Ben Fox
Come learn how to teach in the world’s best classroom—the outdoors. This course is designed for people who want to become professionals in the field of outdoor education. Go from the high peaks of Wyoming to the red canyons of Utah while backpacking, skiing, climbing, or canoeing. Immerse yourself in a range of environments from camping in snow shelters to climbing granite domes. As you spend time in the outdoors, you’ll learn techniques for teaching in large and small groups, including facilitation and debrief skills. Other topics you will cover include risk management for groups in remote places, Leave No Trace, and first aid, with the opportunity to earn a Wilderness First Responder certification.
Photo credit: Wilson Cheung
Leadership will also be a key focus of this course. Giving and receiving feedback after teaching a class becomes a lesson in communication. Learning to navigate off-trail is your opportunity to practice risk management and develop judgment. Reflecting on the different environments you travel through deepens your sense of place and sense of stewardship. You’ll form a tight network of peers who share your goals and passion for education. If teaching in the outdoors is your goal, then there’s no better way to gain real-world experience by spending time learning and teaching in the wilderness.
Photo credit: David Morgan
Photo credit: Prasad Gadgil
“I thought taking a NOLS course could help me out with my career goals with leading and helping others and I think I've learned a lot that I can apply to my goals.”