# National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education > Read all of our latest blog posts and resource articles. --- ## Pages - [NCOAE Wilderness Medicine Field Guide Resources](https://ncoae.org/wildernessmedicinefieldguide/) - [https://ncoae.org/about/contact/](https://ncoae.org/https-ncoae-org-about-contact/) - [Contact us](https://ncoae.org/contact-us/) - [Accreditation](https://ncoae.org/accreditation/): By aligning with globally recognized standards and embracing best practices, we continually enhance our operations and contribute to the evolution... - [Academics & Curriculum](https://ncoae.org/academics-curriculum/): Curriculum Overview The NCOAE curriculum offers a diverse array of courses that integrate traditional academics with specialized outdoor-based electives. Students... - [About Summer Semester](https://ncoae.org/about-summer-semester/): Locations Course Overview Through this interdisciplinary course, students engage in hands-on learning, drawing direct connections between their natural surroundings and... - [Semester School - Admissions & How To Apply](https://ncoae.org/semester-school-admissions-how-to-apply/): ADMISSIONS At NCOAE, we are committed to maintaining a straightforward and transparent admissions process that reflects our high standards and... - [Semester Life](https://ncoae.org/semester-life/): Life on Campus Building a Strong Academic Foundation During the NCOAE Summer Semester, life on campus offers students a structured... - [Custom Programs for Colleges & Universities](https://ncoae.org/custom-programs/colleges-universities/): MAKE AN IMPACT ON STUDENT’S COLLEGE EXPERIENCE Participation in curriculum-based outdoor education programs contributes to higher retention rates, higher grade... - [Understanding NCOAE’s Educational Framework](https://ncoae.org/educational-framework/): Every school, in fact every system of education has a supporting framework that serves as the foundation for developing curriculum... - [Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education](https://ncoae.org/about/diversity-equity-inclusion/): While there are many ingredients for organizational and business success, none of them play a more meaningful role at The... - [Wilderness Medicine](https://ncoae.org/wilderness-medicine/) - [NCOAE Blog](https://ncoae.org/blog/) - [Careers](https://ncoae.org/careers-landing/) - [Our Core Values](https://ncoae.org/our-core-values/): GUIDED BY OUR VALUES Since running our first courses in Pisgah National Forest, we’ve grown into a global outdoor and... - [Refund & Transfer Policy](https://ncoae.org/refund-transfer-policy/): The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) has established this Deposit, Refund, and Transfer Policy to help students,... - [Private and Independent Schools](https://ncoae.org/custom-programs/private-independent-schools/): MAKE AN IMPACT ON YOUR STUDENTS Participation in curriculum-based outdoor education programs contributes to higher retention rates, higher grade averages,... - [Custom Programs Overview](https://ncoae.org/custom-programs/): CREATE YOUR OWN CUSTOM COURSE Interested in bringing a National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) training or course... - [Terms & Conditions](https://ncoae.org/terms-and-conditions/): These Terms of Use were last updated on December 1, 2021. Thank you for visiting the website (“Site”) of NCOAE,... - [FAQs](https://ncoae.org/faqs/) - [Privacy Policy](https://ncoae.org/privacy-policy/): This Privacy Policy was updated on December 1, 2022, and previously updated on January 1, 2020. Thank you for visiting... - [College Credit](https://ncoae.org/high-school-college-credits/): Earning College Credit There is an essential opportunity for each student to flourish in the individualized environment at The National... - [Admissions Disclosure](https://ncoae.org/admissions-disclosure/): Like many organizations, The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) operates using policies and procedures that guide our... - [Essential Eligibility Criteria](https://ncoae.org/essential-eligibility-criteria/): Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC) for The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) Program Participation The National Center for... - [Travel](https://ncoae.org/travel/): WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Planning a trip can be stressful, especially if it’s an expedition into the backcountry or... - [Packing](https://ncoae.org/packing/): PACKING & EQUIPMENT Outdoor enthusiasts like the term, “Go big or go home” — especially when confronting a steep climb... - [Forms & Resources](https://ncoae.org/forms-resources/): Registered NCOAE course and training participants need to complete and return the necessary forms before they begin their course or... - [Typical Day](https://ncoae.org/typical-day/): WHAT TO EXPECT Since each of our courses and expeditions has an itinerary of its own, there’s really no such... - [Meals & Camping - Expeditions](https://ncoae.org/meals-camping-expeditions/): MEALS Here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education, we’re actually pretty well known for creating gourmet meals... - [Room & Board - On Campus](https://ncoae.org/room-board-on-campus/): Lodging & Meals On Campus While The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education offers courses and expeditions across the... - [Covid-19 Policy](https://ncoae.org/covid-19/): Effective starting June 15, 2023, NCOAE staff and students are not required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to participate... - [Become an NCOAE Instructor](https://ncoae.org/about/become-instructor/): JOIN THE NCOAE TEAM NCOAE is committed to planning and facilitating professionally guided outdoor adventure and education experiences that foster... - [Partners & Affiliations](https://ncoae.org/about/partners-affiliations/) - [Education Without Walls](https://ncoae.org/about/partners-affiliations/education-without-walls/): Wilderness, as a classroom, offers an exceptional learning environment — one where instructors foster curiosity, students apply critical thinking, and... - [Video Gallery](https://ncoae.org/about/video-gallery/): The next best thing to experiencing the backcountry and wilderness firsthand is to hear about it through someone else’s eyes.... - [California Consumer Privacy Act](https://ncoae.org/california-consumer-privacy-act/): This Supplemental Privacy Notice is dated and effective January 1, 2020. NCOAE, LLC (dba, The National Center for Outdoor &... - [About Us](https://ncoae.org/about/) - [Contact](https://ncoae.org/contact/) - [Homepage](https://ncoae.org/) --- ## Posts - [Photog Cites Loss of Touch with Nature: ‘We’re creating an illusion for ourselves’](https://ncoae.org/blog/photog-cites-loss-of-touch-with-nature-were-creating-an-illusion-for-ourselves/): In a recent CNN article by Rebecca Cairns and London-based photographer Zed Nelson, the reader is invited to reflect on... - [Navigating with a Map and Compass: The Bare Basics](https://ncoae.org/blog/navigating-with-a-map-and-compass-the-bare-basics/): Batteries die. Cell phones lose connectivity. Even satellite service can be unpredictable. But a map and compass? You can always... - [Wilderness Medicine and First Aid: Knowing What to Pack](https://ncoae.org/blog/wilderness-medicine-and-first-aid-knowing-what-to-pack/): Backcountry and wilderness expeditions and daytrips can be a blast! One minute you’re stimulated by the views and having fun,... - [The Art of Sharing Trails with Hikers, Bikes, Horses, and Dogs](https://ncoae.org/blog/the-art-of-sharing-trails-with-hikers-bikes-horses-and-dogs/): There it is, middle fingers up, people screaming at one another, animals running amok. It’s just another day on the... - [Words Matter: Speaking the Same Language in Wilderness Medicine](https://ncoae.org/blog/words-matter-speaking-the-same-language-in-wilderness-medicine/): Language provides a foundation for human progress. Having a common language enables us to communicate, collaborate, and coordinate our efforts... - [Experiential Learning in the Backcountry: a Balance of Fun, Learning, Self-Development](https://ncoae.org/blog/experiential-learning-in-the-backcountry-a-balance-of-fun-learning-self-development/): We live in a world increasingly dominated by social media, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence. So, when it comes to... - [Search and Rescue Basics for Wilderness Medicine](https://ncoae.org/blog/search-and-rescue-basics-for-wilderness-medicine/): According to some emergency medical professionals, including one of my early mentors, every emergency medical service (EMS) call involves a... - [We Did It! NCOAE is Now Accredited by Cognia](https://ncoae.org/blog/we-did-it-ncoae-is-now-accredited-by-cognia/): Last September, we told you we were seeking accreditation from a trio of the nation’s top accrediting bodies: the Southern... - [Preview: Summer 2025 Teen Leadership Expeditions](https://ncoae.org/blog/preview-summer-2025-teen-leadership-expeditions/): Chances are good that you’ve had to take at least one course in English composition that required you to write... - [Oxygen at Altitude is a Major Consideration in Wilderness Medicine](https://ncoae.org/blog/oxygen-at-altitude-is-a-major-consideration-in-wilderness-medicine/): Wilderness medicine covers an enormous area of study and practice. From anaphylaxis to zoonotic diseases, it covers a lot of... - [Campfires Should Be Designed to Delight — and then Disappear](https://ncoae.org/blog/campfires-should-be-designed-to-delight-and-then-disappear/): Little in the wilderness experience quite compares to sitting around a warm campfire after a day on the trail. Crackling... - [Just the Facts: Recognizing the Importance of Reporting Accurate Information in a Wilderness Emergency](https://ncoae.org/blog/just-the-facts-recognizing-the-importance-of-reporting-accurate-information-in-a-wilderness-emergency/): In the movie Die Hard 2, hero John McLane, played by Bruce Willis, receives a fax at a car rental... - [Making Education Loud, Exciting, Exhausting, Dirty — and Transformative](https://ncoae.org/blog/making-education-loud-exciting-exhausting-dirty-and-transformative/): Covered in mud, we return to the sterile walls of the school. Nearby, students and teachers stop and stare at... - [Fast Fashion Has No Place in a Leave No Trace Culture](https://ncoae.org/blog/fast-fashion-has-no-place-in-a-leave-no-trace-culture/): Over the past couple of decades, outdoor adventure enthusiasts have developed a growing obsession with speed — fastest climber (ascent/descent),... - [Managing Fatalities in Wilderness](https://ncoae.org/blog/managing-fatalities-in-wilderness/): In the safety and comfort of the modern world, we often forget that the natural world can be a dangerous,... - [Managing Mass Casualty Incidents in the Backcountry](https://ncoae.org/blog/managing-mass-casualty-incidents-in-the-backcountry/): Most people think of wilderness medicine as providing medical care in a remote setting where access to conventional healthcare resources... - [Celebrating 2024: A Year of Growth, Innovation, and Milestones at NCOAE](https://ncoae.org/blog/celebrating-2024-a-year-of-growth-innovation-and-milestones-at-ncoae/): The year 2024 was another great one for The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE). From groundbreaking program... - [Intensive Self-paced EMT Certification Course for Oregon and North Carolina](https://ncoae.org/blog/intensive-self-paced-emt-certification-course-for-oregon-and-north-carolina/): Finding a local EMT certification course provider and fitting the training into a busy schedule may seem like an insurmountable... - [Backcountry Guide . . . Outdoor Educator . . . What’s the Difference?](https://ncoae.org/blog/backcountry-guide-outdoor-educator-whats-the-difference/): If you’re considering a career in the field of outdoor education and adventure programming that involves leading groups through remote... - [Testing for EMT Certification: Past, Present and Future](https://ncoae.org/blog/testing-for-emt-certification-past-present-and-future/): Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) play a vital role in the modern healthcare system, providing immediate, life-saving assistance to people experiencing... - [EMTs Come to the Rescue in Natural Disasters](https://ncoae.org/blog/emts-come-to-the-rescue-in-natural-disasters/): The morning of September 26, 2024, saw the peaceful mountain towns of western North Carolina waking up to their usual... - [Understanding Wilderness CPR](https://ncoae.org/blog/understanding-wilderness-cpr/): Imagine hiking with a small group of friends or family members in a dense, remote forest. You’re ascending a steep,... - [Cognia Accreditation Further Demonstrates NCOAE’s Commitment to Excellence](https://ncoae.org/blog/cognia-accreditation-further-demonstrates-ncoaes-commitment-to-excellence/): Here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), we are known to be among the best in... - [Meet the NCOAE Student: Robert Fox, EMT Course Graduate](https://ncoae.org/blog/meet-the-ncoae-student-robert-fox-emt-course-graduate/): Within three weeks of graduating from the Intensive Hybrid EMT course offered by us here at The National Center for... - [The Role of Assessment in Wilderness Medicine](https://ncoae.org/blog/the-role-of-assessment-in-wilderness-medicine/): Look, listen, and feel. If you’ve been around wilderness medicine long enough, you may remember when this was the standard... - [Meet the Staff: Bethany Smith, Lead Field Instructor & Raft Guide](https://ncoae.org/blog/meet-the-staff-bethany-smith-lead-field-instructor-raft-guide/): Bethany Smith’s journey with The National center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) is one marked by passion, adventure, and... - [Making Outdoor Recreation and Adventure More Inclusive](https://ncoae.org/blog/making-outdoor-recreation-and-adventure-more-inclusive/): When next you find yourself in a wilderness area, whether that be at a national park in another state or... - [The History of Wilderness Medicine and Why That Even Matters](https://ncoae.org/blog/the-history-of-wilderness-medicine-and-why-that-even-matters/): Wilderness medicine has been broadly defined as the provision of medical care when environmental conditions play a stronger role in... - [AEE’s Podcast Highlights NCOAE’s Zac and Celine Adair](https://ncoae.org/blog/aees-podcast-highlights-ncoaes-zac-and-celine-adair/): Like many podcasts that host informal chats with founders of businesses, organizations, and charities, Zac and Celine Adair recently offered... - [Backcountry Gourmet — Favorite Recipes from Our Field Staff](https://ncoae.org/blog/backcountry-gourmet-favorite-recipes-from-our-field-staff/): Here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) we like to take backcountry cooking to the next... - [Advice: Starting an Outdoor Education or Adventure Program in Your School](https://ncoae.org/blog/advice-starting-an-outdoor-education-or-adventure-program-in-your-school/): In addition to working for The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), I’ve had the good fortune to... - [A Fresh Look at Spinal Injury Care in the Backcountry](https://ncoae.org/blog/a-fresh-look-at-spinal-injury-care-in-the-backcountry/): In wilderness medicine, the traditional response to a potential spinal injury has emphasized immobilizing the patient to prevent further injury.... - [Meet the NCOAE Student: Will Newman, Hybrid EMT Course Graduate](https://ncoae.org/blog/meet-the-ncoae-student-will-newman-hybrid-emt-course-graduate/): Shortly after graduating from The National Center for Outdoor and Adventure Education’s Intensive Hybrid EMT course, Will Newman began working... - [Wilderness Medicine: Accounting for Challenging Terrain](https://ncoae.org/blog/wilderness-medicine-accounting-for-challenging-terrain/): When some hear the term “wilderness medicine,” they think of those rusty out-of-date First Aid kits that they used to... - [Educating the Educators to Ensure Safe and Satisfying Outdoor Adventure and Educational Experiences](https://ncoae.org/blog/educating-the-educators-to-ensure-safe-and-satisfying-outdoor-adventure-and-educational-experiences/): When you’re planning a backcountry-based experiential educational experience for yourself or a child/teen, you want to be sure that the... - [When to Call — or Not Call — for Help During a Wilderness Emergency](https://ncoae.org/blog/when-to-call-or-not-call-for-help-during-a-wilderness-emergency/): In wilderness or the backcountry, bad things can happen to even the most experienced of adventurers. Truth is, most illnesses... - [The Quintessential Backcountry Expedition Road Trip Playlist](https://ncoae.org/blog/the-quintessential-backcountry-expedition-road-trip-playlist/): You’ve probably passed us on the highway. We’re the weirdos with heads bobbing, playing air guitar and dashboard keyboard, shouting... - [EMT Health and Fitness: How to Stay Physically Strong and Mentally Sharp](https://ncoae.org/blog/emt-health-and-fitness-how-to-stay-physically-strong-and-mentally-sharp/): It’s been my experience that emergency medical personnel — including Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) — tend to be much better... - [The Value of Outdoor Education to Your Students and School’s Curriculum](https://ncoae.org/blog/the-value-of-outdoor-education-to-your-students-and-schools-curriculum/): For as long as we can remember, private and independent schools have recognized the transformative power of experiential learning, and... - [Evaluating Neurovascular Function in the Backcountry](https://ncoae.org/blog/evaluating-neurovascular-function-in-the-backcountry/): When it comes to emergency medicine — whether in an urban setting or the backcountry — swift and accurate assessments... - [Exploring 2024 Summer Camp Experiences for Teens](https://ncoae.org/blog/exploring-2024-summer-camp-experiences-for-teens/): It’s that time of year — from mid-winter to early spring — when teens, parents, and others are asking for... - [What Is Wilderness Medicine?](https://ncoae.org/blog/what-is-wilderness-medicine/): When the average person encounters the term “wilderness medicine,” they typically assume it is referring to the practice of medicine... - [NCOAE’s 2024 Camping and Outdoor Adventure Gear Improvement Guide](https://ncoae.org/blog/ncoaes-2024-camping-and-outdoor-adventure-gear-improvement-guide/): From November 1st to the end of the year, you’ll be bombarded with advertising, discounts, and announcements of “shopping holidays.... - [Spinal Immobilization or Spinal Motion Restriction: Which is Safest?](https://ncoae.org/blog/spinal-immobilization-or-spinal-motion-restriction-which-is-safest/): For decades, spinal immobilization (SI) has been the standard practice when moving trauma patients with potential spinal injuries. Indeed, this... - [Leadership Skills & Personal Development are Backcountry Bonuses at NCOAE](https://ncoae.org/blog/leadership-skills-personal-development-are-backcountry-bonuses-at-ncoae/): Editor’s Note: Today’s post is the 250th since we launched our blog in December of 2013. And what better way... - [Meet the NCOAE Student: Tina Haver Currin, WEMT](https://ncoae.org/blog/meet-the-ncoae-student-tina-haver-currin-wemt/): Tina Currin’s dance card remains full after completing our 27-day Hybrid Wilderness EMT course this past March. For starters, Tina... - [NCOAE Garners Prestigious ‘Organizational Member of the Year’ Award from AEE](https://ncoae.org/blog/ncoae-garners-prestigious-organizational-member-of-the-year-award-from-aee/): In the world of outdoor education and adventure-based recreation, there are shining stars that not only inspire peers with their... - [SOAP Notes Keep Wilderness Medicine Clean](https://ncoae.org/blog/soap-notes-keep-wilderness-medicine-clean/): In the context of wilderness medicine, soap and SOAP are both indispensable. An explanation is in order. We’re all familiar... - [The Value of NCOAE’s Curriculum Focusing on Leadership and Personal Growth](https://ncoae.org/blog/the-value-of-ncoaes-curriculum-focusing-on-leadership-and-personal-growth/): What happens when someone answers the call to outdoor adventure and enrolls in a wilderness education, outdoor education, or backcountry... - [Maintaining Resilience and Mental Health in the EMS Profession](https://ncoae.org/blog/maintaining-resilience-and-mental-health-in-the-ems-profession/): The suicide rate among emergency medical service (EMS) professionals rose a shocking 38 percent since 2009, according to a study... - [2023 Outdoor Industry Conferences for Outdoor Educators](https://ncoae.org/blog/2023-outdoor-industry-conferences-for-outdoor-educators/): As we do each year, we are once again taking advantage of this space to inform you about opportunities for... - [Meet the Staff: Kate Javes, NCOAE EMT Instructor, Clinical Coordinator and AHA Training Site Coordinator](https://ncoae.org/blog/meet-the-staff-kate-javes-ncoae-emt-instructor-clinical-coordinator-and-aha-training-site-coordinator/): Kate Javes has been a huge part of NCOAE’s continued success for a number of years, most recently as our... - [Why Clinical Experience Matters in EMT Training](https://ncoae.org/blog/why-clinical-experience-matters-in-emt-training/): In