SEMESTER FOR Outdoor Educa<strong>to</strong>rs THERE’S ONLY SO MUCH YOU CAN LEARN about outdoor education indoors. That’s why we’ve created the <strong>NOLS</strong> Semester for Outdoor Educa<strong>to</strong>rs, a chance for aspiring and practicing professional educa<strong>to</strong>rs and students studying outdoor education <strong>to</strong> get in<strong>to</strong> the wilderness and out of the classroom. This 89-day semester is jam-packed with an entire curriculum dedicated <strong>to</strong> the field of outdoor education. You’ll be with other professionals and students ages 21 and older who want <strong>to</strong> learn outdoor skills and leadership as they further develop their teaching skills. This is y<strong>our</strong> chance <strong>to</strong> translate y<strong>our</strong> theoretical knowledge about outdoor education in<strong>to</strong> reality. The <strong>NOLS</strong> Semester for Outdoor Educa<strong>to</strong>rs means more time teaching and more focus on <strong>to</strong>pics like group management as well as field and in-<strong>to</strong>wn administrative practices. By the end of y<strong>our</strong> semester, you’ll be a competent backcountry expeditioner, the first step <strong>to</strong> being ready <strong>to</strong> work for outdoor educational programs across the country. Winter travel can be daunting, but with the help of y<strong>our</strong> instruc<strong>to</strong>rs it’s a cinch. Wind River Range, Wyoming WINTER After a Level I Avalanche seminar and time spent practicing y<strong>our</strong> telemark turns at a local ski area, you’ll leave from <strong>NOLS</strong>’ Three Peaks Ranch for the winter wonderland of the mountains. Y<strong>our</strong> 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 his<strong>to</strong>ry, desert ecology, and land-use policies. ROCK CLIMBING You’ll practice teaching basic skills such as bouldering, belaying, and knots while honing y<strong>our</strong> proficiency in more advanced <strong>to</strong>pics such as anchor construction, direct aid, and belay escapes. BACKPACKING (fall only) An introduction <strong>to</strong> camping and hiking in the Wind River Range will kick off the Outdoor Educa<strong>to</strong>r Semester in the fall before heading <strong>to</strong> <strong>our</strong> Three Peaks Ranch for y<strong>our</strong> Wilderness First Responder (WFR) c<strong>our</strong>se. CANOE (spring only) This multi-day expedition through Utah’s scenic river canyons will introduce you <strong>to</strong> the fun and excitement of whitewater in a canoe. You’ll learn how <strong>to</strong> 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 <strong>NOLS</strong>, this 80-h<strong>our</strong> section prepares outdoor professionals <strong>to</strong> make make sound first aid and evacuation decisions in remote settings. Fredrik Norrsell Timely feedback and formal evaluations are part of how <strong>NOLS</strong> develops leaders. Dirty Devil Wilderness, Utah Facing page: Instruc<strong>to</strong>r Brad Benter models crack climbing techniques. Escalante Canyon, Colorado CERTIFICATIONS In addition <strong>to</strong> the WFR and Level I Avalanche, you will also earn y<strong>our</strong> 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 educa<strong>to</strong>rs Tuition: $12,655 (spring); $12,905 (fall) Optional College Credit: 4 h<strong>our</strong>s Biology, 2 h<strong>our</strong>s Environmental Ethics, 2 h<strong>our</strong>s Leadership Techniques, 4 h<strong>our</strong>s Skills Practicum, 2 h<strong>our</strong>s Risk Management, 2 h<strong>our</strong>s Outdoor Educa<strong>to</strong>r, 3 h<strong>our</strong>s WFR Dates and Sections: page 105 32 www.nols.edu • (800) 710-<strong>NOLS</strong> • admissions@nols.edu
ROCKY MOUNTAIN Josh Beckner 33