to our world. - NOLS

SEMESTER FOR
Outdoor Educators
THERE’S ONLY SO MUCH YOU CAN LEARN
about outdoor education indoors. That’s why
we’ve created the NOLS Semester for Outdoor
Educators, a chance for aspiring and practicing
professional educators and students studying
outdoor education to get into the wilderness and
out of the classroom. This 89-day semester is
jam-packed with an entire curriculum dedicated
to the field of outdoor education. You’ll be with
other professionals and students ages 21 and
older who want to learn outdoor skills and leadership
as they further develop their teaching skills.
This is your chance to translate your theoretical
knowledge about outdoor education into reality.
The NOLS Semester for Outdoor Educators
means more time teaching and more focus
on topics like group management as well as
field and in-town administrative practices. By
the end of your semester, you’ll be a competent
backcountry expeditioner, the first step to being
ready to work for outdoor educational programs
across the country.
Winter travel can be daunting, but with the help of your instructors it’s a cinch. Wind River Range, Wyoming
WINTER After a Level I Avalanche seminar and time spent practicing your telemark
turns at a local ski area, you’ll leave from NOLS’ Three Peaks Ranch for the winter
wonderland of the mountains. Your backcountry skiing ability will progress as you learn
practical winter expedition skills like building snow shelters, understanding snow science,
and assessing snow and avalanche conditions.
CANYON Travel through the red rock canyons of southern Utah for a month as you study
and teach natural history, desert ecology, and land-use policies.
ROCK CLIMBING You’ll practice teaching basic skills such as bouldering, belaying, and
knots while honing your proficiency in more advanced topics such as anchor construction,
direct aid, and belay escapes.
BACKPACKING (fall only) An introduction to camping and hiking in the Wind River
Range will kick off the Outdoor Educator Semester in the fall before heading to our Three
Peaks Ranch for your Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course.
CANOE (spring only) This multi-day expedition through Utah’s scenic river canyons will
introduce you to the fun and excitement of whitewater in a canoe. You’ll learn how to read the
water, scout rapids, and execute eddy turns, peel-outs, ferries, and basic rescue techniques.
Craig Muderlak
WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDER (WFR) Presented by the Wilderness Medicine Institute
of NOLS, this 80-hour section prepares outdoor professionals to make make sound
first aid and evacuation decisions in remote settings.
Fredrik Norrsell
Timely feedback and formal evaluations are part of how
NOLS develops leaders. Dirty Devil Wilderness, Utah
Facing page: Instructor Brad Benter models crack
climbing techniques. Escalante Canyon, Colorado
CERTIFICATIONS In addition to the WFR and Level I Avalanche, you will also earn
your Leave No Trace Master certification.
DETAILS SPRING FALL
Age and Length: 21 & Over • Average Age: 24 • Duration: 89 days
Eligibility: Qualified practicing or potential outdoor educators
Tuition: $12,655 (spring); $12,905 (fall)
Optional College Credit: 4 hours Biology, 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Leadership Techniques, 4 hours
Skills Practicum, 2 hours Risk Management, 2 hours Outdoor Educator, 3 hours WFR
Dates and Sections: page 105
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www.nols.edu • (800) 710-NOLS • admissions@nols.edu