| |
Semester in the Rockies
From the moment you arrive in the mountain West, until three
months later when you leave, you will be able to create an education
unlike anything you've ever experienced. NOLS is the inventor
of the outdoor semester, and the Semester in the Rockies is where
it all began. The Rockies semester holds great appeal for anyone
who wants a good general outdoor education, leadership training
and skill development. The emphasis on a variety of skills also
means this semester is excellent preparation for you if you are
considering a career in outdoor education. Each semester in the
Rockies is made up of three or four sections. These sections are
described below.
17 and Over
Average age: 20
Duration:
Summer - 69 days
Spring - 87 days
Fall - 94 days
|
| Canyon
fall and spring
The slick red rock country of Utah and Arizona will be
your school. You'll learn how to move through canyons and
camp in a desert without leaving scars on the land. You'll
also study things like desert ecology, and visit sites where
ancient man once lived and worked.
|
| Caving
optional fall and spring
There aren't many cavers out there, but you'll be one of
them when you finish this section. You'll learn the basics
of exploring caves with such topics as cave surveying and
mapping, geology, biology, movement techniques, underground
rescue and equipment use/care. Many of our students consider
the caving section the highlight of their entire semester.
"This was my favorite section. It was different, challenging.
My leadership really developed. The rescue was the bomb!"
-- a 2000 Spring Semester in the Rockies student. |
| Horsepacking
optional fall and spring
We'll explore the backcountry from the back of a horse.
At our ranch on the west side of the Wind River Range, we'll
introduce you to the basics of horsepacking, from grooming
to saddling. Then we'll move into the backcountry for more
advanced topics such as packing a packhorse, Leave No Trace
camping and outdoor living skills. |
| Mountaineering
optional fall
This section takes place in Wyoming's spectacular Wind
River Range. This land of rock and ice is an ideal venue
for learning backcountry rock climbing. In addition to an
array of mountaineering techniques, you will also develop
solid travel and camping skills that will provide you a
lifetime of recreational enjoyment. |
| River Travel
summer, optional fall and spring
Utah's Dolores and Green rivers will be your classroom.
Your ins-tructors will introduce you to basic kayaking,
rafting or canoeing skills. You'll move into how to read
the water, negotiate rapids and identify hazards. Your education
will also include rescue scenarios and techniques.
View
photos of a Semester in the Rockies River section |
| Rock Climbing
 summer,
optional fall and spring
We'll travel to a base camp where we'll stay for several
days. Classes will include basic safety and movement on
rock, rope handling, knots, belay mechanics, signals, protection
placement, anchors, and rappelling.
|
| Wilderness First Aid
fall and spring
This 16-hour section, specific to wilderness emergencies,
is offered by the Wilderness Medicine Institute (WMI) of
NOLS. The course is the approved certification for the American
Camping Association, the United States Forest Service and
many other governmental agencies and outdoor programs.
Read
how Dan Bergin used his Wilderness First Aid education.
|
| Wilderness First Responder
optional fall and spring
This 80 hour section is for outdoor professionals and is
the minimum required for NOLS instructors. You will gain
the tools to make critical medical and evacuation decisions
in remote settings. Half of your time will be spent completing
practical skills, case studies, and scenarios designed to
challenge your decision making abilities. Offered by WMI
of NOLS.
Learn more about the
Wilderness First Responder section. Includes a movie
that may be viewed with the free QuickTimeTM
application program. |
| Wilderness Travel
summer and fall
Wyoming's legendary Wind River Range, famed for its sheer
mountains, dazzling lakes and good fishing, will be your
classroom. This is a backpacking section where you'll learn
things like how to travel comfortably carrying all your
own gear on your back, how to build a Leave No Trace campfire
and how to stay warm and comfortable in a timberline mountain
climate. |
| Winter Camping and Skiing
 optional
fall and spring
You'll explore the mountains in winter, learning how to
cross-country ski and telemark turn. Winter camping is challenging,
but we'll teach you the techniques to be comfortable in
this harsh environment. In your wilderness classroom, you'll
learn things like snow physics and avalanche assessment,
cold-weather physiology and winter ecology.
View
photos of a Semester in the Rockies Winter section |
|
|
