The Orthodox Jewish Leadership Expedition (OJLE) is 24-day backpacking expedition in the Wyoming's Rocky Mountains for Jewish men ages 14-18.

The OJLE course will be run in accordance with the Jewish calendar and observance of Jewish laws. The religious practices observed on the course will be in the Orthodox tradition, though men of any level of Judaism are welcome to participate.

NOLS will ensure that an hour is set aside each morning for T’fillah. The end of the day will also be structured to incorporate time for Mincha and Maariv, as well as daily interactive sessions focusing on the relationship between nature, Judaism & the environment prepared especially for this program.

Through consistent practice of Jewish law in the complex and dynamic environment of a NOLS expedition, students will expand their ability to take responsibility for maintaining essential religious commitments throughout their lives.

Through the study of religious articles, the program will foster a deeper understanding of the connections between Judaism and nature.

The OJLE graduates will reach a level of competence in the decision-making, leadership and technical skills necessary to lead wilderness expeditions on their own. OJLE will develop leadership and teamwork skills through actual leadership experiences and a comprehensive theoretical component.

There are significant technical and environmental challenges on every NOLS course. NOLS Instructors will play evolving roles as students’ knowledge, experience and abilities increase during this self-contained expedition.

Students will take on increasing levels of personal and team responsibility for the technical and interpersonal — what we at NOLS call “EB” or expedition behavior — aspects of the course. NOLS Instructors will provide structured briefing, debriefing, feedback, technical expertise, risk management, evaluation, classes and student leadership and followership opportunities.

Orthodox Jewish Leadership Expedition Recommended Length 24 days Course start/end: Lander, Wyoming Fly in/out : Riverton, Wyoming Contracting Requirements: NOLS requires a minimum of 8 people for a course. However, group size and gender balance may differ some to support your religious practices during the course, eg. ten men for prayer. Please use the discussion board to connect with other interested potential participants to meet the group size and configuration to meet your needs and interests. You should identify a person who will lead religious practices on the course and serve as a NOLS planning contact. Identify a course length and timeframe that work for your group. NOLS standard course length is 28 days. Students can also gain valuable leadership and wilderness skills on courses as short as 2 weeks. Select a NOLS Sponsor Contact. This person interacts with the NOLS headquarters to make all financial and logistical arrangements. When you have a group with similar timeframes availiable and interests identified, have your Sponsor Contact call or write NOLS Professional Training Program Coordinator Rachael Price (307-335-2214) How to Find Other Participants Visit this google group to connect with other potenital partipants to meet contracting requirements. Additional Info: OJLE Course Description (pdf)   Course tuition covers all field and in-town food, lodging, group equipment, instruction and transportation during the course. Students are responsible for their own travel to and from NOLS Rocky Mountain, for their own health insurance, and for renting or purchasing personal equipment for the course. Questions? Contact: Rachael Price NOLS Program Coordinator rprice@nols.edu 307-335-2218

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