the world of emergency medical services (EMS), future EMTs and paramedics accept the reality that their immediate future includes... - [Frazzled by Eco-anxiety? Find Respite in the Backcountry](https://ncoae.org/blog/frazzled-by-eco-anxiety-find-respite-in-the-backcountry/): As you’ve probably heard or read, last month was the hottest June our planet has ever experienced — topping a... - [Why Learn Map and Compass Skills in the Age of GPS and Digital Tools?](https://ncoae.org/blog/why-learn-map-and-compass-skills-in-the-age-of-gps-and-digital-tools/): Undoubtedly, you’re either reading this on a smartphone or you’ve got a smartphone in your pocket or sitting on the... - [What’s the Difference Between NOLS, Outward Bound, and Other Outdoor Programs?](https://ncoae.org/blog/whats-the-difference-between-nols-outward-bound-and-other-outdoor-programs/): As an accredited outdoor and adventure education provider, we here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE)... - [Meet the Team: Wes Hawkins, NCOAE Director of Course Management and Logistics](https://ncoae.org/blog/meet-the-team-wes-hawkins-ncoae-director-of-course-management-and-logistics/): As The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) has grown, so have the skills and knowledge of our... - [Trending: With Increased Participation Comes a Renewed Focus on Stewardship](https://ncoae.org/blog/trending-with-increased-participation-comes-a-renewed-focus-on-stewardship/): This is the last post in our four-part series on trends to be aware of in outdoor and adventure-based experiential... - [Opinion: Instilling an Operational Risk Management Mindset in EMS](https://ncoae.org/blog/opinion-instilling-an-operational-risk-management-mindset-in-ems/): In EMS (emergency medical services) education, generations of students have been taught to put safety first. “Don’t enter a scene... - [Managing Backcountry Rain by Adopting an Expedition Mentality](https://ncoae.org/blog/managing-backcountry-rain-by-adopting-an-expedition-mentality/): If you asked me to list the attributes that allowed Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Trans-Antarctic Expedition (1914-1917) to survive more than... - [Trending: Trauma-informed Learning in Outdoor-based Experiential Education](https://ncoae.org/blog/trending-trauma-informed-learning-in-outdoor-based-experiential-education/): Why We Need Trauma-Informed Learning Time warp yourself back to early-February of 2020. We were a month into a new... - [Trending: Restorative Practices in Outdoor-based Experiential Education](https://ncoae.org/blog/trending-restorative-practices-in-outdoor-based-experiential-education/): A few weeks ago, we published Part 1 of this series, which covers what we here at The National Center... - [Benefits To Leadership-Based Summer Camp for Teens](https://ncoae.org/blog/benefits-of-summer-camp-for-teens/): Outdoor and adventure-based summer camps for teens provide a life-enriching and world-changing experience for those who participate in them. These... - [Trending: 4 Best Practices in Outdoor and Adventure-based Experiential Education](https://ncoae.org/blog/trending-4-best-practices-in-outdoor-and-adventure-based-experiential-education/): A little more than three decades ago, two educators and researchers from Canada partnered with the Association for Experiential Education... - [Opinion: There’s Nothing “Basic” About an EMT](https://ncoae.org/blog/opinion-theres-nothing-basic-about-an-emt/): It’s been more than a decade since the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) stopped using the certification designations... - [What Outdoor Industry Pros Recommend You Keep in Your First-Aid Kit](https://ncoae.org/blog/what-outdoor-industry-pros-recommend-you-keep-in-your-first-aid-kit/): Having a first aid kit handy is always a good idea, but what should it contain? The answer to this... - [Let’s Add Humble to the 5 ‘Umbles’ of Hypothermia](https://ncoae.org/blog/lets-add-humble-to-the-5-umbles-of-hypothermia/): Hypothermia is deadly. There, I said it! This potentially dangerous drop in body temperature is commonly defined as a core... - [Hands-on Training is the Key to a Career in the Outdoor Industry](https://ncoae.org/blog/hands-on-training-is-the-key-to-a-career-in-the-outdoor-industry/): For anyone interested in a career in the outdoor education, adventure programming, and guiding sectors of the outdoor industry, there... - [New Thinking about How to Handle Spinal Injuries in Remote Wilderness Settings](https://ncoae.org/blog/new-thinking-about-how-to-handle-spinal-injuries-in-remote-wilderness-settings/): Best practices for evaluating and transporting patients with potential spinal fractures or spinal cord injuries is a hot topic in... - [In the Outdoor Industry, Affordable Housing for Outdoor Educators Remains Elusive](https://ncoae.org/blog/in-the-outdoor-industry-affordable-housing-for-outdoor-educators-remains-elusive/): One of the major “perks” of working as a field instructor, guide, or senior staff in the outdoor education and... - [Gaining the Clinical Experience to Get into Med School: EMT Training and Direct Patient Care](https://ncoae.org/blog/gaining-the-clinical-experience-to-get-into-med-school-emt-training-and-direct-patient-care/): Experience is among the biggest hurdles you need to clear in order to enter any competitive profession. However, clearing this... - [Meet the EMT Students: Colleen and Justin](https://ncoae.org/blog/meet-the-emt-students-colleen-and-justin/): There’s good reason why we precede our three-week Hybrid EMT course with the word “Intensive. ” And that’s because our... - [Hybrid EMT Training Available in Oregon and North Carolina](https://ncoae.org/blog/hybrid-emt-training-now-available-in-oregon-and-north-carolina/): Long touted for offering hybrid EMT instruction in North Carolina, The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) also... - [8 Alternative Jobs to Pursue with an EMT Certification](https://ncoae.org/blog/8-alternative-jobs-to-pursue-with-an-emt-certification/): Just obtaining an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license opens a world of career possibilities both inside and out of the... - [Heat Illness: Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment](https://ncoae.org/blog/heat-illness-symptoms-prevention-and-treatment/): Nobody likes to be hot and sweaty on the trail. But when things turn from being uncomfortable to becoming downright... - [Adult Education Courses & Adventure Vacations](https://ncoae.org/blog/adult-education-courses-adventure-vacations/): Taking a well-deserved adult vacation offers joyful predictability. There’s time off to do what you want, visit places that you’ve... - [Concussion Recognition and Treatment in the Backcountry](https://ncoae.org/blog/concussion-recognition-and-treatment-in-the-backcountry/): Concussion recognition and treatment has gotten a lot of attention over the last decade, mostly in the context of youth... - [Avoiding Target Fixations and Incident Pits in the Backcountry](https://ncoae.org/blog/avoiding-target-fixations-and-incident-pits-in-the-backcountry/): “Look where you want to go! ” I have conveyed this message to wilderness course participants countless times, shouting, screaming,... - [Most EMS Terminology Comes Down to Initials, Abbreviations and Acronyms](https://ncoae.org/blog/most-ems-terminology-comes-down-to-initials-abbreviations-and-acronyms/): A few years ago, we ran a three-part series on slogans, slang, and terminology as it applies to a trio... - [When it Comes to Wilderness, Is it an Adventure or Experience?](https://ncoae.org/blog/when-it-comes-to-wilderness-is-it-an-adventure-or-experience/): Years ago, I was working in wilderness-based setting with a group of gang members who were attempting to break away... - [The Role of the Wilderness First Responder During Water Rescues](https://ncoae.org/blog/the-role-of-the-wilderness-first-responder-during-water-rescues/): It may surprise you to learn that drownings — along with heart attacks and falls — are among the leading... - [Outdoor Industry Jobs Require Personal Experience and Certifications](https://ncoae.org/blog/outdoor-industry-jobs-require-personal-experience-and-certifications/): Professional development — learning that allows you to earn or maintain professional credentials — is key to career planning, especially... - [Applying the Principles of ‘Leave No Trace’ to Daily Life in an Urban Setting](https://ncoae.org/blog/applying-the-principles-of-leave-no-trace-to-daily-life-in-an-urban-setting/): What is Leave No Trace? The idea behind Leave No Trace is to embrace specific wilderness stewardship values in order... - [There’s a Reason Why Outdoor Ed is Not Club Med](https://ncoae.org/blog/theres-a-reason-why-outdoor-ed-is-not-club-med/): Zac Adair, our co-founder and executive director, recently asked one of our courseparticipants why they signed up for a particular... - [Cape Fear Academy Students Immerse Themselves in Ecuador’s Culture](https://ncoae.org/blog/cape-fear-academy-students-immerse-themselves-in-ecuadors-culture/): Late last year, the staff at Cape Fear Academy in Wilmington, North Carolina, asked for our help in creating a... - [NCOAE's EMT Training Opens the Doors to Jobs Across the U.S.](https://ncoae.org/blog/ncoaes-emt-training-opens-the-doors-to-jobs-across-the-u-s/): Applicants to our nationally renowned EMT training courses often ask us if they can taketheir new EMT credentials to the... - [NCOAE Recommends — 2022 Outdoor Industry Conferences and Summits](https://ncoae.org/blog/ncoae-recommends-2022-outdoor-industry-conferences-and-summits/): The health pandemic has had an enormous impact on the outdoor education and adventure programming industries, not to mention those... - [Program Spotlight: We’ve Got Teen Expeditions Far and Wide](https://ncoae.org/blog/program-spotlight-weve-got-teen-expeditions-far-and-wide/): Looking for a teen expedition this summer? We here at NCOAE are excited to announce that our 2022 season of... - [Old School Tips for Handling Bleeds on the Trail Get a Needed Update](https://ncoae.org/blog/old-school-tips-for-handling-bleeds-on-the-trail-get-a-needed-update/): Injuries that involve bleeding are not completely uncommon to those of us who visit or work in the backcountry. In... - [The Benefit of Early Exposure to the Outdoors](https://ncoae.org/blog/the-benefit-of-early-exposure-to-the-outdoors/): I grew up in the Midwest, and while some may claim the flatlands don’t have much to offer — I... - [NCOAE Celebrates Black History Month with NCCU’s Cheatham-White Program](https://ncoae.org/blog/ncoae-celebrates-black-history-month-with-nccus-cheatham-white-program/): It’s pouring rain, and some of North Carolina Central University’s custom outdoor education program participants slip into the knee-deep mud,... - [Adventures in Outdoor Cooking: Do it for Your Taste Buds](https://ncoae.org/blog/adventures-in-outdoor-cooking-do-it-for-your-taste-buds/): The instructor-in-training for the day reaches into her pack, shakes her head and swears softly. “We left a bottle of... - [Six Tips on How Best to Respond to a Medical Emergency](https://ncoae.org/blog/six-tips-on-how-best-to-respond-to-a-medical-emergency/): It’s pretty well known that we here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) are experts when... - [Eastern Divide Trail Promises Bikepacking Heaven for Enthusiasts](https://ncoae.org/blog/eastern-divide-trail-promises-bikepacking-heaven-for-enthusiasts/): Consider what it is you like best about the Appalachian Trail or the Pacific Crest Trail, and then ask yourself... - [Eastern Divide Trail Promises Bikepacking Heaven for Enthusiasts](https://ncoae.org/blog/eastern-divide-trail-promises-bikepacking-heaven-for-enthusiasts-2/): Consider what it is you like best about the Appalachian Trail or the Pacific Crest Trail, and then ask yourself... - [Why Become a Wilderness First Responder?](https://ncoae.org/blog/why-become-a-wilderness-first-responder/): For those outdoor education organizations — or for those enthusiasts who live for a well-planned wilderness experience — the inclusion... - [At NCOAE, Partnerships Keep Us Outside and Global](https://ncoae.org/blog/at-ncoae-partnerships-keep-us-outside-and-global/): One tree doesn’t offer the strength of a forest, just as one organization can’t lead an entire industry. According to... - [Op-Ed: Has the Time Come to Standardize Wilderness Medicine Education and Training?](https://ncoae.org/blog/op-ed-has-the-time-come-to-standardize-wilderness-medicine-education-and-training/): There is no shortage of wilderness medicine education providers in this country. From organizations that offer education and training for... - [Exactly What Is It That an EMT Does?](https://ncoae.org/blog/exactly-what-is-it-that-an-emt-does/): Depending on where you live, you may see them every day or just when there’s a fire, police, or medical... - [Proper Water Treatment Needs to be a Priority in the Backcountry](https://ncoae.org/blog/proper-water-treatment-needs-to-be-a-priority-in-the-backcountry/): While it’s true that some water sources you encounter in the outdoors are safe, know that drinking from even the... - [Discover Solace in the Outdoors After Months Isolating Indoors](https://ncoae.org/blog/discover-solace-in-the-outdoors-after-months-isolating-indoors/): You sit. The clock is ticking. You hear only the clock. And all the stress and anxiety vanish. Solace. Laughing... - [It Took a Pandemic to Shine the Spotlight on Our Nation’s EMTs](https://ncoae.org/blog/it-took-a-pandemic-to-shine-the-spotlight-on-our-nations-emts/): Emergency Medical Services personnel (EMS) have been on the front lines of the COVID health pandemic for 18 months now,... - [Planning Begins Now for 2022 Pacific Northwest Adventures](https://ncoae.org/blog/planning-begins-now-for-2022-pacific-northwest-adventures/): Well, it’s official. We’ve just wrapped up and put a bow around another successful season of adventure-based programming in the... - [Dyneema: A Lightweight Fabric for Your Outdoor Gear](https://ncoae.org/blog/dyneema-a-lightweight-fabric-for-your-outdoor-gear/): Every now and then, we like to introduce — or expand upon — a new product or material that outdoor... - [Safety Considerations for Adventure Travel in Foreign Countries](https://ncoae.org/blog/safety-considerations-for-adventure-travel-in-foreign-countries/): There are few activities that provide a greater explosion of sense and emotions than putting foot in a new land... - [Update from NCOAE Spinoff — Education Without Walls](https://ncoae.org/blog/update-from-ncoae-spinoff-education-without-walls/): If you’re a regular reader of our blog, you may recall that Education Without Walls (EWOW) began more than a... - [The Three Bears: Part 3 — Decision Time for the Trailbike Rider](https://ncoae.org/blog/the-three-bears-part-3-decision-time-for-the-trailbike-rider-2/): Editor’s Note: Below is final part in Stephen Mullaney’s three-part series of essays about encounters with bears in the backcountry.... - [The Three Bears: Part 2 — Some Confrontations Can Be Humorous](https://ncoae.org/blog/the-three-bears-part-2-some-confrontations-can-be-humorous/): Editor’s Note: In this, the second installment of “The Three Bears,” we’ll hear from NCOAE staffer Stephen Mullaney tell yet... - [The Three Bears: Tales of Terror and Trepidation — Part 1 “The Shock”](https://ncoae.org/blog/the-three-bears-tales-of-terror-and-trepidation-part-1-the-shock/): When folks find out that my work often takes me into the backcountry, one of the first questions they usually... - [Making Dehydrated Delicious: 4 Quick Backcountry Recipes](https://ncoae.org/blog/making-dehydrated-delicious-4-quick-backcountry-recipes/): Here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education, we’re known for bringing gourmet meals to the wilderness. And... - [Tales from The Trail: The ‘Cookie Lady’ of the Appalachian Trail](https://ncoae.org/blog/tales-from-the-trail-the-cookie-lady-of-the-appalachian-trail/): There are always lessons to be learned on the trail, and they aren’t always related to building a campfire, setting... - [Mental Health Issues for Emergency Medical Technicians](https://ncoae.org/blog/mental-health-issues-for-emergency-medical-technicians/): Becoming a full- or part-time Emergency Medical Technician requires extreme and rigorous training, and it’s not a career choice to... - [Trail Nutrition: Planning and Prepping Backcountry Meals](https://ncoae.org/blog/trail-nutrition-planning-and-prepping-backcountry-meals/): Preparing backcountry meals and focusing on trail nutrition is important when planning meals for your next outdoor adventure. Whether you’re... - [Engaging Teens in the Outdoors](https://ncoae.org/blog/engaging-teens-in-the-outdoors/): Getting your child or teen to look up from their smartphone, put down their Xbox controllers, or step away from... - [Signs That an Intensive EMT Training Course Might be Right for You](https://ncoae.org/blog/signs-that-an-intensive-emt-training-course-might-be-right-for-you/): Intensive is one of those words that, when you say it out loud or write it down, sounds foreboding or,... - [Understanding the Role EpiPens Play in Urban and Wilderness Settings](https://ncoae.org/blog/understanding-the-role-epipens-play-in-urban-and-wilderness-settings/): For those who suffer severe allergic reactions to everything from wasp stings to wheat consumption, getting help — and getting... - [From Couch Potato to Hiker in Just 4 to 6 Weeks](https://ncoae.org/blog/from-couch-potato-to-hiker-in-just-4-to-6-weeks/): Apparently, I spent three quarters of last year and a quarter of this year mostly sitting on the couch. I... - [Thinking About Going to Med School? Start with EMT Training and Certification](https://ncoae.org/blog/thinking-about-going-to-med-school-start-with-emt-training-and-certification/): If one of your goals is to apply to medical school and eventually become a doctor, here are a few... - [Mother Nature Requests a Non-Disclosure Agreement on Secret Spots](https://ncoae.org/blog/mother-nature-requests-a-non-disclosure-agreement-on-secret-spots/): You’ve just finished packing up your gear and made sure that your favorite secret camping spot is in better shape... - [How to Become an EMT](https://ncoae.org/blog/how-to-become-an-emt/): You’re thinking about becoming an EMT. Awesome! If you follow through, you will be joining the ranks of today’s modern-day... - [Returning to School? We Want to Help you Safely Opt Out(side)](https://ncoae.org/blog/returning-to-school-we-want-to-help-you-safely-opt-outside/): In recent weeks, we’ve all been hearing more and more from parents, educators, and even the nation’s top disease experts... - [Wilderness Courses in the New Year: Fresh Beginnings, Adventures, and Trails](https://ncoae.org/blog/wilderness-courses-in-the-new-year-fresh-beginnings-adventures-and-trails/): Much like most educational institutions this past year, we find ourselves looking down the road toward new beginnings. And for... - [Success is Just Getting Out There: Re-ignite Your Inner Beginner – Part 3](https://ncoae.org/blog/success-is-just-getting-out-there-re-ignite-your-inner-beginner-part-3/): On a recent early morning bike ride along some local wooded trails, I happen to stumble upon the greatest of... - [Running as Exploration? Re-ignite Your Inner Beginner — Part 2](https://ncoae.org/blog/running-as-exploration-re-ignite-your-inner-beginner-part-2/): Francis Bacon, the Renaissance statesman and philosopher best known for his promotion of the scientific method, is credited with the... - [21-Day Intensive EMT-Basic Training Now Available in North Carolina](https://ncoae.org/blog/21-day-intensive-emt-basic-training-now-available-north-carolina/): Starting and completing EMT-Basic training in North Carolina doesn’t have to be a long, drawn-out exercise. It’s now possible —... - [Outdoor Activities Getting Stale? Re-ignite Your Inner Beginner](https://ncoae.org/blog/outdoor-activities-getting-stale-re-ignite-your-inner-beginner/): They say you never forget your first kiss. And while that’s very sweet and sometimes even true, the point I’m... - [Inspiration Through a Journey of Exploration — Part Three: Outdoor Magazines](https://ncoae.org/blog/inspiration-through-a-journey-of-exploration-part-three-outdoor-magazines/): As you’re probably already aware, outdoor magazines such as Bike, Surfer, Powder and Snowboarder have all shuttered their windows and... - [Inspiration Through a Journey of Exploration: Part Two – Federico Cabrera](https://ncoae.org/blog/inspiration-through-a-journey-of-exploration-part-two-federico-cabrera/): Federico Cabrera is a dreamer. For years, he had dreams of becoming a National Geographic photographer. Taking photos in Africa... - [Inspiration Through a Journey of Exploration: Part One - Alex Hotchin](https://ncoae.org/blog/inspiration-through-a-journey-of-exploration-part-one-alex-hotchin/): This week we begin the first in a three-part series called “Inspiration Through Exploration” where we will see how gifted... - [Paddling Terminology and Slang: Nobody Says ‘Up a River Without an Oar’](https://ncoae.org/blog/paddling-terminology-and-slang/): Welcome to our third — and final segment in our series about sports terminology and slang terms. In this