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National Outdoor Leadership School - Index

National Outdoor Leadership School - Nols - Index

SEMESTER IN THE
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
The wilderness of the Northwest-your home
for two and a half months-is like no other
region in the country. In close proximity to NOLS'
Pacific Northwest headquarters are steep, heavily
glaciated mountains, impressive forests of tower-
ing evergreens, outstanding rock climbing areas,
and miles of wilderness coastline. You'll explore
all these environments, from jamming your hands
into granite cracks on a climb to taking the helm
of a 36-foot sailboat in British Columbia waters.
Throughout, you'll be experiencing things few
other semesters at NOLS offer, including keelboat
sailing in Canada and a coastal hiking section
where you'll study the coast's marine life and end at
the Makah Indian Nation. From the snow-capped
peaks and clear mountain lakes to old-growth
forests and tidal waters, you'll explore, navigate,
learn and practice your skills, returning home with
a solid foundation in wilderness expeditioning.
Alan Neilson
Above: 36-foot Catalina cruisers will be your home and
classroom during your sailing section. Left: Rock climbing
sections start with the basics, progressing from top-roping
(pictured) to multi-pitching and more.
Offered exclusively on the Semester in the Pacific Northwest, coastal backpacking affords students the unique opportunity
to learn about tide charts and marine biology while camping and traveling along the beach.
MOUNTAIN TRAVEL
The intricacies of backcountry living are revealed as you move through this stunning environment,
from packing your pack efficiently to staying warm and dry in a wet and sometimes
chilly climate. You'll travel in canoes for four days of this section to see the area from
a unique perspective, and then you'll hike up through forested valleys to areas of snow and
ice where you'll learn specialized mountaineering skills such as ice axe use, rope systems
and handling, crevasse rescue, and crampon use. You'll learn how to cope with uncertain
weather, steep slopes and complicated route finding.
ROCK CLIMBING
At a base camp at one of the Northwest's many great climbing areas, you'll immerse yourself
in the finer points of rock climbing techniques and systems. You'll progress at your own
speed, moving into skills such as belay and rappel techniques and protection placement.
There will be an emphasis on risk management throughout this section as you advance
from single pitch to multi-pitch climbing.
COASTAL BACKPACKING
Natural history abounds as you travel though the splendid environments of the Olympic
National Park. On the coast, you'll visit the Port Townsend Marine Science Center and
then embark on a coastal expedition, studying life in tidal pools and camping and traveling
beside the ocean. You'll learn about tide charts, weather patterns and identifying coastal
hazards. You'll also visit the Makah Cultural Center for a glimpse into the region's human
history. This section culminates in a student led expedition in the mountains, during which
you'll plan and complete a six-day hike with your fellow students.
SAILING
A 36-foot sailboat will be your moving classroom during this segment of your adventure. Boats
will sail in pairs, each carrying a group of five students and an instructor, as you learn the finer
points of seamanship, including how to handle your boat under sail or power, read charts and
navigate. This will also be a true test for everything you've learned about leadership and expedition
behavior as you and your coursemates cook and sleep on board as one tight-knit crew.
DETAILS FALL
Age and Length: 18 & Over ? Average age: 21 ? Duration: 77 days
Offered fall
Tuition: $10,150
Course start/end: Conway, Washington
Fly in/out: Seattle, Washington
College Credit: 2 hours Biology; 2 hours Environmental Ethics; 4 hours Leadership Techniques; 6 hours Skills Practicum;
2 hours Risk Assessment
Dates and Sections: page 111
www.nols.edu ? (800) 710 - NOLS ? admissions@nols.edu 81
Julie Brown
PACIFIC NORTHWEST