I got a catalog and was looking for a good “adventure” next summer/spring…
anybody got any info?
thanks
I’ve done about 5 of them. I was going to be an instructor, but hurt my knee and had to bow out. (There’s nothing like hyperextending with a 90 pound pack to kill a trip.)
They are very goal directed. They teach you to camp, climb, kayak, whatever without the touchy feely stuff that some other schools do. They’re very much into the Leave No Trace ethic. They don’t coddle you. Expect to carry heavy packs, if you’re camping or mountaineering. If you’re kayaking, expect to be out there in all weather. But expect to be taught by people who are very knowledgeable and who love what they’re doing and believe in what they’re teaching.
I learned a TON from my trips. I LOVED doing them. If I had the time, I’d do another NOLS trip.
I don’t have time for a 30 day course - is a 14 day course still a good deal - seems a bit pricey, but I really want to learn legitimate, real world, hands on skills…
Don’t want to be yelled at but still can handle some stern instruction…
Man, maybe I sound cheap but that price seems kinda steep…
PS - got any suggestions on WHICH trip (location wise)??? I was thinking of camping/hiking…
I’m in your boat- want to take one of the wilderness med courses in approx 3 yrs.
IRONLOBO said he did several- maybe PM him?
I did a 14 day course some time ago and highly recommend them. Intent is to impart both outdoor leadership skills and technical knowledge. No yelling/screaming involved. They do this by taking you out and teaching as you go. Leadership training is hands on. You get to lead a smaller group once certain skills are taught and are then evaluated on your performance. It can be a humbling experience depending on the group dynamic at work when you are leading.
I’ve read the NOLS books - it looks like an outstanding program. I am in the process of picking out a summer Outward Bound course for my (will then be) 14 year old daughter - but after reading your post I think I will also look into NOLS as well.
Hands down, the best experience of my life. I value my NOLS “diploma” much more highly than either my high school or even college diploma, simply because of the confidence it gave me in myself at that stage in my life. The instructors will not yell at you, but it’s not like an Outward Bound course or some of the other “touchy-feely” type courses. The instructors will teach you the NOLS way, which is definetly the best way, and then expect you to do it that way. You wont be coddled, but at the same time, they aren’t harsh, just very matter of fact. Further, the instructors are phenomenal. This is compared to an Outward Bound type teaching where you are encouraged to find which way “works best for you”. I did the Alaska Wilderness travel in the Talkeetnas, which was amazing. No trails, no specific plan, other than the fact we had a set rendezvous point each week at a lake to meet the bush pilot for supplies. Other than that, the routes were up in the air based on the group dynamic, where people wanted to go, and what the instructors thought was best. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.
What are the prices for the shorter trips?? As a person with a job and limited time off, are the shorter trips even worth the time??