post,... - [On Belay — Climbing Terminology and Slang](https://ncoae.org/blog/on-belay-climbing-terminology-and-slang/): Did you hear the one about Rock and Ice magazine merging with Climbing magazine? It’s not a joke. That news... - [Surfing Terminology and Slang: You Can’t Play BINGO Without the Lingo](https://ncoae.org/blog/surfing-terminology-and-slang/): Seems most every human-powered outdoor recreation activity has a language of its own. And the more popular that activity becomes,... - [Meet the Staff: Kassie Kehrer, NCOAE Executive Assistant](https://ncoae.org/blog/meet-the-staff-kassie-kehrer-ncoae-executive-assistant/): Kassie Kehrer is our new executive assistant, tasked with ensuring the efficiency of our Wilmington, N. C. , office here... - [DIY Part 3: Brewing Coffee in the Backcountry Like a Barista](https://ncoae.org/blog/diy-part-3-brewing-coffee-in-the-backcountry-like-a-barista/): What’s the only item in your gear closet that could possibly be more important than food, water, and shelter? For... - [DIY Part 2: Emergency Water Filtration System](https://ncoae.org/blog/diy-part-2-emergency-water-filtration-system/): We’ve all seen those old Western movies where the hero is crawling on the desert floor with an empty canteen... - [Do it Yourself Part One: Denatured Alcohol Stove](https://ncoae.org/blog/do-it-yourself-part-one-denatured-alcohol-stove/): Visitors to our blog are going to react in one of two ways when they see an article with “Do... - [Look Up! Cloud Identification and What the Clouds are Telling Us (Part 3)](https://ncoae.org/blog/cloud-identification-and-what-the-clouds-are-telling-us/): As we outlined in earlier parts of this series, our instructors are expected to possess a wealth of experiences, as... - [Look Up! And Meet Your Feathered Friends (Part 2 of 3)](https://ncoae.org/blog/look-up-and-meet-your-feathered-friends-part-2-of-3/): One of the best parts of an outdoor educator instructor course is when the group of participants comes together —... - [Look Up! Part 1 — A Guide to Viewing the Upper Half of Our Surroundings](https://ncoae.org/blog/look-up-part-1-a-guide-to-viewing-the-upper-half-of-our-surroundings/): Night sky tips for outdoor educators and guides. - [Tips for Participating in EMT Training Online](https://ncoae.org/blog/tips-for-participating-in-emt-training-online/): What you need to know to succeed in an online EMT training course, from The National Center for Outdoor &... - [Using Collective Impact to Forge a Path Forward with Coronavirus](https://ncoae.org/blog/using-collective-impact-to-forge-a-path-forward-with-coronavirus/): Because of the situation with COVID-19, we’ve been thinking a lot lately about the path forward for outdoor and adventure-based... - [Finding Adventure in Education That’s Taught Online](https://ncoae.org/blog/finding-adventure-in-education-thats-taught-online/): So, here we all sit, settling into another sequential week of sequestered sheltering and supreme seclusion, many of us working... - [Adapting Outdoor Education in the Time of Coronavirus](https://ncoae.org/blog/adapting-outdoor-education-in-the-time-of-coronavirus/): Here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), we’re known nationally and around the world for our... - [NCOAE Embraces Place-Based Learning](https://ncoae.org/blog/ncoae-embraces-place-based-learning/): Embedded in each of our outdoor and wilderness-based experiential education courses is the delivery of place-based learning, which was first... - [Here’s the Cold Facts about Canyon Coolers — in Our Opinion](https://ncoae.org/blog/heres-the-cold-facts-about-canyon-coolers-in-our-opinion/): Here at The National Center for Outdoor Adventure & Education (NCOAE), we just aren’t all that interested in touting the... - [Now’s the Time to Explode Your Backpack](https://ncoae.org/blog/nows-the-time-to-explode-your-backpack/): Most successful outdoor retailers take monthly, quarterly, and/or an annual inventory of what they have in stock, what needs to... - [Adventure is Rx for Staying Sane and Serene During the Winter Months](https://ncoae.org/blog/adventure-is-rx-for-staying-sane-and-serene-during-the-winter-months/): Happiness is an inside job. And on the flip side of that coin, depression — a mood disorder — is... - [Get to Know Us: Dr. Christopher Davis, NCOAE Medical Director](https://ncoae.org/blog/get-to-know-us-dr-christopher-davis-ncoae-medical-director/): Dr. Christopher Davis, The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education’s medical director, spent most of his adult life combining... - [7 Tips for Staying Sharp This Winter](https://ncoae.org/blog/7-tips-for-staying-sharp-this-winter/): When it comes to staying connected with outdoor activities — even in the dead of winter — the important thing... - [Give the Gift of Adventure This Holiday Season](https://ncoae.org/blog/give-the-gift-of-adventure-this-holiday-season/): This, indeed, is the time of year when most of us are spending way too much focus seeking the perfect... - [Winter Camping Offers an Exciting Challenge to Your Comfort Level](https://ncoae.org/blog/winter-camping-offers-an-exciting-challenge-to-your-comfort-level/): As the numbers on the thermometer continue to drop in many regions of the United States, fewer people are packing... - [NCOAE Recommends: Outdoor Films for Thanksgiving Consumption](https://ncoae.org/blog/ncoae-recommends-outdoor-films-for-thanksgiving-consumption/): For this year, Halloween is history, Thanksgiving looms in the near future, and Christmas is still far enough away that... - [Shoulder Season Doesn’t Mean You’re Doomed to Binge-watching Netflix](https://ncoae.org/blog/shoulder-season-doesnt-mean-youre-doomed-to-binge-watching-netflix/): The outdoor industry uses the term “shoulder season” to indicate times of the year when we’re less busy. With the... - [Recommended Reads: Turning the Page on Adventure](https://ncoae.org/blog/recommended-reads-turning-the-page-on-adventure/): As another summer draws to a close, your adventures may have come, gone, or never materialized. No matter which one... - [As Traditional Recycling Programs Disappear, NCOAE Seeks Alternatives](https://ncoae.org/blog/as-traditional-recycling-programs-disappear-ncoae-seeks-alternatives/): It’s only been a year and a half since China put a halt to accepting the world’s recyclable waste products,... - [When Wildlife Interferes with Our Love of the “Wild Life”](https://ncoae.org/blog/when-wildlife-interferes-with-our-love-of-the-wild-life/): Even if you’ve never participated in scouting, you probably know that “Be Prepared” is the Boy Scout Motto. It’s a... - [2019 Outdoor Industry Conferences and Summits](https://ncoae.org/blog/2019-outdoor-industry-conferences-and-summits/): There’s a paradox in this outdoor education industry of ours, and that seeming contradiction is this: Sometimes you have to... - [Meet the Student: Gordon Harrison III](https://ncoae.org/blog/meet-the-student-gordon-harrison-iii/): If Gordon Harrison’s name sounds familiar to you, that likely means one of two things: You either know him personally... - [Sleeping Out: From Cowboy Camping to Luxury Tents, the Choice is Yours](https://ncoae.org/blog/sleeping-out-from-cowboy-camping-to-luxury-tents-the-choice-is-yours/): Few things on Earth can match the unsurpassed contentment of sleeping outdoors. “If people sat outside and looked at the... - [At NCOAE, We Don’t Cut Cookies — We Plan Dreams](https://ncoae.org/blog/at-ncoae-we-dont-cut-cookies-we-plan-dreams/): “The world is a book, and those who do not travel, read only a page. ” ~ Saint Augustine On... - [Fire it Up: How to Plan for and Make a Campfire in the Backcountry](https://ncoae.org/blog/fire-it-up-how-to-plan-for-and-make-a-campfire-in-the-backcountry/): Most of us have caught at least an episode or two of “Survivor,” the original reality show that has cast... - [Lighten Up! Don’t Carry All That Weight into the Backcountry](https://ncoae.org/blog/lighten-up-dont-carry-all-that-weight-into-the-backcountry/): Secure in my shelter and listening as the rain dances on my tarp, I pull out my alcohol stove and... - [State Offices of Outdoor Recreation are Now a Thing](https://ncoae.org/blog/state-offices-of-outdoor-recreation-are-now-a-thing/): Stereotyping is never a good thing — primarily because such finger-pointing prejudices are usually unsupported by fact. Take, for example,... - [Living Outdoors Not Always a Choice, But Laguna Beach Man Makes It Work](https://ncoae.org/blog/living-outdoors-not-always-a-choice-but-laguna-beach-man-makes-it-work/): One of our vendors lives and works out of an ocean-view condo in Laguna Beach, California, where taking long walks... - [Get to Know Us: Julius McAdams, EMS Program Director](https://ncoae.org/blog/get-to-know-us-julius-mcadams-ems-program-director/): Back in December of last year, we asked key NCOAE administrative and field staff to share some of the things... - [NCOAE Now Has a Basecamp in Northern Patagonia](https://ncoae.org/blog/ncoae-now-has-a-basecamp-in-northern-patagonia/): It’s official. We’ve symbolically planted a National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) flag in the ground and established... - [Gratitude is an Action Word for NCOAE Staff](https://ncoae.org/blog/gratitude-is-an-action-word-for-ncoae-staff/): Gratitude is most often used as a noun, describing as it does, the feeling of being thankful. This warm and... - [Now Hiring Part-time EMT Course Instructors](https://ncoae.org/blog/now-hiring-part-time-emt-course-instructors/): The economy is booming and we here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) find ourselves in... - [Get to Know Us: Ricardo Flores, NCOAE Field Instructor](https://ncoae.org/blog/get-to-know-us-ricardo-flores-ncoae-field-instructor/): The thing that makes Ricardo Flores exceedingly well qualified to serve as a National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education... - [Gourmet Cooking on the Trail: Here’s What You’ll Need to Pack](https://ncoae.org/blog/gourmet-cooking-on-the-trail-heres-what-youll-need-to-pack/): Some veteran backpackers claim the only time a heated can of Dinty Moore stew tastes delicious is when eaten outdoors,... - [We’re Back! Despite a Lightning Bolt Barrage on Our Beleaguered Campus](https://ncoae.org/blog/were-back-despite-a-lightning-bolt-barrage-on-our-beleaguered-campus/): Today, we can happily report that — following the trials and tribulations of last month’s bullseye hurricane confrontation on our... - [Hurricane Florence Turns NCOAE Staff into Storm Troopers](https://ncoae.org/blog/hurricane-florence-turns-ncoae-staff-into-storm-troopers/): Say what you will about global warming, climate change and other hemispheric anomalies, but there’s no question in anybody’s mind... - [How a Hotel Parking Could Lead to NCOAE Establishing a Pacific Northwest Location](https://ncoae.org/blog/how-a-hotel-parking-could-lead-to-ncoae-establishing-a-pacific-northwest-location/): It’s not often that we derive inspiration while standing in the middle of an overcrowded parking lot, but for our... - [Generous Gifts from Island Women Funds Education Without Walls](https://ncoae.org/blog/generous-gifts-from-island-women-funds-education-without-walls/): Over the past two summers, The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) has received a total of nearly... - [UNCW Students Can Earn 6 Credits While on Winter Break in Patagonia](https://ncoae.org/blog/uncw-students-can-earn-6-credits-while-on-winter-break-in-patagonia/): How would you like to spend three weeks in windswept Patagonia, summiting a 19,000-foot-high peak in the Andes, taking on... - [Upcoming and Important Outdoor Industry Conferences](https://ncoae.org/blog/upcoming-and-important-outdoor-industry-conferences/): As you’re probably aware, we here at The National Center for Outdoor Adventure & Education (NCOAE) do a lot more... - [Get to Know Us: Chris Brooks, NCOAE’s EMS Program Director](https://ncoae.org/blog/get-to-know-us-chris-brooks-ncoaes-ems-program-director/): Growing up in a small town in the foothills of North Carolina, Chris Brooks claims his lifetime dream from the... - [When It Comes to Program Backpacks, NCOAE Opts for Osprey](https://ncoae.org/blog/when-it-comes-to-program-backpacks-ncoae-opts-for-osprey/): Here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) we’re not very big on endorsing products or brands.... - [‘Free Range’ Mountain Bike Advocates Seek Access to Wilderness Areas](https://ncoae.org/blog/free-range-mountain-bike-advocates-seek-access-to-wilderness-areas/): Strange and interesting things are afoot in the human-powered outdoor recreation community, and if you’ve been paying attention to issues... - [For Emergencies on the Trail — Who You Gonna Call and with What Device?](https://ncoae.org/blog/for-emergencies-on-the-trail-who-you-gonna-call-and-with-what-device/): The ideal time to consider the best communications options for your backcountry trip is not after you’ve arrived at the... - [Staff Profile: Meg Young, Director of Admissions](https://ncoae.org/blog/staff-profile-meg-young-director-of-admissions/): Meg Young joined the staff team here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education late last year as... - [How to Find Your Perfect Outdoor Partner](https://ncoae.org/blog/how-to-find-your-perfect-outdoor-partner/): It stands to reason that the success or failure of any non-solo outdoor adventure depends to a great degree on... - [Making Sense of the New Norm in Outdoor Equipment](https://ncoae.org/blog/making-sense-of-the-new-norm-in-outdoor-equipment/): When shopping for human-outdoor equipment, keeping up with the Joneses used to be the norm. New skis, boots, boards, kayaks,... - [Meet an Education Without Walls Graduate — Joaly Canseco](https://ncoae.org/blog/meet-an-education-without-walls-graduate-joaly-canseco/): We here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) are very proud of the Education Without Walls... - [Jump Start Your Outdoor Education or Emergency Medicine Career with EMT Training](https://ncoae.org/blog/jump-start-your-outdoor-education-or-emergency-medicine-career-with-emt-training/): For those of us who work in the fields of outdoor and adventure-based experiential education and/or emergency medicine, the importance... - [Staff Profile: Liz Shirley, NCOAE’s Program Coordinator](https://ncoae.org/blog/staff-profile-liz-shirley-ncoaes-program-coordinator/): Here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), it’s not always necessary for employees to be front... - [The Three "E"s of Breaking into Outdoor Education](https://ncoae.org/blog/the-three-es-of-breaking-into-outdoor-education/): For those interested in a career as an outdoor experiential educator, The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education wants... - [Academic Relationship with UNCW Results in a Trio of Field Courses](https://ncoae.org/blog/academic-relationship-with-uncw-results-in-a-trio-of-field-courses/): The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) has forged an academic relationship with the University of North Carolina... - [Leave No Trace Figures Big in NCOAE’s Curriculum](https://ncoae.org/blog/leave-no-trace-figures-big-in-ncoaes-curriculum/): We’re sure the good folks over at the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics know this, but tt was... - [Pivoting on Climate Change](https://ncoae.org/blog/pivoting-on-climate-change/): Most libraries and bookstores offer up books in the science and nature section that address climate change, with titles that... - [Staff Profile: NCOAE Fall 2017 Intern Adam Parish](https://ncoae.org/blog/staff-profile-ncoae-fall-2017-intern-adam-parish/): North Carolina native Adam Parish hails from a coastal town called Newport that is located about 100 miles northeast of... - [2 Words When Natural Disaster Threatens Your Outdoor Campus: Be Prepared](https://ncoae.org/blog/2-words-when-natural-disaster-threatens-your-outdoor-campus-be-prepared/): For those of us who work day in and day out at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education’s... - [Your School’s Next Custom Outdoor Education Program Starts Soon](https://ncoae.org/blog/schools-next-custom-outdoor-education-program-starts-soon/): You don’t have to look at a calendar to know summer is quickly drawing to a close. Look at the... - [Education Shouldn’t Stop Once We’ve Returned from the Trailhead](https://ncoae.org/blog/education-shouldnt-stop-once-weve-returned-to-the-trailhead/): Outdoor and adventure-based education programs are designed to take students out of their home environment and place them in outdoor... - [A Photograph Is Seldom Worth Even One Outdoor Education Experience](https://ncoae.org/blog/a-photograph-is-seldom-worth-even-one-outdoor-education-experience/): Here’s an exchange that recently occurred between a tourist and myself: “What kind of camera do you use? ” “What?... - [Summer Vacation: When the Real Education Begins](https://ncoae.org/blog/summer-vacation-when-the-real-education-begins/): The final bell has rung and children at public and private schools across the nation have cleaned out their lockers... - [How and Why to Remove Junk Food from Your Backpack](https://ncoae.org/blog/how-and-why-to-remove-junk-food-from-your-backpack/): “What’s fructose? What’s GMO? What do these words mean? These are some of the questions my 9-year-old daughter asked me... - [The Time to Begin Preparing for Summer Adventures Started Yesterday](https://ncoae.org/blog/the-time-to-begin-preparing-for-summer-adventures-started-yesterday/): Here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) you can find us toiling year-round to bring our... - [Assessing Seasonal Gear Leads to a Trip Down Memory Lane](https://ncoae.org/blog/assessing-seasonal-gear-leads-to-a-trip-down-memory-lane/): Spring has sprung and it’s the beginning of another fine season of outdoor adventure, which means it’s time to start... - [5 New Staff and Instructors Join the NCOAE Family](https://ncoae.org/blog/5-new-staff-and-instructors-join-the-ncoae-family/): Here at The National Center for Outdoor Education & Adventure Education (NCOAE), we recently welcomed three new field instructors, a... - [NCOAE Seeks Funds to Send 10 Students to Alaska](https://ncoae.org/blog/ncoae-seeks-funds-to-send-10-students-to-alaska/): Thanks to a $25,000 grant from the National Park Service (NPS), 10 students enrolled in our Education Without Walls program... --- ## Testimonials - [Aaron Marshall](https://ncoae.org/blog/testimonial/name-lastname/) --- ## Galleries - [Idaho Gallery](https://ncoae.org/blog/gallery/idaho-gallery/) --- ## Course Expeditions - [Wilderness First Responder (Hybrid) - Oregon](https://ncoae.org/courses/wilderness-first-responder-hybrid-oregon-ncoae/): NCOAE offers the industry-standard wilderness medicine course that provides hands-on medical training combined with skills in outdoor leadership and critical... - [Adult Leadership Expedition — Patagonia, Backpacking & Whitewater](https://ncoae.org/courses/adult-leadership-expedition-patagonia-backpacking-whitewater/): A 14-day Patagonia backpacking & whitewater paddling expedition. - [Gap Semester — North Carolina, Ecuador](https://ncoae.org/courses/gap-year-north-carolina-ecuador/): Develop essential wilderness knowledge and skills — while living and learning in wild, beautiful places throughout the world! --- ## Course Trainings --- ## Team - [Callum Cunningham](https://ncoae.org/team/callum-cunningham/): Callum Cunningham is a Field Instructor at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) in Wilmington, North Carolina,... - [Raven Delhanty](https://ncoae.org/team/raven-delhanty/): Raven Delhanty is a backpacking guide at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) in Wilmington, North Carolina,... - [Kristen Cook](https://ncoae.org/team/kristen-cook/): Kirsten Cook is a Lead Instructor at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) in Wilmington, North Carolina,... - [Jessica Prescott](https://ncoae.org/team/jessica-prescott/): Jessica Prescott is a Field Instructor at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) in Wilmington, North Carolina,... - [Emily Elkins](https://ncoae.org/team/emily-elkins/): Emily Elkins is a Field Instructor at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) in Wilmington, North Carolina,... - [Roni Dekard](https://ncoae.org/team/roni-dekard/): Roni Deckard is a Field Instructor at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) in Wilmington, North Carolina,... - [Bryon Cain](https://ncoae.org/team/bryon-cain/): Bryon Cain is a Field Instructor at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) in Wilmington, North Carolina,... - [Sarina Maki](https://ncoae.org/team/sarina-maki/): Sarina Maki is a Field Instructor at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) in Wilmington, North Carolina.... - [J.T. Schexnayder III](https://ncoae.org/team/j-t-schexnayder-iii/): As the Outdoor Program Coordinator at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) in Wilmington, North Carolina, J.... - [Yolanda Arzola](https://ncoae.org/team/yolanda-arzola/): Yolanda Arzola is the Admissions Assistant at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) in Wilmington, North Carolina,... - [Matthew