NOLS For Life ................ 34 Alumni Trips ................... 520 Alumni Benits ................

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Pro Deal Jobs Network NOLS Online

RECONNECT WITH NOLS

With wilderness trips for friends and family, reunions in a town or city near you, and skills seminars to keep you active, isnt it time you came back to NOLS? Whether you took a course two weeks ago or a few decades ago, now is a great time to be a part of NOLS by participating in activities and networks that fit your interests, lifestyle, and calendar. This brochure details many opportunities for you, your friends, and your family to share adventure, time in the wilderness, and a rejuvenating connection with NOLS.

Giving Back ........................ 14

NOLS Annual Fund Alumni Representative Program NOLS Advocates

Alumni Community ......... 17

Alumni Chapters Alumni Reunions The Leader

Continuing Ed .............. 2122

NOLS Catalog Courses NOLS Professional Training Wilderness Medicine Institute

Arman Deganian, North Cascades Wilderness 1999

Activity Rating Scale

BRAD CHRISTENSEN

BRAD CHRISTENSEN

This is a subjective rating of anticipated physical difculty for alumni trips. Weather, route, and group dynamics can combine to make alumni trips more or less difcult. Higher numbers indicate greater challenge.

TIFFANY WOOLEY

It can be hard to convey what NOLS is. Alumni trips have been a great way to share my NOLS experience with friends and family. Plus, I get to meet interesting people and have fun in fantastic outdoor places!

JAMIE O'DONNELL

COVER PHOTO: RICH BRAME

(800) 332-4280 www.nols.edu/alumni

I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO NOLS

I WANT TO STAY CONNECTED TO THE NOLS COMMUNTIY

I WANT TO CONTINUE MY EDUCATION WITH NOLS

I want to donate finacially.

I documented my course in an awesome way. (photos, videos, artwork)

I want to leave a legacy.

DONATE YOUR MEDIA TO NOLS, AND IT COULD APPEAR IN A NOLS PUBLICATION

I want to network with my local NOLS community. I want to be involved in the global NOLS network. I want to access exclusive NOLS benifits.

I am looking for a career change.

I have a flexible schedule.

I want to take another course without having to take time off.

GIVE TO SPECIAL PROJECTS AND CAMPAIGNS

I want to fund scholarships and NOLS pursuit of excellence.

I want to share my NOLS experience with others.

USE YOUR LEADERSHIP, CONSERVATION OR MEDICAL SKILLS IN YOUR COMMUNITY WRITE ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AND SHARE IT WITH THE NOLS ALUMNI DEPARTMENT ADVOCATE NOLS TO FAMILY, FRIENDS AND COMMUNITY JOIN AN ALUMNI CHAPTER OR ATTEND A REUNION JOIN THE ALUMNI REPRESENTATIVE PROGRAM CONNECT WITH NOLS ONLINE VIA FACEBOOK, TWITTER, PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR YOUTUBE

APPLY FOR A NOLS INSTRUCTOR COURSE

ENCOURAGE YOUR EMPLOYER TO SET UP A CUSTOM COURSE WITH NOLS PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
I have limited vacation time.

GIVE TO THE NOLS ANNUAL FUND OR ENDOWMENT FUND

JOIN THE SUMMIT TEAM

I want to share my experience with prospective students.

CHECK OUT THE JOBS NETWORK WHERE NOLS CONNECTS GRADS TO EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES WORLDWIDE

CHECK OUT THE BENEFIT PAGE AT WWW.NOLS.EDU/ ALUMNI

ENROLL IN ANOTHER NOLS COURSE TAKE AN ALUMNI TRIP WITH FRIENDS OR FAMILY

TAKE AN ALUMNI SEMINAR

www.nols.edu/alumni (800) 332-4280

(800) 332-4280 www.nols.edu/alumni

CASS COLMAN

Trek Through India

Date: Oct. 28 Nov. 9, 2013 (13 days) Cost: $2,395
Mules carry much of the group gear, but backpacking is still rewarding work!

ALUMNI TRIPS
If a month is too much to ask from the boss, the NOLS Alumni department offers short backcountry trips specifically designed for our working grads. We encourage you to bring family and friends along on these weeklong expeditions to reconnect with the school and introduce others to the NOLS experience. These trips have the same top-quality instructors, and, though they arent guided trips, we cater a bit more to the desires and maturity levels of our participants. Customized trips are also available.
A $200 per person non-refundable deposit is required for enrollment on all alumni trips.

