NOLS and other outdoor adventure/leadership programs (pre m1 summer plans)

[akestler]

I had summer plans before starting school in the fall but now I've decided I'd like to go in a different direction. I am thinking about doing a program like NOLS but most of the dates don't work for me or the interesting trips are already booked. I don't have a group to go backpacking with on my own since most of my friends are already living in 9-5 hell, so I'm interested in doing a program, are there any other programs similar to NOLS that you have done or heard about? Any other recommendations? Thanks.

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[registered user]

NOLS is really in a class by itself as far as outdoor leadership (I used to teach for them). Some people will tell you to check out Outward Bound, but their programs are generally less skills, leadership oriented. If you do look at Outward Bound, check out the Colorado OB School (COBS). Its courses are most like NOLS courses.
I'd be happy to answer any questions about NOLS.

 

[akestler]

NOLS is really in a class by itself as far as outdoor leadership (I used to teach for them). Some people will tell you to check out Outward Bound, but their programs are generally less skills, leadership oriented. If you do look at Outward Bound, check out the Colorado OB School (COBS). Its courses are most like NOLS courses.
I'd be happy to answer any questions about NOLS.

Are there any other types of programs that are outdoor adventury?

 

[LJDHC05]

Are there any other types of programs that are outdoor adventury?

Charmichael Training runs a week long (i think) adventure race training trip over the summer...if that's adventurey enough for you. If you're near NH or VT, I know that EMS runs a bunch of week long rock climbing trips in the white mountains. If you were planning on dumping a couple grand, REI has a vacation service with plenty of adventury things.

Also check out GORP.com. They have all sorts of links to cool travel experiences. I'll be working 9-5, and hitting up a couple sections of the long trail in VT with my girlfriend this summer.

 

[notdeadyet]

I had summer plans before starting school in the fall but now I've decided I'd like to go in a different direction. I am thinking about doing a program like NOLS but most of the dates don't work for me or the interesting trips are already booked. I don't have a group to go backpacking with on my own since most of my friends are already living in 9-5 hell, so I'm interested in doing a program, are there any other programs similar to NOLS that you have done or heard about? Any other recommendations? Thanks.

I really wouldn't look at NOLS for the sake of going backpacking since your friends aren't available. That's not really what they're about.

Most universities have outdoor programs that run backpacking trips open to the public. You might look into that. It'd also be a lot cheaper.

 

[registered user]

NOLS owns a very specific part of the "adventure", or outdoor market. If you are just looking for something fun for a few weeks, search around on the internet. There's all kinds of stuff out there. If you like the idea of actually learning new skills and leadership experiences, look more closely at NOLS. Feel free to PM me if you have questions.