McPherson](https://ncoae.org/team/matthew-mcpherson/): Matthew McPherson joined the team at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) in 2024 as an EMT... - [Alison “Alie” Peterson](https://ncoae.org/team/alison-alie-peterson/): Alie Peterson serves as Clinical Coordinator at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), where she plays a... - [Clifton Bannerman](https://ncoae.org/team/clifton-bannerman/): With extensive field experience in emergency medical services, Clifton Bannerman serves as an EMT Instructor at The National Center for... - [John Del Percio](https://ncoae.org/team/john-del-percio/): John Del Percio is an EMT Instructor at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), where he brings... - [Paige Shogi](https://ncoae.org/team/paige-shogi/): Paige Shogi is an EMT Instructor at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), where she a unique... - [Rodney Covault](https://ncoae.org/team/rodney-covault/): Rodney Covault serves as an EMT Instructor at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), bringing a rich... - [David Bullard](https://ncoae.org/team/david-bullard/): With more than a quarter of a century of Fire EMS and Public Safety experience, David Bullard serves as the... - [Samantha Edwards](https://ncoae.org/team/samantha-edwards-ncoae-field-instructor-raft-guide/): A native of Grants Pass, Oregon, Samantha Edwards has been leading river trips for theNational Center for Outdoor & Adventure... - [Celia Parr](https://ncoae.org/team/celia-parr/): Hailing from Bethesda, Maryland, Celia Parr is a field instructor at The National Center for Outdoor and Adventure Education (NCOAE)... - [Carrie Kraft](https://ncoae.org/team/carrie-kraft/): Carrie Kraft is a field instructor and rafting guide at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE). With... - [Mandy Goff](https://ncoae.org/team/mandy-goff/): Mandy Goff is a field instructor for The National Center for Outdoor and Adventure Education (NCOAE). Previously, Mandy worked for... - [Aly Topscher](https://ncoae.org/team/aly-topscher/): Aly Topscher has been a field instructor at The National Center for Outdoor and Adventure Education (NCOAE) since 2021. Previously,... - [Watson Goh](https://ncoae.org/team/watson-goh/): Watson Goh has been a National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) field instructor since 2021. Prior to joining... - [Jasmin Gonzalez](https://ncoae.org/team/jasmin-gonzalez/): Jasmin Gonzalez is a Field Instructor at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), where she guides groups... - [Kenneth Hippe](https://ncoae.org/team/kenneth-hippie/): Kenneth Hippe, WFR, is Field Instructor at The National Center for Outdoor &Adventure Education (NCOAE). A self-employed options trader by... - [Kevin Hoffheins](https://ncoae.org/team/kevin-hoffheins/): Kevin Hoffheins has been a raft guide and field instructor for The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education since... - [Lydia Showalter](https://ncoae.org/team/lydia-showalter/): Lydia Showalter is a field instructor at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE). Like many of our... - [Caleb O'Connor-Genereaux](https://ncoae.org/team/caleb-oconnor-genereaux/): Caleb O’Connor-Genereaux is a National Center for Outdoor & Educational Education(NCOAE) field instructor. Caleb has a decade of experience working... - [Jacob Bernthal](https://ncoae.org/team/jacob-bernthal/): Jacob Bernthal is a distinguished graduate of the NCOAE’s Instructor Course, embodying the expertise and values we seek in our... - [Max Chandler](https://ncoae.org/team/max-chandler/): Max Chandler, WFR, is a Lead Field Instructor at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE). Prior to... - [Cameron Francisco](https://ncoae.org/team/cameron-francisco/): Cameron “Cam” Francisco spent 19 years as an independent school educator andadministrator prior to joining the team at The National... - [Erin Sasser](https://ncoae.org/team/erin-sasser/): A native of Wilmington, N. C. , Erin Sasser is a seven-year veteran of the Novant-NewHanover emergency medical services team,... - [Zinnia Long](https://ncoae.org/team/zinnia-long/): Florida-based Zinnia Long, is a field instructor for our backpacking and canoe expeditions,where she sees leading people on outdoor adventures... - [Alex Silberman](https://ncoae.org/team/alex-silberman/): With a background as an outdoor educator and a passion for providing life-changingexperiences for youth and adults in outdoor settings,... - [Priscilla Trimble](https://ncoae.org/team/priscilla-trimble/): Priscilla Trimble has an impressive resume working in outdoor education — where shehas excelled at facilitating and instructing backcountry expeditions.... - [Bethany Smith](https://ncoae.org/team/bethany-smith/): Pennsylvania native Bethany Smith joined the team here at The National Center forOutdoor & Adventure Education in May of 2022,... - [Garry Pomerleau](https://ncoae.org/team/garry-pomerleau/): Born in Ontario, Canada, Garry — who has been a North Carolina resident for the past three decades — joined... - [Gabe Isaac](https://ncoae.org/team/gabe-isaac/): Gabe Issac’s experience and passion for the outdoors and the environment led her to apply and receive an appointment as... - [Rachelle Toth](https://ncoae.org/team/rachelle-toth/): Rachelle Toth is an NCOAE field instructor who is sincerely interested in connecting first-time and returning students to the outdoors,... - [Jessica Cramer](https://ncoae.org/team/jessica-cramer/): In her lifelong quest to make the world laugh and instill her love of the great outdoors in others, Jessica... - [Wesley Hawkins](https://ncoae.org/team/wesley-hawkins/): Wesley is NCOAE’s Director of Course Management and Logistics. Growing up Alabama, Wes eventually landed in Georgia where he attended... - [Chris vanBrenk](https://ncoae.org/team/chris-vanbrenk/): Born and raised in Sacramento, Calif. , Chris vanBrenk is an emergency medical services (EMS) instructor here at NCOAE, where... - [Kit Cosper](https://ncoae.org/team/kit-cosper/): Born in NCOAE’s hometown of Wilmington, N. C. , Kit Cosper is one of our EMT instructors, propelled in his... - [Matt Evans](https://ncoae.org/team/matt-evans/): Matt Evans is one of the veteran staff members here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE),... - [Adam Parish](https://ncoae.org/team/name/): North Carolina native Adam Parish hails from a coastal town called Newport that is located about 100 miles northeast of... - [Lilly Ade](https://ncoae.org/team/lilly-ade/): Lilly Ade brings a raft of experience in outdoor and wilderness education to her position as a field instructor for... - [Shoshana Green](https://ncoae.org/team/shoshana-green/): Delaware native Shoshana Green is one of NCOAE’s field instructors, responsible for helping to coordinate and then guide multi-day adventure... - [Todd Mullenix](https://ncoae.org/team/todd-mullenix/): Todd Mullenix became The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education’s (NCOAE) Northwest EMS Program Director in August 2016 after... - [Kate Javes](https://ncoae.org/team/kate-javes/): It’s always nice to have a former United States Marine Corps officer on the staff, and that’s exactly what we... - [Celine Adair](https://ncoae.org/team/celine-adair/): Celine thrives at the intersection of people and nature. She is living her professional dreams by overseeing the operations of... - [Chris Davis MD](https://ncoae.org/team/christopher-davis-md/): Dr. Christopher Davis, MD, FAAEM, FAEMS, FAWM is our medical director. He is responsible for all medical curriculum and clearances... - [Stephen Mullaney](https://ncoae.org/team/stephen-mullaney/): When you’re the lead instructor, trainer and educator for both the staff and the clients of the National Center for... - [Liz Shirley](https://ncoae.org/team/liz-shirley/): Liz Shirley, a native of Bixby, Okla. , joined the NCOAE family full-time in the spring of 2017 as a... - [Allie Hilbruner](https://ncoae.org/team/allie-hilbruner/): Allie Hilbruner is The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education’s (NCOAE) Admissions Coordinator. Prior to working at NCOAE, she... - [Liz Smith](https://ncoae.org/team/liz-smith/): Liz Smith brings plenty of outdoor leadership experience to her position as a field instructor for NCOAE, including her current... --- ## Careers - [Part-Time EMT Instructor](https://ncoae.org/career/part-time-emt-instructor/): OVERVIEW The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) is seeking part-time instructors to supplement our team of emergency... - [Part-Time Wilderness Medicine Instructor](https://ncoae.org/career/part-time-wilderness-medicine-instructor/): OVERVIEW If you’ve participated in a wilderness medicine training program and wondered to yourself, Maybe I could teach that course,... - [Field Instructors & Outdoor Educators](https://ncoae.org/career/field-instructors-lead-field-instructors/): OVERVIEW Field Instructors & Outdoor Educators are responsible for managing the safety of trip participants while co-facilitating multi-day adventure education... - [Raft Guides](https://ncoae.org/career/raft-guides/): OVERVIEW NCOAE is seeking energetic, positive and ambitious individuals to join our team. We are currently hiring both experienced and... --- ## News - [NCOAE Profiled in the Greater Wilmington Business Journal](https://ncoae.org/news/ncoae-profiled-in-the-greater-wilmington-business-journal/): Laura Moore @ GWBJ. | June 16, 2025 By Laura Moore Not all educational programs are alike. The core philosophies... - [Wilmington-based Outdoor And Adventure Education Center Earns Accreditation](https://ncoae.org/news/wilmington-based-outdoor-and-adventure-education-center-earns-accreditation/): By Staff Reports The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) has been awarded full accreditation by Cognia, a... - [The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) Earns Prestigious Cognia Accreditation](https://ncoae.org/news/the-national-center-for-outdoor-adventure-education-ncoae-earns-prestigious-cognia-accreditation/): National recognition empowers NCOAE students to earn and transfer high school credit nationwide. Wilmington, N. C. – April 22, 2025:... - [Zac & Celine Adair Featured in episode of AEE’s “It’s In The Experience” Podcast](https://ncoae.org/news/zac-celine-adair-featured-in-episode-of-aees-its-in-the-experience-podcast/): Zac and Celine, co-founders of NCOAE, are featured in Episode 15 of the “It’s In the Experience” podcast, presented by... - [The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) Named 2023 Organizational Member of the Year by the Association for Experiential Education (AEE)](https://ncoae.org/news/the-national-center-for-outdoor-adventure-education-ncoae-named-2023-organizational-member-of-the-year-by-the-association-for-experiential-education-aee/): Award is the highest level of recognition for companies in the outdoor education and adventure programming sectors of the outdoor... - [Enhancing Emergency Medical Training in the Pacific Northwest: Columbia Gorge Community College Partners with The National Center for Outdoor Adventure Education to Provide Intensive EMT Training Program](https://ncoae.org/news/enhancing-emergency-medical-training-in-the-pacific-northwest-columbia-gorge-community-college-partners-with-the-national-center-for-outdoor-adventure-education-to-provide-intensive-emt-training-prog/): The Dalles, Oregon, 9/8/2023. Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC), with locations in The Dalles and Hood River, Oregon, announced today... - [Zac Adair of The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education: Five Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Launched My Business](https://ncoae.org/news/zac-adair-five-things-i-wish-someone-told-me/): By Ben Ari – Authority Magazine Taking the risk to start a company is a feat few are fully equipped... - [Beyond The Classroom](https://ncoae.org/news/beyond-the-classroom/): The National Center for Outdoor and Adventure Education uses the Education Without Walls program to give chronically homeless students from... - [UNCW Offers Wilderness Courses in Alaska, South America](https://ncoae.org/news/uncw-offers-wilderness-courses-in-alaska-south-america/): Students will learn wilderness first aid and environmental science. WILMINGTON — There are some new classrooms at the University of... - [The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) and the University of North Carolina Wilmington Form Academic Relationship](https://ncoae.org/news/the-national-center-for-outdoor-adventure-education-ncoae-and-the-university-of-north-carolina-wilmington-form-academic-relationship/): Wilmington, N. C. , April 3, 2018 –The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) — a Wilmington-based organization... - [What He Sees](https://ncoae.org/news/what-he-sees/): I am setting up fences around the magic carpets, so I don’t see the family come in, nor book a... - [Venus Flytraps In Danger of Being Loved to Death](https://ncoae.org/news/venus-flytraps-in-danger-of-being-loved-to-death/): CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) — The Carolina Beach State Park is a popular place for visitors and locals to enjoy.... - [Are 750K Annual Visitors Loving Carolina Beach State Park to Death?](https://ncoae.org/news/are-750k-annual-visitors-loving-carolina-beach-state-park-to-death/): Park Earns “Hot Spot” Status Bringing National Outdoor Enthusiasts to Enlighten Public on Unintended Impact and “Leave No Trace” Skills... - [4500 Miles From Home](https://ncoae.org/news/4500-miles-from-home/): A change in circumstance, environment or routine can create apprehension in the most fearless of individuals. And that’s especially true... - [Bears, moose and chest-deep mud: homeless Wilmington teens venture to Alaska](https://ncoae.org/news/bears-moose-and-chest-deep-mud-homeless-wilmington-teens-venture-to-alaska/): WILMINGTON — Nine Wilmington-area teens from chronically homeless families just spent three weeks calling Alaska home. The trip was organized... - [Communique: “Education Without Walls” Develops Academic & Leadership Skills In The Wilderness](https://ncoae.org/news/communique-education-without-walls-develops-academic-leadership-skills-in-the-wilderness/): The headquarters of the National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) is right here in Wilmington, North Carolina. There... - [High School Students Prepare for Alaskan Adventure](https://ncoae.org/news/high-school-students-prepare-for-alaskan-adventure/): WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) Ten local high school students returned after spending three weeks on a backcountry adventure in Alaska. The... - [The Adventure of an Education](https://ncoae.org/news/the-adventure-of-an-education/): This summer, ten local teens will fly to Alaska, take a small plane into the back country, and spend three... - [Adventure Education: A Love Of Being Outdoors And Doing Adventure Sports Leads To A Nationally Accredited Education Center](https://ncoae.org/news/adventure-education-a-love-of-being-outdoors-and-doing-adventure-sports-leads-to-a-nationally-accredited-education-center/): When Zac Adair began racing BMX bikes at the age of seven, he’d never considered that some people study and... - [NCOAE’s Celine Adair Awarded Women of Achievement Honors](https://ncoae.org/news/ncoaes-celine-adair-awarded-women-of-achievement-honors/): Celine Adair, our own co-founder and director of operations, has been recognized with a Women of Achievement Award for her... - [NCOAE’s Zac Adair Featured in ‘Extraordinary People’ Segment](https://ncoae.org/news/ncoaes-zac-adair-featured-in-extraordinary-people-segment/): A North Carolina television news station has run a colorful three-minute segment called “Extraordinary People,” that highlights our very own... - [Extraordinary People: Blind Inspiration](https://ncoae.org/news/extraordinary-people-blind-inspiration/): WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — What happens when a man who can’t see uses his passion for the outdoors to teach... - [10 Wilmington Students are Alaska-bound Thanks to ‘Adventure Education’ Group](https://ncoae.org/news/10-wilmington-students-are-alaska-bound-thanks-to-adventure-education-group/): Wilmington’s National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education teaches young people leadership, self-reliance. SNOWS CUT — Bouncing between homes for... - [National Park Service’s Grant Sends Students to Alaska](https://ncoae.org/news/national-park-services-grant-sends-students-to-alaska/): Ten Wilmington high-school students are preparing for a three-week Alaskan wilderness adventure as part of a program that introduces outdoor... - [Outdoor Retailer and Adidas Outdoor Announce 2017 Outdoor Inspiration Awards Finalists](https://ncoae.org/news/outdoor-retailer-and-adidas-outdoor-announce-2017-outdoor-inspiration-awards-finalists/): Outdoor Retailer and Adidas Outdoor are pleased to announce the finalists for the seventh annual Outdoor Inspiration Awards, presented by... - [Whole Foods’ 5 Percent Day to Benefit Impoverished Youth Program](https://ncoae.org/news/whole-foods-5-percent-day-to-benefit-impoverished-youth-program/): Two organizations in Wilmington will partner Wednesday for Whole Foods Market’s Community Day to benefit local youth. According to a... - [Celine Adair Interview on Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) Audio Outdoorist](https://ncoae.org/news/celine-adair-interview-on-outdoor-industry-association-oia-audio-outdoorist/): Dig deep into the issues facing outdoor brands and retailers, from domestic vs. international manufacturing to brick-and-mortar vs. online commerce.... - [Great Outdoor Provisions Co. Taps NCOAE for ‘Campfire Conversations’](https://ncoae.org/news/great-outdoor-provisions-co-taps-ncoae-campfire-conversations/): It must have been about a year ago that we first wondered aloud if it’d be possible to put our... - [Take 5: Reasons I Go (Back) to Nature](https://ncoae.org/news/take-5-reasons-i-go-back-to-nature/): CELINE ADAIR, co-owner of the National Center for Outdoor and Adventure Education in Wilmington, was in her teens when she... - [An Adventurous Spirit](https://ncoae.org/news/an-adventurous-spirit/): With the approach of summer comes camp season, a time when young people get to feel as if they are... - [Cheap Seat – Adairs, Panacea Keep Expanding Their Vision](https://ncoae.org/news/cheap-seat-adairs-panacea-keep-expanding-their-vision/): Zac Adair is terrible at lining up the bumper stickers for the back of his wife’s car. He’ll occasionally stub... - [Paddleboarding Event to Help Fund Treks](https://ncoae.org/news/paddleboarding-event-to-help-fund-treks/): Panacea Adventures will host its first Panacea Paddle, a daylong festival with paddling competitions that will raise money June 4.... - [Surfing in the Dark: Zac Adair Keeps the Light on Within](https://ncoae.org/news/surfing-in-the-dark-zac-adair-keeps-the-light-on-within/): Imagine this: going to sleep with 20/20 vision and waking up the next morning in complete darkness. This is what... - [Blind Man Makes Waves](https://ncoae.org/news/blind-man-makes-waves/): Zac Adair didn’t need anyone to tell him that Hurricane Bertha delivered something big last month. The roar of the... --- # # Detailed Content ## Pages - Published: 2024-12-19 - Modified: 2025-04-09 - URL: https://ncoae.org/accreditation/ By aligning with globally recognized standards and embracing best practices, we continually enhance our operations and contribute to the evolution of our industries. Our accreditations ensure our programs meet rigorous benchmarks, offering both quality assurance and credibility. By maintaining these accreditations, NCOAE reaffirms its commitment to academic integrity, operational excellence, and the success of our students and participants across all programs. --- - Published: 2024-12-19 - Modified: 2024-12-19 - URL: https://ncoae.org/academics-curriculum/ Curriculum Overview The NCOAE curriculum offers a diverse array of courses that integrate traditional academics with specialized outdoor-based electives. Students can take Natural Science and Spanish language courses, alongside a unique elective focused on leadership and environmental ethics.   