Float on Crystal Waters

Kayak in the Bahamas

Date: Nov. 1722, 2013 (6 days) Cost: $1,650
Caribbean paddling is beautiful, but weather can challenge groups.

Join a small group of NOLS grads, friends, and Indian instructors for world-class hiking in the glacially-carved mountains of the Himalayas Kumaon region. The route offers a moderate level of hiking, and mules will help carry gear to make traveling more enjoyable. Along the way, you will see well-known 7,000-meter peaks such as Nanda Devi (25,643 feet), hike through thick forests of oak and rhododendron, travel by remote villages, and hike past the terminal moraine of the Pindari Glacier.

The coastline of the Bahamas is pristine, remote, and often uninhabited; the sea is rich with marine life and coral reefs. On this alumni sea kayaking trip, you will explore several of the magnificent islands that comprise the Bahamas outer islands known as the Exumas. Well teach basic sea kayak strokes, self-rescue, and travel skills, in addition to the practical use of these new or rusty skills. Bring your friends and family to enjoy this amazing experience.

Join Us.
(800) 332-4280 www.nols.edu/alumni alumni@nols.edu

LYNN PETZOLD

Discover the Himilaya

(800) 332-4280 www.nols.edu/alumni

JAMIE O'DONNELL

Kilimanjaro Cultural Climb

Date: April 2014 (contact us for details) Cost: $4,500
This is a challenging wilderness backpacking trip.

Travel the Coast

Sailing in Baja
Date: Feb. 28, 2014 (7 days) Cost: $1,450
Beach camping and days spent on the water exposed to sun and wind.

With the help of the Tanzania National Parks, weve created a special climb of Kilimanjarono porters, few people, off-trail travel, and an immersive cultural experience. Join Tanzania park rangers on this backpacking course that focuses on traditional NOLS skills on a non-traditional route to the top of Africa. The hike travels through rainforest to the Shira Plateau and on to Credner Glacier and the summit of Uhuru peak (19,340 feet). This trip starts and ends in Arusha, Tanzania. The cost supports NOLS local education in Tanzania.

Ngorongoro Educators Trip

Date: Late April 2014 (contact us for details) Cost: $4,500
This is a challenging wilderness backpacking trip.

The Bay of Loreto National Marine Park is the ideal setting for coastal cruising in a fleet of versatile Drascombe Longboat sailing vessels. These seaworthy craft allow for travel in strong winds and heavy seas as well as light air conditions. They are a great platform for learning and honing seamanship, navigation, and the basics of sailing and coastal cruising! Sailing among whales and dolphins, tide pooling, snorkeling, and coastal hiking are all features of this trip.

CASS COLMAN

Join Tanzanian conservation employees and backcountry guides on a unique, 22-day exploration of the 300 square-kilometer Ngorono Crater. This trip is designed for budding outdoor educators interested in unparalleled cross-cultural immersion and the full NOLS leadership and backcountry skills curriculum. This trip starts and ends in Arusha, Tanzania. The cost supports NOLS local education in Tanzania.

Voyage to East Africa

(800) 332-4280 www.nols.edu/alumni

Rock Climb at Red Rocks Sailing Navigation Class

Date: March 2628, 2014 (3 days) Cost: $995 (lodging included)
Learn skills to become a competent sailor.

Cast Off in the Caribbean

Date: Feb. 1622, 2014 (7 days) Cost: $1,550

Camping at Red Rocks means challenging days of climbing and some sore muscles.

This classroom-based course can be taken as a stand-alone or in conjunction with the British Virgin Islands sailing trip. Youll have a chance to improve your chart plotting skills, understand collision regulations, learn the aids to navigation, and expand your sailing repertoire with experienced instructors. Coastal Navigation Certification available.

Sail in the British Virgin Islands

Date: March 29 April 5, 2014 (8 days) Cost: $2,350 (lodging included)
Warm weather sailing, plus the challenge of communal living on a small sailboat.

This trip takes place in Nevadas Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area near Las Vegas. Red Rocks is known for its abundance of classic sandstone climbs and stunning desert ecosystems. To maximize climbing time, youll base in a rustic campground. Crafted for climbers of all experience levels, this trip focuses on skillsclimbing techniques, knots, belaying, anchors, protection placement, traditional and sport climbing systems, rappelling, and lead climbing theory. Youll also develop face and crack climbing skills and gain experience with multi-pitch climbing.

