This 24-day instructor course combines foundational leadership training with a 19-day backpacking expedition in the Gila Wilderness. 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.
Applications for Spring/Summer 2020 Instructor Courses are now closed. Applications for 2021 Instructor Courses will open on August 15, 2020.
Take a look at the FAQs to learn more about instructor courses with NOLS.
Here is a sample of the instructor course questionnaire.