Each class is delivered at the Honors level, ensuring a rigorous academic experience. The course lineup includes: Core Elective: Principles in Leadership and Environmental Ethics (PLEE) Honors Natural Science: Advanced Topics in Anthropogenic Effects Spanish Language: Offered during the NCOAE Ecuador Summer Block and our Spring/Fall Gap Semester --- - Published: 2024-12-19 - Modified: 2024-12-20 - URL: https://ncoae.org/about-summer-semester/ Locations Course Overview Through this interdisciplinary course, students engage in hands-on learning, drawing direct connections between their natural surroundings and the principles of ecology, biology, and environmental science. These courses foster critical thinking and leadership skills while offering practical knowledge and adventure. Experiential Learning in Outdoor Education Experiential education at NCOAE combines leadership development, hands-on learning, and practical certifications. Our programs immerse students in dynamic, real-world settings where adventure and academics intersect. Through activities such as mountain summiting, whitewater navigation, and backcountry skills, students engage in natural science firsthand—observing ecosystems, applying environmental principles, and understanding sustainability. Leadership is cultivated through teamwork, decision-making, and resilience-building in small groups, ensuring active participation and personal growth. Students leave with valuable certifications in outdoor leadership and Leave No Trace (LNT), equipping them with practical skills and academic knowledge that extend beyond traditional learning environments. The NCOAE High School Summer Semester is more than a course—it’s an invitation to discover new horizons, challenge oneself, and form lasting connections with peers and the natural world. Students walk away with not just academic achievements, but a new perspective on leadership, responsibility, and their role in preserving our environment. --- - Published: 2024-12-19 - Modified: 2024-12-20 - URL: https://ncoae.org/semester-school-admissions-how-to-apply/ ADMISSIONS At NCOAE, we are committed to maintaining a straightforward and transparent admissions process that reflects our high standards and integrity. We understand applying to any program is a daunting task, which is why we strive to make our application process accessible and user-friendly. From the initial inquiry to the final acceptance, our team is here to provide clear guidance, answer questions, and support applicants at every step. We encourage prospective students and their families to engage with our admissions team to better understand our program offerings, expectations, and the unique value of an NCOAE experience. Our goal is to ensure that every applicant feels confident and well-informed throughout the process. Through a rigorous and thoughtful review of each application, we ensure our community and student body align with NCOAE's values and educational goals. Each application is carefully evaluated to identify students who demonstrate a strong desire for personal growth, leadership development, and a passion for outdoor and experiential education. By upholding high standards in our admissions process, we build a community of like-minded individuals who are prepared to challenge themselves and contribute positively to our programs. This meticulous approach helps us maintain a diverse, motivated, and cohesive student body that thrives on collaboration, respect, and a shared commitment to adventure and learning. STEPS TO APPLY Applying for the NCOAE high school summer block semester or gap semester is straightforward and all online. Follow these steps and don’t hesitate to contact us with questions: Once the application is completed and all associated documents uploaded and reviewed by NCOAE admissions, we will contact you to schedule a live online interview. --- - Published: 2024-12-18 - Modified: 2025-07-22 - URL: https://ncoae.org/semester-life/ Life on Campus Building a Strong Academic Foundation During the NCOAE Summer Semester, life on campus offers students a structured environment where they engage in a rigorous Honors-level Natural Science and Principles of Leadership curriculum. Here, students have access to classroom resources, labs, and expert instructors, allowing them to dive deep into advanced scientific topics. Through interactive lectures, group discussions, and research projects, students build a solid foundation in natural science principles, from ecology and biology to earth sciences. The campus setting fosters focused learning, where students can explore complex theories and prepare for field applications. In addition to academics, campus life encourages leadership development through workshops, role-playing scenarios, and teamwork exercises. Students gain key leadership principles that they'll soon apply in outdoor settings. The structured schedule includes time for both study and collaborative activities, preparing students for the hands-on challenges they will face in the wilderness. Daily Schedules Life In the Field Hands-On Learning and Leadership in Action Once students transition into the field, the learning experience shifts from theoretical to practical. Life in the field offers a dynamic, immersive environment where students apply the scientific concepts they’ve learned on campus directly to real-world situations. Whether it’s conducting environmental research, identifying plant and animal species, or practicing conservation techniques, students experience nature firsthand. With unpredictable elements like weather, terrain, and wildlife, the field provides the ultimate outdoor classroom. Field life also emphasizes experiential education in outdoor leadership. Students practice backcountry skills, navigation, and Leave No Trace principles, all while working as a team to tackle challenges like setting up camp, cooking, and managing group dynamics. Leadership isn’t just discussed in the classroom—it’s lived every day as students take turns leading their peers through the wilderness, making decisions under pressure, and solving problems collaboratively. The Balance Academic Excellence Meets Outdoor Adventure The combination of campus-based learning and field-based application provides a unique educational experience that bridges theory and practice. On campus, students gain in-depth scientific knowledge and leadership training. In the field, they put those lessons to the test, developing resilience, adaptability, and a deeper connection to the natural world. This balance ensures that students emerge from the program not only with academic credits and certifications in Outdoor Leadership and Leave No Trace, but with the confidence and skills to lead in both the classroom and the wilderness. --- - Published: 2022-08-22 - Modified: 2022-08-22 - URL: https://ncoae.org/custom-programs/colleges-universities/ MAKE AN IMPACT ON STUDENT'S COLLEGE EXPERIENCE Participation in curriculum-based outdoor education programs contributes to higher retention rates, higher grade averages, and positive changes in students. From outdoor education and wilderness-based training and development programs to risk management consulting and policy development for wilderness-based medical education, NCOAE helps colleges and universities deliver educational courses and medical training programs. Partnering with institutes across the US, these custom programs can be tailored to best fit your school's budget – whether that means keeping courses and trainings on the Pacific Northwest or expanding to the East coast and beyond. https://youtu. be/OZ3sS2H2ceg TRUSTED BY LEADING COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES NATIONWIDE REQUEST INFO FOR CUSTOM OUTDOOR EDUCATION PROGRAMS Request a Free Custom Outdoor Education Program Proposal - College & University Name(Required) First Last Email(Required) Job Title(Required)College/University Name(Required)Location(Required) Town State / Province / Region Daytime Phone Number(Required)Website AddressDoes your school have an existing outdoor education program or annual trip? (Required) Yes No CAPTCHA Submit /* { mutations. forEach( ( mutation ) => { if ( mutation. type === 'attributes' && visibilityTestDiv. offsetParent ! == null ) { debouncedTriggerPostRender; observer. disconnect; } }); }); observer. observe( document. body, { attributes: true, childList: false, subtree: true, attributeFilter: , }); } else { triggerPostRender; } } );} ); /* ]]> */ ] --- - Published: 2022-03-30 - Modified: 2024-08-12 - URL: https://ncoae.org/educational-framework/ Every school, in fact every system of education has a supporting framework that serves as the foundation for developing curriculum — the subjects that comprise the school’s course of study. To optimize its success, that educational framework should be tailored to achieve the organization’s mission, vision, philosophy, values, and student needs. For instance, when you’re exploring an educational organization’s approach to learning, you can review its mission statement and vision statement (assuming it has those). Then, to determine what makes the organization different from others, you can evaluate its value proposition. Another place to look is at its educational framework, which is the underlying structure that shapes and supports the school’s or organization’s system of education. That framework connects learning outcomes to educationally focused approaches and activities. Think of it as an educational organization’s skeleton or frame. At The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), we believe an effective educational framework impacts student and learner outcomes in many ways, including: Supports the development of a comprehensive and cohesive culture of education. Guides curriculum development over the student’s entire course of studies. Enhances and facilitates collaboration among administrators, educators, parents/guardians, and community. Provides a clear visual for communicating the organization’s approach to education. More than just facilitating collaboration, the educational framework offers a unified vision among administrators, educators, and students, which reinforces learning. Ensures consistency in the event of staff turnover. A quick review of a learning organization’s educational framework brings incoming administrators, educators, and staff up to speed on the school’s approach to educational outcomes, enabling them to see where they fit in. Ensures alignment among departments with different focus to ensure that everyone is moving in a similar direction. Links programs, courses, trainings, and curriculums together across multiple disciplines and locations. NCOAE’s educational framework appears below. It’s a living, breathing framework that’s constantly being reviewed to ensure it is serve the ever-expanding needs of our students and clients. --- - Published: 2022-03-24 - Modified: 2022-05-11 - URL: https://ncoae.org/about/diversity-equity-inclusion/ While there are many ingredients for organizational and business success, none of them play a more meaningful role at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) than our core values. And woven throughout the fabric that holds our values together is an equal commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Guided by our core values, we offer challenges by choice, thoughtful collaborations, acceptance and understanding, derivative thinking, proactive planning, and a willingness to learn and grow. As a result, the idea of leading by example has been in our DNA since our inception. At that time, we set out to lead the outdoor education and adventure programming industry in serving, collaborating, and being influenced by diverse people and communities. And along the way, we’ve come to understand that human capital is the most valuable asset we have. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities and talent that our employees invest in their work represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our reputation, and NCOAE’s achievement as well. By no stretch of the imagination are our leaders or staff perfect. We make mistakes, reflect upon our actions, and look to the communities we serve to hold us accountable to both established and evolving standards. Our approach to DEI is more than an initiative. Our DEI practices are naturally intertwined into our policies on staff recruitment and selection; compensation and benefits; professional development and training; career advancement; terminations; and the ongoing development of a work environment built on the premise of gender and diversity equity. These practices encourage and enforce: Respectful cooperation and communication between all NCOAE staff. Teamwork and staff participation, permitting the representation of all groups and employee perspectives. Work/life rhythm through flexible schedules to accommodate employees’ varying needs. Employer and employee contributions to the communities we serve to naturally promote a greater understanding and respect for true diversity. At NCOAE, we believe in a world that is inclusive in its approach, and where equal opportunities and equitable outcomes exist for all — both on and off the trail. --- - Published: 2022-01-20 - Modified: 2022-05-11 - URL: https://ncoae.org/our-core-values/ GUIDED BY OUR VALUES Since running our first courses in Pisgah National Forest, we’ve grown into a global outdoor and adventure education provider that’s committed to creating and facilitating wilderness-based experiences that foster personal growth, professional development, and the acquisition or improvement of one’s technical outdoor and wilderness medicine skills. Obviously, we love the outdoors, but using our business to improve the environment while improving ourselves — that’s what gives our work its meaning. Guided by our core values, we offer challenges by choice, thoughtful collaborations, acceptance and understanding, derivative thinking, proactive planning, and a willingness to learn and grow. Our core values play a role in how and what we teach, guide, and facilitate and instruct, and are why we NCOAE is considered one of the leading values-based organizations in the outdoor industry. --- - Published: 2022-01-19 - Modified: 2024-08-28 - URL: https://ncoae.org/refund-transfer-policy/ The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) has established this Deposit, Refund, and Transfer Policy to help students, course and training participants, and parents and guardians of our students understand our approach to course and training deposits, as well as their options in the event that a course or training refund or transfer is requested. Please contact us with questions regarding these policies. DEPOSITS Please note the following about NCOAE course and training deposits: A non-refundable, 10 percent (10%) tuition deposit is required to hold a spot in an NCOAE course or training. Some course and trainings may require full payment at the time of registration. Full course and/or training payment is due thirty (30) days before course or training start date. Registration within 30 days of a course’s or training’s start date requires full tuition at the time of registration. REFUNDS Please note the following general policy about requests for course and training refunds: If you request a refund more than 30 days prior to — or equal to 30 days prior to — the start date of your NCOAE course or training, you are entitled to refund minus the 10 percent (10%) tuition deposit. If you request a refund anytime between 29 days and the start date of your course or training, there will be no refunds — but a transfer may be possible (see below). If your NCOAE course or training is canceled due to low enrollment, 100 percent (100%) of your payment is fully transferable to another NCOAE course or training. Or, if you prefer, all fees paid for your course or training can be refunded at your request. All funds are forfeited under any and all circumstances in any attempt to cancel or transfer a second time, under the originally registered/enrolled course or training. Refunds for On-Site HousingPlease note the following about refunds for NCOAE on-site housing: If you request a refund more than 10 days — or equal to 10 days — prior to your NCOAE course practical start date, you are entitled to a full refund. If you request a refund anytime between 9 days and the start of your NCOAE practical start date, you are entitled to a refund minus a 10% cancellation fee. All funds are forfeited in any attempt to cancel your on-site housing and/or request a refund on or after your check-in date. TRANSFERS Please note the following about transfer requests for NCOAE courses and trainings: If you request a course or training transfer (i. e. , you request that we enroll you in a different course or training than the one registered for) within 30 days prior to the new course’s or training’s start date — or equal to 30 days prior to the new course’s or training’s start date — 50 percent (50%) of your tuition is transferable to the new course or training; the remainder is forfeited. Transfers must be made to courses or trainings (at the base, only) within one (1) calendar year... --- - Published: 2022-01-19 - Modified: 2023-09-25 - URL: https://ncoae.org/custom-programs/private-independent-schools/ MAKE AN IMPACT ON YOUR STUDENTS Participation in curriculum-based outdoor education programs contributes to higher retention rates, higher grade averages, and positive changes in students’ “Five C’s” — Competence, Character, Connection, Confidence, and Caring. https://youtu. be/OZ3sS2H2ceg TRUSTED BY LEADING PRIVATE & INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS NATIONWIDE REQUEST A FREE CUSTOM OUTDOOR EDUCATION PROGRAM PROPOSAL Name(Required) First Last Email(Required) Job Title(Required)School Name(Required)Location(Required) Town State / Province / Region Daytime Phone Number(Required)Website AddressDoes your school have an existing outdoor education program or annual trip? (Required) Yes No CAPTCHA Submit /* { mutations. forEach( ( mutation ) => { if ( mutation. type === 'attributes' && visibilityTestDiv. offsetParent ! == null ) { debouncedTriggerPostRender; observer. disconnect; } }); }); observer. observe( document. body, { attributes: true, childList: false, subtree: true, attributeFilter: , }); } else { triggerPostRender; } } );} ); /* ]]> */ --- - Published: 2022-01-19 - Modified: 2024-10-10 - URL: https://ncoae.org/custom-programs/ CREATE YOUR OWN CUSTOM COURSE Interested in bringing a National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) training or course to your school, nonprofit organization, business, university, summer program, or student group? Our team of expert outdoor and experiential educators and wilderness medicine professionals can help! In addition to open enrollment adult backcountry courses — and training in emergency medicine, wilderness medicine, and the principles of Leave No Trace (LNT) — NCOAE offers custom programs to meet your highly specific needs. NCOAE was named the 2023 AEE Organization of the Year, recognizing our excellence in creating custom outdoor education experiences. https://youtu. be/8nAxesMio4M PROGRAMS CUSTOMIZED TO YOU Want something for your group that’s not listed on our website? We’ll customize a program just for you. NCOAE offers domestic and international custom programming for private and independent schools, government agencies, colleges and universities, small and large businesses, and other organizations interested in adventure-based outdoor experiential education. From outdoor education and wilderness-based training and development programs to risk management consulting and policy development for wilderness-based medical education, NCOAE helps organizations like The Lovett School, The White House, and The University of North Carolina, along with dozens of others, deliver outcome-based courses and training programs. PROGRAMS FOR ANY ORGANIZATION CUSTOM WILDERNESS MEDICINE TRAINING We can also provide custom wilderness medicine training programs! Approved by the State of North Carolina and credentialed through the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services to offer EMT-Basic training, we can come to your site to run a Wilderness First Aid (WFA), Wilderness First Responder (WFR), or Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician (W-EMT) certification course. Rather than sending your staff to us and paying enrollment rates and fees that are designed for individuals, let us lower your wilderness medicine training costs while training everyone on your team at the same time. OUR CUSTOM PROGRAM CLIENTS We help our clients achieve their interests in personal, professional, and academic growth. From private day and boarding schools to colleges and universities to public school districts and federal agencies, our clients share one thing in common: the sincere need and desire to connect their stakeholders to Wilderness and one another. FAQs CREATE YOUR OWN CUSTOM PROGRAM To explore custom program options for your business, school, or organization, please complete the form, or contact us to speak with one of our custom program specialists! First Name(Required)Last Name(Required)Company(Required)Email(Required) PhoneState(Required)Select StateAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingArmed Forces AmericasArmed Forces EuropeArmed Forces PacificZIP/Postal Code(Required)Program Type(Required)Select program typeSchool Group Outing – Grade SchoolSchool Group Outing – Junior HighSchool Group Out – High SchoolStaff Training – Team BuildingStaff Training – Wilderness MedicineStaff Training – Leave No TraceBusiness – Team BuildingBusiness – First Aid/CPRNonprofit (non-school) – Team BuildingNonprofit (non-school) – Wilderness MedicineMilitary – Wilderness MedicineOtherProgram Length(Required)Select program lengthHalf-DayFull-DayMultiple DaysNot SureTiming of Your Program(Required)Select program timingWithin the next 1-2 monthsWithin the next 3-6 monthsWithin the next 12 monthsNot SureHow Did You Hear About NCOAE? (Required)Select how you heard about NCOAEInternet SearchSocial MediaReferralAdvertisementOtherComments/Questions* NCOAE will not... --- - Published: 2022-01-19 - Modified: 2022-02-14 - URL: https://ncoae.org/terms-and-conditions/ These Terms of Use were last updated on December 