RAINBOW WEINSTOCK

NICK BRAUN

Located in the Caribbean, the British Virgin Islands archipelago has four main islands: Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke. Learn and improve your sailing skills surrounded by breathtaking scenery and tropical natural wonders. Work with your fellow trip members to practice and improve your sailing skills on a three-cabin, 40 foot cruising sailboat. Competent Crew Certification available.

Challenge Yourself
(800) 332-4280 www.nols.edu/alumni

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JAMIE O'DONNELL

Kayak in Prince William Sound

Date: July 2026, 2014 (7 days) Cost: $1,800
Loading and paddling a boat can be difcult work, and the weather is a challenge.

Explore Alaskas Waters

Paddle in Alaskas world famous Prince William Sound, past towering tidewater glaciers that moan and crackle. Crystal-blue icebergs bob on the oceans surface, and wooded coves dot the shore. The sea teems with various forms of life, and youll have the ideal vantage point to view it all. Youll work hard paddling with all your gear stowed in your boat, but youll have opportunities to play as well.

Hike Utahs Canyons

Even with this short trips light packs, canyon hiking can be challenging.
TRACY BAYNES

Date: March 2429, 2014 (6 days) Cost: $995

This trip travels in Utahs desert canyons with a focus on the areas natural and incredible human history. Exposed landforms provide textbook illustrations of the lands geologic past, and thickly vegetated riparian zones contrast the stark expanses of rock, sand, and black bush. This six-day trip traverses a 26-mile section of Grand Gulch and Bullet Canyon, one of the top NOLS hiking destinations in Utah.

ALUMNI BENEFITS
Pro Deal
A NOLS education provides students varied skills and valuable experience. Being a NOLS graduate also has other benefits: weve teamed with sponsors to provide discounts and special deals for NOLS grads.

Jobs Network
We operate an extremely popular, free, outdoor jobs networking service for NOLS alumni. Open positions are emailed daily, helping alumni connect with professional outdoor opportunities.

NOLS Online
Our website, www.nols.edu, is your source for the latest information about the school. The alumni page, www.nols.edu/alumni, has updates on alumni happenings, benefits, services, and events. (800) 332-4280 www.nols.edu/alumni

Discover the Southwest

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Climb Wyomings Gannett Peak

Date: July 2131, 2014 (11 days) Cost: $2,295
Its a mixed-route peak with a long hiking approach. Alumni only.

Explore the Wind River Range

Fish and Llama Pack in Wyoming

Date: July 27 Aug. 1, 2014 (6 days) Cost: $1,295
Llamas cary most of the pack weight, but mountain hiking means some work.

JOSH BECKNER

Hidden deep in the Wind River Range, above jumbled moraine and glacial ice, Gannett Peak is Wyomings highest summit. This remote peak requires an approach of several days. Travel on snow and ice, cross Dinwoody Glacier, and work up the rock to the summit. This expedition is a perfect opportunity to put your NOLS skills back to work and a great chance to polish your mountaineering techniques. Horses pack in the climbing gear and much of your food.

GIVING BACK
NOLS Annual Fund Alumni Representative Program
The alumni representative program is an opt-in program, creating an avenue for communication between NOLS alumni and prospective students. NOLS relies heavily on grads to act as ambassadors, telling others who we are and what happens on a course. We work hard to show our appreciation by providing benefits only available to our alumni.

NOLS Advocates
We encourage all NOLS graduates to be active advocates of the school. The definition of advocacy is as diverse as our student bodyit means share a NOLS catalog, host a NOLS event, speak to a prospective student, display a bumper sticker, support the annual fund, or contact us for more ideas.

BRAD CHRISTENSEN

Refine your NOLS skills while embracing new skills such as fly-fishing, photography, and llama packing in the beautiful Wind River Range. Instructors will help with the technical skills, but you will still be able to soak in the fantastic scenery and experience of this alumni trip. Learn to pack and lead llamas. Relive your fondest memories of your NOLS experience by bringing your family and friends along on this adventure!

The NOLS Annual Fund fuels the mission that Paul Petzoldt created back in 1965. By funding scholarships, research, and outreach programs, the annual fund helps make NOLS more effective, innovative, and accessible. Support makes it possible for NOLS to extend opportunities for life-changing experiences to individuals and communities around the world.

