Douglas and Mary Anne Greene
Hometown: Washington, Connecticut
Children: Liz Greene, 21, Prince William Sound Sea Kayaking, 2002
Jon Greene, 19, Spring Semester in the Rockies, 2003

Our Story

As parents, we're always on the lookout for educational experiences that will get our kids excited about learning. And it's always an added bonus if that same experience also gives them a broader perspective on the world, and solid leadership skills to take through life.

That's why we were thrilled when our daughter, Liz, wanted to take a NOLS Prince William Sound Sea Kayaking course last summer. NOLS has a great reputation in our hometown, where quite a few of our friends have had children graduate from NOLS courses.

After Liz came back from her course skilled, fit and full of spunk, we hoped our son, Jon, would also consider a NOLS course. It took him a couple months to start hinting, but we could tell he was really interested in having his own NOLS adventure.

The timing couldn't have been more perfect. Of all the things to get Jon for Christmas, we knew a NOLS course was a gift that would last. Instead of getting him a fancy new gadget that would quickly become outdated, we were excited to give Jon things that would stay with him forever—like problem solving and decision making skills, learning to communicate, and the ability to step out in front and be a leader.

So we put a NOLS course under the tree for Jon. We wrapped a NOLS gift card up in a box and waited for his surprise. And we weren't disappointed. He came back from his Semester in the Rockies really excited. He has a greater knowledge about the wilderness, and we feel assured knowing that he'll be pursuing his outdoor adventures with a solid set of skills. Plus, he just seemed really excited about learning.

If you're a parent, you know this is the greatest gift of all.