1, 2021. Thank you for visiting the website (“Site”) of NCOAE, LLC (dba, The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education) (hereafter “NCOAE,” “we,” “our,” and “us”). Please read these Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy, which, as may be modified from time to time, govern its use. By using the Site, you are knowingly and willingly agreeing to be bound by these Terms of Use. The mission of this NCOAE-owned Internet-based website is to provide information and resources of value to individuals interested in The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education and the facilitation of outdoor adventure and education experiences that foster teamwork, environmental stewardship and the acquisition of technical skills, and related information and services (the “Services”). To provide the Services, we have set specific Terms of Use (the “Terms”). By accessing, using, or contributing to the Services, and in consideration for the Services we provide to you, you agree to abide by the Terms. NCOAE may change the Terms from time to time, at NCOAE’s sole discretion. Your continued use of this Site following the posting of such changes will constitute your assent to all such changes. Please periodically visit this section of the site to review the current version of the Terms. This Site is an information starting point. NCOAE does not provide or replace individualized general or specialized advice you can and should receive from an outdoor education, experiential education, or medical professional. This Site may include information that is out of date, jurisdiction specific, or applicable only based on a specific set of facts. Use of the Services does not create an official relationship of any kind between the user and NCOAE. If you are in need of general- or specific-outdoor education-related or medical-related advice, seek out a qualified professional and do not rely on www. ncoae. org. ACCOUNT Registration To utilize the Services or certain portions thereof, you may be required to complete a registration process and establish an account with NCOAE (”NCOAE Account”). You represent and warrant that all information provided by you to NCOAE is current, accurate, and complete, and that you will maintain the accuracy and completeness of this information on a prompt, timely basis. Password and Security As a registered user of NCOAE Services, you may receive or establish one or more passwords. You are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality and security of your password(s) and NCOAE Account(s). You understand and agree that you are fully responsible for all actions and postings made from your NCOAE Account(s). You also agree that the accounts you create are not transferable. Finally, you agree to notify NCOAE immediately if you become aware of any unauthorized use of your NCOAE Account(s). Termination NCOAE reserves the right to terminate your NCOAE Account or restrict access to your NCOAE Account, to delete any content posted through your NCOAE Account, or to delete any content posted by you as a registered or as an... --- - Published: 2022-01-19 - Modified: 2022-12-05 - URL: https://ncoae.org/privacy-policy/ This Privacy Policy was updated on December 1, 2022, and previously updated on January 1, 2020. Thank you for visiting the website (“Site”) of NCOAE, LLC (hereafter “NCOAE,” “we,” “our,” and “us”) (dba, The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education). NCOAE is furnishing this Privacy Policy (“Privacy Policy”) to (“you,” “your,” and “their”), to explain how we collect, use, and share information that is capable of being associated with — or could reasonably be linked directly or indirectly with — a particular consumer or household (“Personal Information”). Please read this Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, which, as may be modified from time to time, govern Site use. Personal information does not include information which is publicly available, anonymized or aggregated, and other information which is excluded from the scope of applicable privacy laws. It is our objective to collect, use, and protect your Personal Information gathered through this website in a responsible manner, whether we do so in the context of interacting with our website visitors, developing new students and clients, providing outdoor education and wilderness or emergency medicine education to our students or clients, managing our employees and contractors, or processing applications to join our team of professionals (collectively, the “Services”). Our Privacy Policy, the Terms of Use, applicable law, and other agreements with you together govern our relationship as it relates to your Personal Information. Our collection, use, and sharing of Personal Information will vary based on our relationship or interaction with you. Through your use of and by engaging in the Services, you accept the terms of this Privacy Policy and consent to the data collection, use and sharing we describe in this Policy. CATEGORIES & SOURCES OF INFORMATION We collect, use, and share Personal Information from various sources to perform the Services and to accomplish our business and commercial purposes and business objectives. You supply most of the Personal Information in our possession, whether directly when you or your authorized agent provide the information to us so that we can provide Services, or indirectly from the collection or generation of information in the course of our provision of Services. Should you choose not to provide some of the Personal Information we request, we may be unable to provide you with one or more of the Services. Internet Users. If you use our website or any of its subdomains or subdirectories, you may provide contact and other information (e. g. , through our “Contact” form or “eNewsletter subscription” form) to enable us to furnish you with information about outdoor education and wilderness and emergency medicine, and our other Services. You also may provide contact and other information when using email outside of our website. In addition, your Internet web browser will provide other information automatically, as described immediately below: Automatic Data Collection. We collect certain information when you use our website or Services. This information may include your internet protocol (“IP”) address, cookie identifiers, mobile carrier, website browser and version, operating system or device, location... --- - Published: 2022-01-19 - Modified: 2024-04-19 - URL: https://ncoae.org/high-school-college-credits/ Earning College Credit There is an essential opportunity for each student to flourish in the individualized environment at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE). NCOAE connects specific wilderness curriculum to help students make authentic change within themselves and therefore, within in the world. NCOAE is dedicated to developing passionate learners, community leaders and value-driven decision makers. This all ties together in helping a student create the foundation to, “be leaders, problem solvers, and self-sufficient explorers. ” All academic course work for NCOAE’s academic quarter and semester courses is university-level. NCOAE uses experiential education as the foundation of its educational philosophy, which helps students develop in the capacity to meet social challenges, solve problems, and make a positive difference in the world. Students enrolled in the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW) – a nationally ranked University accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission—are eligible to receive college credits for select approved NCOAE courses. Read below to find out which courses are eligible for college credit through UNCW. Academic Course Hours and Credits NCOAE maintains and exceeds U. S. university standards for classroom hours. Each course is assigned credits based on academic rigor and course hours. Students may be eligible for the following college-level credits through the University of North Carolina at Wilmington: Academic Quarter Course: Outdoor Educator Instructor EVS 485/592 — Ecuador Field Experience (6 credits)EVS 485/592 — Alaska Field Experience (6 credits)EVS 485/592 — North Carolina Mountains (6 credits) Wilderness Medicine Training EVS 345 — Hybrid DLP Wilderness First Aid (WFA) (1 credit)EVS 345 — Hybrid DLP Wilderness First Responder (WFR) (3 credits) How do I get college credit? Environmental Science (EVS) students currently enrolled at the University of North Carolina- Wilmington (UNCW) will be eligible to receive credit hours for any of the courses listed above. Students may be eligible to receive college level credits within their own institutions; however, these students should speak to their advisors first regarding this possibility. Non-UNCW students would have to apply as non-degree seeking at UNCW in order to register for the credits and then transfer them back to their home institution. It is up to their home institution to see if they are accepted within their curriculum. --- - Published: 2022-01-19 - Modified: 2022-05-11 - URL: https://ncoae.org/admissions-disclosure/ Like many organizations, The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) operates using policies and procedures that guide our executive and administrative staff, instructors, students and approved partners in the pursuit of organizational and administrative objectives. Here are some of the Admissions Disclosures that you – our prospective students and course participants – need to know about. For a complete set of disclosures, please contact us. Testing Accommodation Disclosure If a student that meets the eligibility requirement for enrollment in a National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) course communicates to NCOAE Student Services during the enrollment process that they have, and can show proof of, a documented disability, then reasonable equitable accommodation for testing can be made. Common accommodations include: Extended time for written testingOral reading of the written test to the student by the instructorA separate quiet place outside the classroom for testingIncreased print size of examinations Other reasonable and equitable considerations that support the objectives of the course in which the student is enrolled, can be made on an individual basis. Course Completion Data Disclosure NCOAE annually conducts an evaluation phase requiring NCOAE staff to complete an assessment and prepare a report for the completion rate for the previous work year. This data identifies both Certificate of Completion and Certificate courses. Definitions: Completion of a Certificate of Completion course means that the student participated and met the requirements for attendance. Completion of a Certificate of Completion course means that the student successfully passed the standards of written and practical testing as well as met the requirements for attendance. Students are identified as withdrawing failing or passing. Student Grievance Disclosure It is a mutual goal of The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) and it’s affiliates to ensure that quality educational coursework is provided. When students identify problems, NCOAE will make every attempt to find a fair and reasonable solution through our internal complaint procedure. In the event that the student is not able to resolve their complaint(s) directly with available NCOAE instructional staff, the student has the right and is encouraged to take the following steps: Complaints should be submitted in writing and mailed to the NCOAE office. Complaints received by phone will be documented, but the complainant will be requested to submit the complaint in writing. The letter of complaint must contain the following information:Title, location, and dates of NCOAE courseworkNames of instructional staffA detailed description of the alleged problem(s)The approximate date(s) the problem(s) occurredThe names and titles/positions of all individual(s) involved in the problem(s), including administrators, instructional staff and other studentsA list of what was previously done to resolve the complaintThe name, email address, telephone number and mailing address of the complainant. If the complainant specifically requests anonymity be maintained, National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education will not reveal his or her name during the internal investigationThe status of the complainant with The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (current/ former student, etc. ) In addition to the complaint,... --- - Published: 2022-01-19 - Modified: 2022-05-11 - URL: https://ncoae.org/essential-eligibility-criteria/ Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC) for The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) Program Participation The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education’s (NCOAE) students learn experientially, through outdoor adventures and educational experiences that foster teamwork, environmental stewardship and the acquisition of technical skills. NCOAE programs and activities can be physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging. To fully participate, live, and thrive in natural environments, each student must be capable of personal and group responsibility. This document is designed to provide the information needed to objectively evaluate whether one has the ability to participate in an NCOAE program or activity. The safety of all participants is paramount and is the guiding principle behind these criteria. The Essential Eligibility Criteria apply to all NCOAE students. Sound, fair, and safe decisions about whether potential participants may be a part of an NCOAE program or activity are derived from: a clear understanding of the program, accurate information, and an unbiased assessment. Decisions about participant eligibility are, therefore, evaluated by NCOAE personnel who have a medical background and an understanding of NCOAE’s activities and program. Participation in NCOAE programs and activities will be permitted except when allowing a person to participate can be reasonably expected to endanger that person or any other person. Some remote locations may require as much as one week’s travel to reach advanced medical care. General travel conditions may include deep sand, rough, rugged, uneven, steep, and sloping terrain, human made and animal made trails, rocky terrain that may range from smooth bedrock to extensive areas of large or small boulders, rivers and creeks three feet or more in depth, ascending, descending or traversing, bushwhacking off trail through thick vegetation, and may occur during periods of inclement weather during the day or nighttime hours. The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education’s Essential Eligibility Criteria lists the following basic functions required to participate in an activity. Each potential NCOAE student must be able to independently meet the following criteria to participate in an NCOAE activity or program. Students must be able to: Identify, recognize, and respond to instructions regarding environmental hazards – including falling objects, loose rock and unstable surfaces, rugged, steep and uneven terrain, uneven sidewalks, mountains, desert, cliff edges, crevasses, moving water (fast or slow) such as rivers, creeks, surf, or tides, and potentially hazardous animals and insects. Identify and recognize hazards and risks posed by other course members, which include, but are not limited to, fatigue, state of mind, and actions that may influence judgment and decision-making. Recall and understand hazards and risks previously explained by instructors. Effectively alert and warn others of potential or impending. Effectively signal or notify course instructors or other course members of personal distress, injury, or need for assistance. Communicate with others in challenging situations and conditions, with limited visibility, inclement weather, and with loud background noise such as high winds or roaring rivers. Act responsibly around hazards to minimize risk even when not directly supervised. Perceive, understand, and follow directions and... --- - Published: 2022-01-19 - Modified: 2024-05-31 - URL: https://ncoae.org/travel/ WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Planning a trip can be stressful, especially if it’s an expedition into the backcountry or some other remote spot on this blue and green ball that you’ve never visited before. Luckily for you, our staff is here to guide you, way before you even step on a plane, bus, or van to head off to your new destination. All the location scouting, trip planning, and even pack-list development has been thought through and road tested with your well-being in mind. On this page and throughout our website — especially on those pages describing specific trips — you’ll find all the information you need to prepare for your upcoming NCOAE course, training, or expedition. And if you can’t find what you’re looking for, we’re just a phone call or email message away. Use our Contact page to chat with us about anything not covered below. Please Note: Once you enroll in an NCOAE course, training, or expedition, we will send travel considerations and a course-specific pack-list for your upcoming trip. Here at NCOAE, we provide all necessary outdoor equipment for our trips, including tents, tarps, sleeping bags, backpacks and dry bags, cooking gear, food, and all activity-specific equipment. PACK LIST ESSENTIALS Packing Tip We encourage all students (including teens) to pack their own bags. If parents do all the packing, it tends to result in their kids having no idea where any of their items are located inside their luggage. For additional details about what exactly to pack, please review your trip-specific packing list (which we’ll send by email once you enroll in your course, training, or expedition). ITINERARY Due to unforeseen events and adverse conditions, expedition travel requires some degree of itinerary flexibility. While you should review the specific course itinerary for your trip for more information, you need to know that trip itineraries are subject to change to account for the needs of the group and unexpected events. PERSONAL EXPENSES Once your course is in the field, there won’t be many opportunities to make purchases on your own. Former students recommend bringing a small amount of money for the drive to and from your course area, as well as any trips into town we may take on re-supply days. They recommend $100-$500 in small bills, and depending on our departure point, there may be ATMs available for cash withdrawals and/or opportunities to exchange U. S. dollars for local currency. Once your course begins, there may not be an opportunity for you to exchange money. During your course — from the morning of the start date until the afternoon of the final day of the course — NCOAE will cover the cost of food, transportation, and instruction, as well as the cost of any group equipment indicated on the equipment list. Please note: You are responsible for the cost of pre- and post-trip meals — as well as the costs of lodging on the nights before the course start date and all expenses before arrival... --- - Published: 2022-01-19 - Modified: 2024-07-31 - URL: https://ncoae.org/packing/ PACKING & EQUIPMENT Outdoor enthusiasts like the term, “Go big or go home” — especially when confronting a steep climb or a particularly fast-running river. But when it comes to equipment, there’s no need to go all out and purchase every piece of camping gear you can cram in a (new) state-­of-­the-­art backpack. We’ve created packing and equipment lists to help you properly prepare for your upcoming NCOAE course or training. For packing lists for your specific trip, please see below or your confirmation email. --- - Published: 2022-01-19 - Modified: 2023-04-18 - URL: https://ncoae.org/forms-resources/ Registered NCOAE course and training participants need to complete and return the necessary forms before they begin their course or training. If you have any questions about any of the forms, please contact us by phone at (910) 399-8090 or email at info@ncoae. org. Download & Complete Your Required Forms --- - Published: 2022-01-19 - Modified: 2024-09-26 - URL: https://ncoae.org/typical-day/ WHAT TO EXPECT Since each of our courses and expeditions has an itinerary of its own, there’s really no such thing as a “typical day. ” The wilderness experience presents challenges that can range from a sudden rainstorm to wildlife that won’t get off the trail. Having said that, no matter where in the world you travel with us, you’re likely to experience a schedule that is somewhat similar to the following: Morning A day in the field with NCOAE begins with an early wake-up, typically around 7:00 a. m. If the previous day was especially long, the group might sleep in a little later. Each person has a daily role to fulfill, with some students starting to pack up camp, while the others might start preparing breakfast. The student leader for the day helps ensure the group stays organized and on task. After enjoying a hearty breakfast—perhaps pancakes sizzling on the stove or a warm pot of oatmeal instructors introduce or reinforce key principles from the NCOAE Educators Handbook, focusing on outdoor leadership and