This 24-day instructor course combines foundational leadership training with a 16-day backpacking expedition in the Gila Wilderness and focused top-rope rock climbing in Arizona’s iconic Cochise Stronghold. You and your coursemates will travel using both traditional and lightweight backpacking techniques in New Mexico’s Gila Wilderness—America’s first designated Wilderness area. Your Southwest Instructor Course will build on the outdoor and education experience you already have, while allowing you to fine-tune your teaching and leadership skills. Successful completion of this instructor course will prepare you to work wilderness backpacking courses for NOLS.
Learn more about instructor courses with NOLS here.
APPLICATIONS FOR 2019 INSTRUCTOR COURSES ARE NOW CLOSED.
Check back in August for the 2020 instructor course application.
Here is a sample of the instructor course questionnaire.