Um… Not so much

Typically, Fridays at the NOLS Rocky Mountain Branch (RM) will bring a more relaxed, dare I say mellow, work atmosphere.  There is time to share weekend plans and propose social gatherings for after hours, there is time to reflect on a week of hard work and dedication to our beloved school, there is time to organize and prepare for next week’s hard work and dedication to our beloved school.  This past Friday, um… not so much time to do all of that.

Last Friday, the RM saw the arrival of six courses returning from the field. The courses included a Wyoming Backpacking Adventure course for 14 and 15 year olds, several of our original Wind River Wilderness courses, and a NOLS/Orvis Wilderness Flyfishing course. Needless to say it was one of the busiest de-issuing days we are likely to have all summer. 

In true NOLS fashion, exceptional Expedition Behavior was exemplified by all employees, as even though it was Friday, everyone stepped up to the plate and took care of business. Issue room and rations department worked on de-issuing personal and group gear, the cook staff fed the hungry mouths of campers not having eaten BBQ in over a month, the office staff worked on organizing paperwork and completing graduation packets, the program supervisors debriefed instructors, and the interns did their best to help out where they were needed.

It is those times when the RM staff comes together that make it such a pleasure to work for NOLS.  Not many organizations can say they experience the same sense of unity that when work needs to get done, everyone jumps into action with equal enthusiasm and excitement.  In the end, it is all about the students.  It is all about a commitment to the belief that NOLS can change lives.

As the next generation of alumni return daily, the reward for all the hard work that we do here at the RM is seeing the look of empowerment and joy on the faces of students returning from the field.  The exhausting Fridays are never so bad when you know that it has all been worth while.

Shout out to all of the other branches.  NOLS Bus, continue to update us with the mustache report.  Keep on blogging!

Wyoming Backpacking Adventure Course 6-21-07

Wind River Wilderness Course 6-21-07

NOLS/Orvis Wilderness Flyfishing Course 6-21-07

Note: Post edited 11/8/2018