(800) 332-4280 www.nols.edu/alumni

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ALUMNI MOUNTAIN SKILLS PROGRESSION

BRIAN FABEL

Train on Mt. Baker

Date: Aug. 17, 2014 (7 days) Cost: $1,600
Technically oriented and gear intensive means this trip can be both challenging and rewarding.

Start with any NOLS expedition teaching outdoor living, travel, communication, and leadership skills. Participate in a seven-day alumni climbing trip to learn or polish climbing techniques, rope handling skills, and climbing systems. Climb Gannett Peak, Wyomings highest, to amalgamate skills on its remote, snow and rock routes. Visit the Pacic Northwest for seven days of glacier travel and training on the Mt. Baker Alumni Training Trip. Climb Washingtons Mt. Rainier (14,409 feet), a short, peak-focused glacier travel experience. Enroll on NOLS 34-day Denali Climb in Alaska. At 20,320 feet, its the top of North America! Join a hiking-focused alumni ascent of Kilimanjaro, Africas highest peak.

Mount Baker, one of the Northwests stunning volcanoes, is the ideal place to learn and develop your technical mountaineering skills. On this alumni trip, you will focus your learning on the technical skills required to attain the summit of Mount Baker and beyond. Technical rope work, crampon and ice axe use, snow and ice protection placement, and crevasse rescue training are features on this trip.

Climb Mount Rainier

Date: Aug. 1115, 2014 (5 days) Cost: $1,695
Rainier is a high peak requiring much gear with a short summit window. Alumni only.

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www.nols.edu/alumni (800) 332-4280

CHRISTIAN STEIDLE

Reach New Heights

Mount Rainier (14,410 feet) is one of the most extensive snow mountaineering training grounds in Washington. Youll work hard to move over steep terrain with backpacks, but stunning scenery is your reward as you learn to live and travel safely in a high mountain environment. Training starts with the basics, so novice mountaineers are welcome. Youll progress to learning the glacier mountaineering skills needed to negotiate the high summit.

BRAD CHRISTENSEN

Give Back with NOLS

ALUMNI COMMUNITY
Alumni Chapters
NOLS Alumni Chapters are groups formed by active NOLS grads from around the country. They sponsor outdoor activities, informal gatherings, climbing at local gyms, local reunions and seminars, fundraisers, community service events, and more. Our chapters communicate through local email list servers and post upcoming events on the NOLS Alumni website.

Paddle Alaska

Alumni Service Trip in Wyoming

Date: Aug. 1016, 2014 (7 days) Cost: $595 (subsidized by NOLS)
Horses will carry most group gear, but trail building is hard work.

Alumni Reunions
NOLS and alumni volunteers organize reunions around the country. Reunions are a great way to connect with grads in your area while bringing friends and family closer to the school. Most reunions feature a presentation by a NOLS adventurer, and we provide great snacks, beverages, and free raffles.

RICH BRAME

NOLS grads and families venture into Wyomings beautiful Wind River Mountains for a week of camping, camaraderie, and service. Conduct a service project to protect public lands and enhance visitors backcountry experience. Projects include trail construction, bridge maintenance, or campsite rehab. Service work is demandingwell use shovels, hammers, pry-bars, and team muscle but there is also time for photography, socializing, and possibly summiting a peak or fishing.

Raft the Copper River

Date: Aug. 39, 2014 (7 days) Cost: $1,995
Rafts do most of the hard work, but weather and loading gear can challenge the group.

The Leader
Our alumni publication, The Leader, delivers current school news and shares the adventures of NOLS alumni. Published three times a year, The Leader is mailed to all alumni for whom we have a current address.

Alaskas Copper River is a huge, moderately technical, glacial river. Beautiful scenery, the chance to learn paddle and oar rafting, and incredible natural history all make this a memorable trip. Skills include the basicscamping, map reading, stove use, and LNT techniques. Rafting curriculum includes paddle strokes, group travel, rigging, river hazards, reading water, and rescue techniques.

(800) 332-4280 www.nols.edu/alumni

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Sail Croatias Coast

Date: September 2014 Cost: $TBD
Sailing means tight quarters and the potential of rough weather.

Set Sail in the Adriatic Sea

Take your keelboat sailing to the next level while exploring the historic and pristine regions of the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia. Cruise the arid limestone islands of Kornati, explore the lush waterfalls of Krka National Park, and indulge in the regions ancient and modern culture. All while imporoving your skills by honing navigation, boat handling, sail theory knowledge, docking, and more! Day Skipper Certification available.