environmental ethics. Lessons may cover topics such as Leave No Trace, clear communication, decision-making, or group dynamics. These foundational principles guide students in navigating the wilderness, not only through map and compass lessons but also with mindfulness for the environment and their companions. After the mornings ED groups, the students pack their backpacks with both personal gear and a share of group gear, which may include food, a bear can, or cooking equipment. Once camp is packed up and a final sweep is done to ensure nothing is left behind, the group gathers for a morning stretch and mentally prepares for the day's adventure. The student leader then briefs the group on the day’s route, water fill-up spots, and lunch plans. Leadership and responsibility are core elements of the NCOAE experience. With the briefing complete, the group embarks on the day's journey, whether that’s hiking beautiful mountain ridges and peaks ‘or rafting along pristine waters. Afternoon After a couple hours of physical activity, the group will pause for lunch and an "Ed Group"—an interactive lesson that focuses on topics such as Leadership, Risk Management, Outdoor Skills, or Environmental Stewardship. These lessons are adapted to the specific journey, providing a dynamic opportunity to learn and reflect. Throughout the afternoon, instructors will introduce a variety of experiential-learning activities, including map and compass navigation, expedition planning, camp craft, backcountry cooking, and wilderness risk management-and just maybe stumble across a beautiful backcountry swim hole to cool off in! If needed, the group will take short breaks for rest or hydration, while longer pauses allow time for snacks, games, or more in-depth lessons. Evening Upon arriving at our days destination/campsite, the cooks will begin preparing dinner while other students help set up tents, organize group gear, and gather water and fire wood. Nights in the backcountry offer time for relaxation, stargazing, and enjoying s’mores by the campfire. Activities can range from casual games like cards and camouflage to more focused... --- - Published: 2022-01-19 - Modified: 2022-05-11 - URL: https://ncoae.org/meals-camping-expeditions/ MEALS Here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education, we’re actually pretty well known for creating gourmet meals in the backcountry. And since we carry all of our food either on our backs or in our boats, much of our foodstuff appears in dehydrated forms, such as pasta or rice. That’s because water weight is, well, weighty. And we’d much rather leave room in our packs for fresh vegetables, fruit, and fun snacks to mix things up. Meals in the backcountry offer a variety of options — from meat and grains to fresh-baked bread, not to mention pizza made from scratch. Our students are taught to cook meals on the trail, often discovering they’ve developed cooking skills that they gladly bring home. Custom-Made Menus There’s always plenty of delicious food on an NCOAE trip, and each course includes its own custom-made menu, with portion sizes and quantities designed to meet the dining desires of every group. For shorter trips, we pack up everything and bring it with us. During longer expeditions, we bring along our non-perishable items (like rice, pasta, and snacks), then restock freshies (fruits, meats, veggies) from local vendors along the way. No matter the adventure, we always ensure your menu has a balance of: Fruits and vegetablesCarbohydrates and sugarsProteinHealthy oils and fats Oh, and you can always count on us to have portions available for seconds or extra snacks available for even the hungriest of our students. Most breakfasts and lunches are served buffet-style, while dinners are often served family-style. Dietary Restrictions We can easily accommodate most food allergies and dietary restrictions, including those related to peanuts, tree nuts, soy, dairy, gluten, and even vegan and vegetarian students. EXAMPLE MENU ITEMS CAMPING All of our outdoor expeditions begin and end at one of our many basecamps around the globe. After an orientation, we spend time helping you get to know your group and prepare for the first expedition leg of your journey. Topics covered include menu planning, gear selection, trip planning, and how to “pack out” for group expedition travel in remote wilderness areas. Then you’ll head out with your group to explore some of the most beautiful mountains and rivers in the world, from the rolling peaks of the Appalachians to the snow-capped volcanoes of Patagonia. We’ll be living in tents and enjoying our evenings in different areas most nights, identifying the stars, and sharing highlights of our learning. While there are no predetermined distances, you’ll travel three to five miles a day on a typical course. You may travel several miles one day and none the next. Either way, you will learn to embrace and appreciate the unknown and the unexpected. HYGIENE We know one of our students’ biggest concerns is how they’ll stay clean without showering. The great news is, it’s surprisingly easy! You’ll typically shower about once a week, and your instructors will teach you how to maintain good personal hygiene in between, including using wet wipes each day to clean... --- - Published: 2022-01-19 - Modified: 2022-08-03 - URL: https://ncoae.org/room-board-on-campus/ Lodging & Meals On Campus While The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education offers courses and expeditions across the globe, in Wilmington, North Carolina — where we offer a number of unique medical trainings and custom outdoor programs — we’re headquartered on a 15-acre wooded campus that offers housing options for students enrolled in one of our programs. If you’re enrolled in an NCOAE program that occurs on our Wilmington campus, you may bring your own tent and stay under one of our covered tent pads (a flat spot with a covered roof that we’ve designated to pitch a tent), or you may stay in one of our rustic cabins. The standard rental price for accommodations is $20/night for a tent pad, and $35/night for a space in a shared cabin. Additional On-Site Housing Details at NCOAE Reserving Your Spot Please note: Since on-campus housing is limited, it’s a good idea to reserve your spot upon enrollment in your course/training. If you’d prefer to stay off-site for a Wilmington-based program, please contact our office for recommendations on local hotels and campgrounds. Lodging & Meals for Outdoor Expeditions that Start in Wilmington On-campus meals and lodging are typically included in the tuition for outdoor expeditions that start from our Wilmington, N. C. campus. Once your group departs our campus, you’ll spend most nights during your course in a backcountry / wilderness setting. We’ll be living in tents and traveling to new camping areas most nights, enjoying evenings by a campfire, identifying stars, and sharing highlights and observations of our day(s) in the backcountry. Participants in these courses stay in a two- and four-person tents with people of the same gender. When conditions allow, we may sleep out on a tarp under the stars. --- - Published: 2022-01-19 - Modified: 2023-06-27 - URL: https://ncoae.org/covid-19/ Effective starting June 15, 2023, NCOAE staff and students are not required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to participate in NCOAE course or training for students or staff. A completed COVID-19 vaccination series is still recommended for all students and staff prior to arriving at NCOAE for their course. Vaccinations for students may be required for select outdoor courses. Effective starting Jan. 1 2022, all NCOAE field instructors are required to be fully vaccinated prior to arriving at NCOAE for their course. This means, in order to work courses for the 2022 season, you must be vaccinated. Vaccinations for students may be required for select outdoor courses. Medical & religious exemptions will be considered on a case by case nature and must be approved by NCOAE management. This policy update is in accordance with our commitment to risk management and maintaining the health & well-being of our students and staff. Effective starting Sept. 1, 2021, all EMT students and staff are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. This means, at the start of your EMT course, you must be fully vaccinated prior to arriving at NCOAE for their course. Effective May 5, 2021, The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) requires all students and staff complete one of the following options before arriving on campus or at the departure point for a course or training program. Option 1: Submit proof that they completed the entire COVID-19 immunization process at least two (2) weeks prior to arrival on campus or at the departure location for a course or training program. Option 2: Submit proof of negative test for COVID-19 no more than four (4) days before arriving on campus or at the departure location for a course or training program. Please note: If you are in the middle of your vaccination process or receive your final dose of a COVID-19 vaccination within two (2) weeks of arriving on campus or at the departure location for a course or training, you will need to receive and show proof of a negative test result for COVID-19 from within the last four (4) days. All NCOAE students and course participants are required to submit all COVID-19 test results and verification of vaccination paperwork by email to StudentServices@NCOAE. org and bring a hard copy with them on the first day of their course or training. If you are participating in one of our courses or trainings and someone in your group tests positive for COVID-19 or shows symptoms of COVID-19, and you have submitted proof of vaccination, you will be able to continue with your course/training. Students who have only submitted a negative test result for COVID-19 prior to their course or training will not be permitted to complete their course or training as scheduled and will be sent home. If you fall into this second category, we will work with you to reschedule your course or training. --- - Published: 2022-01-19 - Modified: 2022-05-11 - URL: https://ncoae.org/about/become-instructor/ JOIN THE NCOAE TEAM NCOAE is committed to planning and facilitating professionally guided outdoor adventure and education experiences that foster teamwork, environmental stewardship and the acquisition of technical skills. Our field staff is the key to our future growth and our student and participant success. If you have a deep passion for education and the outdoors, and if you take immense pride in your work and have the ability to positively impact the lives of others, embrace change, and believe that mountains, rivers and surf are simply opportunities — then we invite you to apply to become an NCOAE instructor. Unlike other outdoor adventure and education providers, our core curriculum has been proven to have a positive impact on participants’ self-confidence, interpersonal relationships, and civic and environmental responsibility. That’s because NCOAE is comprised of hard-working, dedicated and fun people of all ages and backgrounds, committed in a really simple belief that positive and profoundly empowering experiences are created when people choose to engage with themselves and one another in unique wilderness settings. --- - Published: 2022-01-19 - Modified: 2023-06-08 - URL: https://ncoae.org/about/partners-affiliations/education-without-walls/ Wilderness, as a classroom, offers an exceptional learning environment — one where instructors foster curiosity, students apply critical thinking, and amazing memories are constructed and not soon forgotten. Instructors use a Core Curriculum to guide lesson planning and the facilitation of experiential education activities that focus on personal development, community building and the acquisition and mastery of technical outdoor skills. As a result, Education Without Walls students make close friends and learn incredible skills, all while having a blast on adventures of a lifetime. Education Without Walls is a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization established by The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) in order to provide scholarships for motivated students in financial need. https://youtu. be/-LQK-3s2gRo --- - Published: 2022-01-19 - Modified: 2022-06-23 - URL: https://ncoae.org/about/video-gallery/ The next best thing to experiencing the backcountry and wilderness firsthand is to hear about it through someone else’s eyes. Short of that, watching a video — one that eloquently captures the beauty of the moment and how being in remote wilderness areas makes us feel — is your next best option! Take a look through a variety of videos from actual NCOAE field experiences, from EMT training to adventures that take place in the backcountry. --- - Published: 2022-01-19 - Modified: 2022-02-14 - URL: https://ncoae.org/california-consumer-privacy-act/ This Supplemental Privacy Notice is dated and effective January 1, 2020. NCOAE, LLC (dba, The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education) (hereafter “NCOAE”, “we,” “our,” and “us”) is furnishing this Supplemental Privacy Notice (“Supplemental Notice”) to natural persons residing in the State of California (“you,” “your,” and “their”), pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (the “CCPA”). This Supplemental Notice supplements and should be read together with our Privacy Policy. Any terms defined in the CCPA have the same meaning when used in this Supplemental Notice. This Supplemental Notice is dated and effective January 1, 2020. It is our objective to collect, use, and protect your Personal Information gathered through this website in a responsible manner, whether we do so in the context of interacting with our website visitors, enrolling new students or clients, facilitating the delivery of outdoor education and medical courses and trainings, providing insights into the state of the outdoor education and wilderness medicine profession and industries, managing our employees and contractors, or processing applications to join our team of professionals (collectively, the “Services”). The CCPA requires certain disclosures that already are covered in our Privacy Policy. This Supplemental Notice provides additional information required by CCPA, including information about how California residents may exercise their rights under the CCPA. The CCPA permits natural persons who are California residents to request and obtain from us twice a year, free of charge, a list of the third parties to whom we have disclosed their Personal Information (if any) in the prior calendar year, as well as the type of Personal Information disclosed to those parties. We do not sell, rent, trade, or share Personal Information with third parties for their own marketing purposes. We do not sell your data. We only disclose Personal Information to unaffiliated third parties as set forth in this Supplemental Notice. You have the right to request information from us regarding whether we share certain categories of your Personal Information with third parties for our marketing purposes. To the extent we share your Personal Information in this way, you may request information related to (i) the categories of information we disclosed to third parties for such purpose during the 12 months and (ii) the names and addresses of third parties that received such information. CATEGORIES & SOURCES OF INFORMATION As further described in our Privacy Policy, in order to provide the Services, we have collected the following categories of Personal Information in the past twelve months: Identifiers, such as name, postal or electronic address, and government-issued identifiers (e. g. , taxpayer identification number);Personal information as defined under the California Customer Records statute (California Civil Code § 1798. 80(e)) such as contact information;Characteristics of protected classifications under California or federal law, such as age or gender;Health information, such as that submitted through medical condition release, health, and consent to treat forms;Internet or network activity information, such as interactions with our website; andGeolocation data, such as device location and Internet Protocol (IP) location. We... --- --- ## Posts - Published: 2025-08-18 - Modified: 2025-08-19 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/photog-cites-loss-of-touch-with-nature-were-creating-an-illusion-for-ourselves/ In a recent CNN article by Rebecca Cairns and London-based photographer Zed Nelson, the reader is invited to reflect on how we interact with nature, and how much of that “nature” is staged. Nelson’s project, The Anthropocene Illusion, takes viewers on a global journey to see the ways we simulate wild places and wildlife while often turning away from the real thing.   Here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), this type of exploration resonates deeply with the part of our mission that speaks to inspiring stewardship and facilitating authentic experiences in the natural world. Nelson’s photographs, which are featured in Cairnes article, capture everything from artificial safari parks to lion farms in South Africa, revealing the uneasy truth about how human-made versions of nature have sadly become commonplace. As Cairns writes: “We’re creating an illusion for ourselves... a stage-managed version of nature where we feel we’re connecting with the natural world, but we’re not. ” Our own observations echo this. We surround ourselves with nature-themed decor ranging from beach-printed bedcovers to desktop wallpapers, all offering a fleeting sense of connection. Yet these are safe, convenient stand-ins that avoid the friction of mud, insects, unpredictable weather, and the physical challenge of being outdoors. Over time, this can (more... ) --- - Published: 2025-08-01 - Modified: 2025-08-01 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/navigating-with-a-map-and-compass-the-bare-basics/ Batteries die. Cell phones lose connectivity. Even satellite service can be unpredictable. But a map and compass? You can always count on these two “old schools” tools to discover where you are and how to get to where you’re going.   Truth is, navigating with a tried and true map and compass is an essential outdoor skill. Real explorers don’t ask Apple Maps or Google Maps for directions! In this post, I bring you up to speed on the basics of using a map and compass in the backcountry. Here’s what you need to know: Start with a Detailed Topographical Map The first step is to obtain a map. If all you’re planning to do is hike well-established paths in a park, a basic trail map is all you really need. However, when you’re traveling off-road and off-path, you should have a topographical map. A topographic map shows the physical features of the land, especially its shape and elevation, as shown below. A topographical map is one of the most useful tools for wilderness navigation because it helps you visualize the terrain before you ever set foot on it.   