Wilderness Classrooms

An NOLS "classroom" - photo by Jeff Stein

I got the latest National Outdoor Leadership School catalog last week. It's one of those catalogs that I love to look through, even though I think I'm past the age of being able to do these courses.

Founded in 1965 by legendary mountaineer Paul Petzoldt, NOLS is a not-for-profit educational institution that takes people of all ages on remote wilderness expeditions.

They teach technical outdoor skills, leadership, and environmental ethics in some of the world’s wildest and most awe-inspiring classrooms.

The courses range from 10 days to a full academic year. It is a hands on, learn-by-doing approach that hopefully gives graduates skills to be competent, responsible wilderness travelers long after their course is over.


The Expedition from NOLS on Vimeo.

This is an informational video about their courses with footage from many different NOLS course areas, student and instructor testimonials, and a behind-the-scenes look at what an expedition is all about.