool way to see amazing views and get in shape. But the main reason I’m so passionate about it is because, unlike anything else I’ve ever seen, it strips away the BS. What does that mean? Throw a bunch of strangers together at, say, a nice restaurant in an urban center and tell them to get to know each other. People will small talk about their jobs, where they’re from, and maybe a little bit about their love lives. You’ll leave the restaurant and likely forget about everyone you met after a few hours. Throw a bunch of strangers together and make them trek through the wilderness? You will get to know those people—their innermost fears, desires, and dreams—better than you might know your close friends back home. You’ll know their vulnerabilities and their strengths. It’s incredible how quickly people's guards are forced to come down when you’re out in the field.