The Art of Learning

The Outdoor Educator Semester (OES) course returned to NOLS Rocky Mountain (RM) from their winter section in the Teton Valley, where they did not see a single soul for nearly 30 days.  They learned lots of new winter skills, as well as how to crash gracefully with telemark skies, backpacks, sleds, and all!  Upon completing the winter section the group is unified and there was even a few acts of head shaving! 

In between their first two sections they were fortunate enough to have a leadership seminar taught by John Abel.  John has a well-established presence at NOLS; has been an instructor since 1991, worked as Program Supervisor at the Southwest branch, and has spent around 263 weeks in the field.  The seminar was over the course of two days and was packed with information. Some leadership topics included Self Awareness, Coaching, and Vision and Action. 

The OES students were then issued, rationed, and ready to get back into the field.  Their next section is canyons and they are thrilled to be in warmer weather and sleeping in tents.  We look forward to hearing more tales and head shavings!