NOLS
national outdoor leadership school
NOLS is a mission-driven institution which strives to teach wilderness values and environmental ethics through experience and mentorship from expert educators in the wilderness.
Age Range:
Rising Juniors
Location:
Gabriels, New York
Trip Duration:
2 weeks
Dates:
ID Needed:
NY REAL ID
participation requirements
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Summer Search will enroll you in the correct course. You simply need to start working on the required paperwork ASAP!
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Required paperwork for this summer experience includes:
Student Agreement
Self-Reporting Health Form
Student Dietary Questionnaire
Insurance Form
You will need to print, manually complete, and scan each page of these documents to your mentor. Even if a section did not apply to you and/or you left items blank, you must include a scan of every page in the final, signed version you send to your mentor. Your mentor and the Summer Team will submit these forms to NOLS.
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There are no required orientations or workshops prior to attending this Summer Experience. Just make sure to attend your Goodbye Group to receive your equipment and travel itinerary, and to meet the other Summer Searchers who will be traveling with the same program!
About the Programs
Hiking and Canoeing
This course is designed to equip you with technical wilderness skills and interpersonal leadership abilities, setting you up for success in the backcountry and beyond. Throughout the 14-day adventure, you’ll gain practical skills and confidence in key areas, including: backpacking techniques, navigation skills, wilderness first aid, leave no trace principles, and leadership & teamwork. These skills will empower you to lead with confidence and navigate any challenges that come your way.
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Embark on a backpacking and canoeing journey, starting with low-elevation hikes/waters and gradually increasing in difficulty. You’ll focus on mastering essential outdoor skills, with time for leadership practice, group discussions, and team building exercises. Engage in leadership activities and hone your problem-solving skills by leading sections of the trip — this will help you foster confidence and learn to balance group and individual needs.
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Transportation to this program will be via charter bus. Program staff will meet you at the Summer Search Manhattan office accompany you both to and from the program site.
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This is a camping trip — you will be sleeping in tents, and you will not have access to a bathroom. Don’t worry! Summer Search will provide any equipment you’ll need (including biodegradable soap) and the program staff will teach you how to feel at home in the outdoors.
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This program will be NYC Summer Searchers only. It’s a great opportunity for you to meet and get to know other students in our program!
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You will not be able to use your phones or any electronic device that connects to the internet once you arrive at Basecamp with program leaders. However, limited communication with family/friends back home is available.
Parents and Guardians are always able and welcome to call Summer Search if necessary — leaders always have working cell phones and service, and we can reach out on your behalf in case of emergency.
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No spending money is necessary for this program, but you may keep cash or credit cards on you if you’d like — you may want to buy snacks along the way!
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This will be updated in March. Check back in then!
“There wasn’t instant gratification, we actually had to work for it — and getting the goal achieved was more rewarding; it grew connection or, like, a trust between one another...going through that difficult time together made our bond stronger among the whole group.”
Summer Search provides a variety of resources to support you in preparing for your Summer Experience. From travel tips to what to expect from outdoor activities to live events, we got you!
Remember that your mentor is always your best resource! Reach out if you have any questions or need help with your application.
Need to schedule office hours with the Summer Team? Create a Calendly appointment here!
Summer Experience Support Resources
