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NOLS believes people thrive when challenged. During the Australia Backpacking course, students did not have access to modern conveniences and were challenged to step outside their comfort zones. A NOLS education stresses leadership can be learned and is based on the belief that the outdoors is a challenging environment where students will learn technical skills and about themselves. Students were accompanied by instructors who are experts in the field.
For 29 days, Merrill and her nine course mates backpacked in the Kimberly region of Western Australia. Navigation through tall cane grass and loose, rocky terrain made travel challenging. For most of the course, days were hot and sunny. Curriculum on this course focused on navigation, first aid skills, leadership and Australian natural history.
Highlights of this course included viewing native wildlife, visiting rock art sites and a 40-hour solo. After instructors deemed the group competent wilderness travelers, the course culminated with a five-day independent student expedition. Overall, the group hiked 102 miles through open savannah grasslands, with pockets of tropical rainforests. Students had a three-day cultural experience with local Aboriginal people learning about their lifestyle.
Merrill’s Australia Backpacking was full of exploration and bonds that will last a lifetime. Students learned risk management, judgment, outdoor living and environmental studies lessons not taught in a traditional classroom setting. Merrill and her course mates graduated from their NOLS course competent and responsible wilderness travelers and leaders. They join the NOLS alumni network of over 221,000 graduates.
Since mountaineer Paul Petzoldt founded the school in 1965, more than 221,000 students have graduated from NOLS. Whether through field-based courses offered in some of the most awe-inspiring locations in the world or classroom-based courses, the school provides transformative educational experiences to students of all ages. Graduates emerge as active leaders with lifelong environmental ethics and outdoor skills.
To discover the NOLS experience or to bring a course to your business or organization, call 800-710-NOLS (6657) or visit www.nols.edu.
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