National Outdoor Leadership School

Mission

To be the leading source and teacher of wilderness skills and leadership that serve people and the environment.

Programs

NOLS has an extensive curriculum of courses that challenge students through real-life situations involving decisions of risk and consequence in extended backcountry expeditions. Graduates, equipped with the proper education and skills, have learned to lead others in not only the wilderness but also in their schooling, the business world and society. Students learn seven critical skills of leadership in each NOLS course. Through working with a team, students develop and practice communication, self-awareness, tolerance for adversity and uncertainty, expedition behavior, vision and action, judgment and decision-making, and competence. NOLS is made up of nine branch wilderness schools worldwide.