Hike Italys Dolomites

Date: Sept. 1219, 2014 (8 days) Cost: $2,575
Staying in huts means cultural interaction, cooked meals, and light packswith plenty of challenging ups and downs.

RICH BRAME

Trek in the Alps

NOLS grads, friends, and family members are invited to this week of spectacular hiking in the Dolomites. Trek between rifugios (small, hostel-style lodgings) during Italys early autumn, which lets you savor Italian cuisine and culture while mixing with other, mostly European, travelers in a dorm-style setting. This also lightens packs for daily hikes among the stunning spires, valleys, and peaks of northern Italy.

ALUMNI SAILING SKILLS PROGRESSION

Start with any NOLS expedition teaching outdoor living, travel, communication, and leadership skills. Participate in an Alumni Longboat Sailing Trip in Baja or an Alumni Keelboat Sailing Trip in the Caribbean to build basic or mid-level sailing skills. Join an Alumni Keelboat Sailing Trip in the Mediterranean to practice skipper skills. Pick up charting experience on an Alumni Navigation Class in the Caribbean or Mediterranean. Travel to the South Pacic for an Alumni Keelboat Sailing Trip that includes signicant crossings. (800) 332-4280 www.nols.edu/alumni

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MATJAZ MILAVEC

Stephane Terrier

CONTINUING EDUCATION WITH NOLS

Lifelong Learning: One NOLS Course is Not Enough

By Megan Budge, WMI Program Assistant

Why would anybody want to build a snow cave? This question drew David Cassaro to the NOLS community back in 1974. After reading an article in Esquire by that title, he signed up for his first course just to see what it would be like to build a snow cave. By the end of his Ski Touring and Winter Mountaineering course, the 26 year old had built and slept in a snow cave, an experience he describes as nice and warm and cozy, but not for someone with claustrophobia. Now 64 years old, he I can appreciate just completed his ninth NOLS course. everything I have Cassaro maintains when I am back that his first course was the hardest thing at home, and he ever did, before or each trip reminds since. He remembers waking up one day to me of that. find the thermometer outside his tent read -29 degrees Fahrenheit. While waiting for other students to get ready, he and a few coursemates skied in a circle together to stay warm. He kept his head down in the bitter cold and followed the skis of the student in front of him. After a few minutes, he looked up to find they were in a different part of the forest.

Turns out, he split off from the others to find the latrine and I just followed those ski tips, Cassaro remembers. The absurdity of it all just made me stand there and laugh. From that moment on, I could put everything into perspective and I knew that I could make it through the remaining six days. Since then, when the going gets tough on trips, I think of that moment and I am able to carry on. Of all the reasons he keeps coming back, Cassaro is most thankful for the perspective a NOLS experience brings. Everything is reduced to the bare minimums. I can appreciate everything I have when I am back at home, and each trip reminds me of that, he noted. Though NOLS has matured into a more efficient outfit from the original lumberyard of the 1970s, Cassaro is happy that some things have not changed. The courses are still challenging and have not been dumbed down to make them easier, he said. His most recent NOLS course was Rocky Mountain Lightweight Backpacking this past July, and he does not plan to stop adventuring any time soon.

FREDRIK NORRSELL

NOLS Catalog Courses

When you decide to learn a new outdoor skill NOLS is the place to do it. As a NOLS alumnus you know that NOLS instructors are the best in the business. They'll help you pick up where your last course left off and with 15 NOLS locations around the globe there are always new NOLS adventures to pursue.

NOLS Professional Training

This customized training delivers the NOLS curriculum to teams ranging from NASA astronauts to Archer School for Girls students. Improve your group's ability to lead, manage, and teach in the location and time frame that suit you best. Learn more at www.nols.edu/nolspro.

Wilderness Medicine Institute (WMI)

When 9-1-1 is not an option, the rules change. We provide the highest quality education and information for the prevention, recognition, and treatment of wilderness emergencies. WMI offers a range of courses for novices up to medical professionals. Learn more at www.nols.edu/wmi or call (866) 831-9001. (800) 332-4280 www.nols.edu/alumni

21 (800) 332-4280 www.nols.edu/alumni

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National Outdoor Leadership School

284 Lincoln Street Lander, WY 82520-2848 www.nols.edu/alumni

Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. XXX Denver, CO

Placeholder FSC logo

RICH BRAME