Providing the instruction, the tools, and the freedom to practice and use what you learn are the roots of our education. Sea kayaking, mountaineering, whitewater boating, sailing, rock climbing, backpacking, Leave No Trace camping, horsepacking . . . NOLS operates nine branch schools around the world. NOLS courses explore some of the wildest reaches of five continents. The wilderness teaches lessons that you will learn well.
Nothing is contrived.
But we don't just use the wilderness to teach other lessons, we teach you about the wilderness. You'll gain a lasting appreciation of the environment around you. Some of the closest friends you'll ever make you'll make on a NOLS course. The wilderness has a powerful way of bringing people together. When you come here, you will meet people with interests very similar to your own.