Heather Scureman

Position at NOLS: Development Officer
NOLS Course: Fall Semester in the Rockies, 1997
Wilderness Medicine Certification: Wilderness First Responder
Instructor Since: 1999

It’s fairly safe to say that a large majority of NOLS employees have lived a “Kerouac-ian” period within their lifetime. For Heather Scureman, who grew up bouncing from military base to military base, a transient lifestyle seems all too normal. On family camping trips during her childhood, Heather found comfort in the familiarity of the outdoors where her passion lies to this day.

Heather’s first experience with NOLS came in 1995 while pursuing an Outdoor Adventure Education degree at Northland College. During a presentation given by a NOLS Field Instructor, her interest in the organization peaked. Less than two years later, she found herself on a 95-day Fall Semester in the Rockies. “I fell in love with NOLS,” recalls Heather. “My instructors and the branch staff were so professional, so friendly and so knowledgeable.”

It wasn’t long before Heather realized she’d discovered something she was truly passionate about. “I knew I wanted to be a NOLS Instructor after my semester course,” says Heather. “So I ended up moving to Lander and accepted a position as a Rations Assistant at NOLS Rocky Mountain.” For nearly two years she honed her course preparation skills and experienced first-hand, all that goes into running a successful course.

In September 1999, while on a Rocky Mountain Instructor Course, Heather found herself in a setting where her passion to teach flourished. “I love education but haven’t ever liked the typical classroom,” she comments. “I love the fact that everything you do has consequences out there. You have to be on top of your game or you or someone else will feel it. Everything is real and you cannot get away from that nor plan ahead. Even as instructors, we are continually learning something from each and every course.”

These days, you can find Heather in NOLS Development regularly communicating with board members, employees, graduates, donors, parents and other friends of the school. This networking, combined with Heather’s passion to see NOLS through years to come, ensures that the future of the school is a bright one.

“Why do I work here?” asks Heather. “What we do as an organization is incredible and unlike anything I have every experienced. I think what NOLS teaches in regards to leadership, environmental awareness and communication are all areas that can help everyone in their every day life. Getting folks unplugged and emerged in an environment that is unlike anywhere they have been, really helps to promote positive change in everyone.”