Free Topo Maps: If you’re traveling in the United States, the U. S. Geological Survey offers free topographical maps you can download to print at US Topo. Another option is to purchase a gazetteer (a geographical “directory”) for each state in which you’re planning to travel. Once you have your map and before you begin your backcountry or wilderness expedition, open it and familiarize yourself with its features: (more... ) --- - Published: 2025-07-22 - Modified: 2025-07-22 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/wilderness-medicine-and-first-aid-knowing-what-to-pack/ Backcountry and wilderness expeditions and daytrips can be a blast! One minute you’re stimulated by the views and having fun, and in some instances, the next minute you’re on the ground after tripping on a rock, asking yourself, “Where did all that blood come from? ” Having the right medical supplies can turn a potential disaster into just another compelling campfire story. The question is, what medical supplies are the right ones? What items should you carry in your adventure-based first aid kit? What do you need and what can you do without? The answers to those questions are elusive, and for good reason; they vary based on several factors, including the following: The terrain you plan to traverse (forest, mountains, wetlands, etc. ) The activities you’ll engage in (hiking, climbing, kayaking, etc. ) Group size and composition (for example, if someone in your party has a history of bleeding or suffers severe allergic reactions) Trip length (time and distance) In this post, I provide some general guidance on what items to include in your first aid kit, along with other points to ponder as you plan ahead for unexpected injuries and illnesses. First Aid Kit or Boo Boo Bag? The first decision you need to make is whether you’re packing a lifesaving focused first aid kit or a boo boo bag: (more... ) --- - Published: 2025-07-11 - Modified: 2025-07-11 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/the-art-of-sharing-trails-with-hikers-bikes-horses-and-dogs/ There it is, middle fingers up, people screaming at one another, animals running amok. It’s just another day on the trails lost to behaviors that are normally reserved for Los Angeles traffic. It doesn’t need to be this way. So long as everyone’s aware of the rules and then follows them, hikers, bicyclists, horses, and dogs can share the trails in peaceful harmony. All of us should have access, as well as the right, to enjoy trails designated as multi-purpose. Open access is great. And, of course, the more access we provide to people who engage in diverse outdoor activities, the more money is available to maintain and expand trails, and the more voices we have to ensure that trails remain intact. Yes, access for many is great for everyone until it isn’t. I have witnessed abominable behaviors — physical fights, trash talking, and worse — in my time on trails. More often than not, one or all of the guilty parties were at fault, usually because they weren’t cautious, didn’t know or practice proper trail etiquette, or lacked the skills to behave with a modicum of courtesy and civility. In this post, I bring you up to speed on the rules and best practices that can make everyone’s time on trails more enjoyable. Follow the Sign Whenever you’re out on a trail, you’re wise to follow the signs, and I’m not just talking about trail markers. Here’s a sign that serves as a great visual for remembering who yields to whom on multi-use trails. Here’s what it means: Bicyclists yield to hikers. Motor vehicles yield to hikers and bicyclists. Everyone yields to horses. Easy. Right? Among the things that make sharing trails and right of ways on trails difficult is that everyone on the trails is in motion. Hikers are moving at around three miles an hour. Cyclists commonly travel at speeds ranging from 10 to 30 miles an hour. Those on e-bikes are often hustling along in excess of 40 miles an hour. And horses typically walk, trot, or canter at speeds ranging from four to 15 miles an hour. These differences in speeds can lead to potentially dangerous encounters, which, in turn, can trigger fear or frustration. Either of those emotions can quickly turn to anger. Many trail users think of trails as being (more... ) --- - Published: 2025-06-19 - Modified: 2025-06-19 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/words-matter-speaking-the-same-language-in-wilderness-medicine/ Language provides a foundation for human progress. Having a common language enables us to communicate, collaborate, and coordinate our efforts in able us to achieve more together than any of us could possibly achieve on our own. It allows us to organize our thoughts and solve problems collectively. It’s when we’re not speaking the same language, or we have a different understanding of the terminology being used, that chaos ensues. Take NASA’s Mars Climate Orbiter (aka Mars Surveyor '98 Orbiter), for example. Launched on December 11, 1998, the spacecraft was lost because NASA used the International System of Units (metric), while the company that built the spacecraft, Lockheed Martin, used the United States customary units (imperial). That simple miscommunication caused the Mars Climate Orbiter to enter the Martian atmosphere on September 23, 1999, at the wrong angle and disintegrate. As practitioners of wilderness medicine, outdoor educators and others can learn valuable lessons from that story. After all, successful treatment outcomes often require close communication, collaboration, and coordination among treatment providers. Having a different understanding of the same terminology can result in serious negative consequences. This is especially true in life-threatening situations where the space between life and death can be as narrow as a razor’s edge. In these situations, using a common language can save lives. In this post, we explore wilderness medicine terminology that’s a common source of misunderstandings. By increasing your awareness of how these terms are often used and understood, you can ensure that you and other members of the treatment team are communicating clearly and precisely. Recognizing Terms That Can Be a Source of Confusion Communication is so important that EMT textbooks often include an entire chapter or appendix on medical terminology. These terms and their definitions ensure clarity on everything from (more... ) --- - Published: 2025-05-23 - Modified: 2025-05-23 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/experiential-learning-in-the-backcountry-a-balance-of-fun-learning-self-development/ We live in a world increasingly dominated by social media, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence. So, when it comes to backcountry and wilderness expeditions, participants of all ages have an opportunity to learn and grow in fun, challenging real-world settings.   Whether navigating rugged terrain, setting up a tent, or preparing a meal without the aid of modern appliances, participants in guided outdoor adventures are required to think critically, adapt quickly, reflect deeply, and collaborate closely with others. In this post, I explore how backcountry adventures serve as powerful catalysts for personal growth, leadership development, and environmental awareness. Here at The National Center for Outdoor Adventure and Education (NCOAE), we offer guided outdoor expeditions that focus on creating profoundly empowering experiences for everyone involved. In the backdrop of a wilderness setting, we encourage participants —students on a summer teen leadership expedition or adults on one of our 21-day adult leadership expeditions — to challenge themselves to grow and expand upon their critical thinking, teamwork, and technical outdoor skills. Most of our first-time participants have little to no experience in the backcountry, and that’s why our objective is not to turn them into avid backpackers, rock climbers, or paddlers. While our adventures often spark a new passion for these activities, our goal is to use the backcountry as a classroom that facilitates learning and personal or professional growth.   Outdoor and adventure-based experiential education in the backcountry enables our course participants to learn, grow, and build self-confidence. And they do this by: (more... ) --- - Published: 2025-05-13 - Modified: 2025-05-13 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/search-and-rescue-basics-for-wilderness-medicine/ According to some emergency medical professionals, including one of my early mentors, every emergency medical service (EMS) call involves a search. Even in urban settings where we’re given a home address for a patient, we need to confirm the location, find it, and gain access to the patient. And even after arriving at the right address, finding and gaining access to the patient within the home or building can be a challenge. As a current or future Wilderness Medicine Care Provider, you may be called upon to provide care in diverse environments under a variety of circumstances — and you need to be prepared to do so. One of the environments we train for here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) is the backcountry, more commonly referred to as the wilderness. Wilderness medicine encompasses a broad range of scenarios, ranging from the simple treatment of basic cuts, scrapes, blisters, and bruises, to conducting complex search and rescue operations in remote areas, in dangerous weather conditions and across challenging terrain.   Patients are often those within an activity group or in a group nearby, but sometimes the incoming call notifies us of a problem in a remote, unclear location. In such cases, we need to find the patient before we can treat the patient, and in many cases, we need to move distressed individuals or parties to safety.   In this post, I bring you up to speed on the fundamentals of conducting search and rescue in diverse environments and unpredictable circumstances. Defining Search and Rescue (SAR) Wilderness medicine includes some complex and challenging diagnostic and treatment procedures. SAR adds another layer of complexity to make it even more challenging. To gain a better understanding of the challenges, consider what each of these tasks involves: (more... ) --- - Published: 2025-04-24 - Modified: 2025-04-24 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/we-did-it-ncoae-is-now-accredited-by-cognia/ Last September, we told you we were seeking accreditation from a trio of the nation’s top accrediting bodies: the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI), the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI), and the Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC). And today, we’re pleased to share that Cognia — the parent organization of the above-mentioned agencies — has officially granted The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) full accreditation status. This is a huge milestone for us, and even more so for the students and families we serve. What Cognia Accreditation Means for NCOAE Students and Partners This recognition confirms that NCOAE meets Cognia’s rigorous performance standards, which are the same standards applied to traditional schools, education service providers, and school districts across the country and around the world. More important, it means that students who complete select NCOAE programs — including our High School Summer Block-Semester — may now be eligible to earn and transfer academic credit to their high school. We’ve always believed that wilderness and the backcountry is a powerful classroom. Now, it’s also an accredited one.   Why Cognia Accreditation Matters Cognia is a globally respected nonprofit that accredits more than 36,000 schools and education providers in over 90 countries. Through its regional agencies, Cognia is recognized by the U. S. Department of Education. Its rigorous evaluation process ensures that institutions like ours deliver high-quality, student-centered learning. By earning this accreditation, NCOAE: (more... ) --- - Published: 2025-04-11 - Modified: 2025-04-24 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/preview-summer-2025-teen-leadership-expeditions/ Chances are good that you’ve had to take at least one course in English composition that required you to write a 500-word essay entitled, “How I Spent My Summer Vacation. ” Most teens talk about their vacation or their summer job, but you can talk about leadership activities for teens. Perhaps you had the best summer ever and found yourself struggling to limit your prose to a paltry 500 words. However, most students have trouble finding enough verbosity to attain the required verbiage.   Don’t let that happen to you. You can make this summer the one you’ll never forget! Explore the outdoors while building your technical outdoor skills on a Teen Leadership Expedition this summer with us here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE). For 2025, we are offering several 14-day summer camp courses designed specifically as teen leadership activities. Based in Alaska, North Carolina, and the Pacific Northwest, these guided expeditions offer the perfect blend of outdoor adventure, hands-on experiential education, camaraderie, and fun in some of the most awesome wilderness settings in the United States! Our 14-day teen expeditions feature a ton of adventure, with exciting outdoor activities that include backpacking, mountaineering, trekking, and rock climbing — not to mention paddling activities like canoeing, kayaking, or whitewater rafting. Here’s what you should know about each destination and course, starting with our two-week Alaska Teen Leadership Expedition. (more... ) --- - Published: 2025-03-28 - Modified: 2025-04-24 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/oxygen-at-altitude-is-a-major-consideration-in-wilderness-medicine/ Wilderness medicine covers an enormous area of study and practice. From anaphylaxis to zoonotic diseases, it covers a lot of glossary. From deep-water diving to high-altitude mountaineering, it covers a lot of territory including oxygen deprivation. Mountain tourist vector logos set. Adventures Icon mount. Highest mountain in world. Everest and Ismoil Somoni Peak, Aconcagua, Denali, McKinley, Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Ararat, Vinson Massif, Mont Blanc In this post about wilderness medicine, we focus on four terms in that glossary to which every outdoor educator and backcountry/wilderness guide should be aware: Oxygen is a gas comprised of two oxygen molecules bound together (O2), that’s essential for the survival of most earthly lifeforms. You can live without food for several weeks, without water for several days, but only a few minutes without oxygen. Atmosphere is the gaseous mass that surrounds a celestial body like Earth. Earth’s atmosphere is composed of about 78 percent nitrogen, 21 percent oxygen, 0. 93 percent argon, and 0. 04 percent carbon dioxide, along with trace amounts of other gases and variable water vapor. This gaseous “envelope” is divided into layers ranging from the troposphere to the thermosphere, with the percentage of oxygen remaining the same in each of those layers. (more... ) --- - Published: 2025-03-19 - Modified: 2025-04-24 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/campfires-should-be-designed-to-delight-and-then-disappear/ Little in the wilderness experience quite compares to sitting around a warm campfire after a day on the trail. Crackling embers, shimmering luminescence, and radiant warmth have an almost primal attraction. When you take advantage of our teen leadership expeditions, adult leadership expeditions, or our high school summer semester, you'll experience many campfires. Whether you’re toasting marshmallows, sharing stories, debriefing the day’s group-based activities, or simply gazing into the glow, a campfire creates an intimate connection to nature, to others, and to oneself. For those of us who work in outdoor education and adventure-based programming, the impact of a campfire on our students must include consideration of the environmental impact of these moon-lit activities. In this blog post, we explore why people are so drawn to campfires and then we share tips on how to enjoy them without leaving a lasting trace. Appreciating the Appeal of Campfires People are naturally drawn to campfires, and for good reason — actually several good reasons. Here are some of the qualities that make campfires so alluring (more... ) --- - Published: 2025-03-10 - Modified: 2025-04-24 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/just-the-facts-recognizing-the-importance-of-reporting-accurate-information-in-a-wilderness-emergency/ In the movie Die Hard 2, hero John McLane, played by Bruce Willis, receives a fax at a car rental kiosk at Dulles International Airport in Washington, D. C. informing him of the identity of a suspect. The agent behind the desk, who’s been flirting with McLane through the entire scene, says, “Hey, I close in about an hour. Maybe we can go get a drink? ” McLane smiles coyly, points to the wedding ring on his finger, and replies, “Just the fax, ma’am. Just the fax. ” DRAGNET - US TV series 1951 to 1959 with Jack Webb as Sgt Joe Friday. McLane’s line is a reference to the old TV show Dragnet, where the main character, Sgt. Joe Friday, would remind rambling or opiniated witnesses to stick to the facts by saying, “Just the facts, ma’am . Just the facts. ” That straight-forward statement can serve as a reminder for wilderness medicine providers when we’re responding to accidents or emergencies in remote settings.   In wilderness emergency medicine, collecting and reporting the facts can determine the difference between a positive and a negative outcome, or even between life and death. Recognizing the Challenges of Reporting Accurate Information in Wilderness Medicine In wilderness settings, the potential for communicating inaccurate information increases due to several factors, including distance, time lags, layers of patient care providers, and unreliable communication channels, including the absence of cell phone connectivity. First responders frequently face the daunting task of gathering information from people in stressful situations under challenging and changing conditions. In our wilderness medicine course, we teach about the importance of accurate information. In addition, location information can be difficult to obtain and communicate. Even in an urban setting, first responders can have trouble distinguishing between similarly named roads, such as Bear Hollow Lane and Bear Hollow Road, or roads that have multiple names. In the wilderness, determining and communicating a specific location becomes even more challenging when certain ridges, pitches of a rock climb, or similarly named streams come into play. Providing accurate and comprehensive information is important for several reasons, including the following: (more... ) --- - Published: 2025-02-25 - Modified: 2025-03-10 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/making-education-loud-exciting-exhausting-dirty-and-transformative/ Covered in mud, we return to the sterile walls of the school. Nearby, students and teachers stop and stare at us. We say nothing. We keep moving, exhausted from our time spent in the wilderness, observing, interacting, developing skills to survive, absorbing information and processing the incredible time we had spent as a group. What we experienced together as a class is a far cry from what most students find in a traditional educational setting. In that scenario, a teacher lectures from a lesson plan they wrote a decade ago or downloaded online. Students stare out the window, whisper to each another about things unrelated to subject matter, or they concentrate on their rectangular cell phones. Somebody might look up and ask whether what the teacher is saying will be on the test. Curriculum standards have changed little, nor has the teacher’s approach.   Taking a Critical Look at Traditional Education Education in many schools can be so mundane to the point of stifling inspiration and creativity. It happened to me and it created obstacles to my learning and personal development. It even led to some unfortunate behavioral incidents I’d rather not discuss. Didactic learning, more commonly known as (more... ) --- - Published: 2025-02-13 - Modified: 2025-02-24 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/fast-fashion-has-no-place-in-a-leave-no-trace-culture/ Over the past couple of decades, outdoor adventure enthusiasts have developed a growing obsession with speed — fastest climber (ascent/descent), fastest cyclist, fastest downhill skier or snowboarder, fastest BASE jumper. Fastest, fastest, fastest.   Whether you actively compete in one or more of these categories or prefer a less competitive approach to human-powered outdoor activities, you’re at risk of getting swept up in the accelerating pace of everything in the world outdoor adventure, including fashion. Specifically, fast fashion. From “Stylish Outdoor Gear Is Everywhere This Summer”, May 2017, GQ Yes, fast fashion and stylish outdoor gear is a thing, and it’s creeping into the world of technical outdoor apparel, threatening the values of the outdoor education and adventure programming community’s Leave No Trace (LNT) culture. It’s a trend we must resist, and dare I suggest, reverse. What Is Fast Fashion? Fast fashion is the mass production of inexpensive clothing, aggressively marketed and pushed out to consumers as quickly as possible to capitalize on ever-changing trends. Sometimes, a simple change in color, texture, or cut is enough to trigger a new trend.  Wash, rinse, repeat. Often, products that hit store shelves or online retailers appear well-made, with quality and longevity in mind. But when put to even the most basic tests, their flaws quickly become apparent. Since many consumers are willing to overlook poor quality in their pursuit of trendy, bargain-priced clothing, the cycle continues. What most people don’t see are the hidden costs to the environment, to the workers making these products, and to the communities where they’re manufactured. According to the report Style That’s Sustainable: A New Fast-Fashion Formula (PDF): (more... ) --- - Published: 2025-01-30 - Modified: 2025-04-24 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/managing-fatalities-in-wilderness/ In the safety and comfort of the modern world, we often forget that the natural world can be a dangerous, unforgiving, and uncaring place. For many of us who love wilderness and the backcountry, that’s large part of its attraction.   We choose to explore areas where some fear to go, and we participate in activities that may straddle the line between the safe and perilous. But we do so, backed by best practices and training in wilderness risk management. Mountaineering, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting can be dangerous undertakings, but even a leisurely hike through the backcountry carries risk. Wilderness emergency examples include entering an area teaming with unpredictable wildlife, crossing paths with a venomous snake, getting swept up in a flash flood, or encountering other unpredictable dangers. Here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), we take many precautions to mitigate the risks. Education, training, planning, and preparation can all limit the risk of injuries and preventable illnesses, and wilderness medicine training can help mitigate the fallout when injuries and illnesses do occur in remote settings. But when we venture out into wilderness and engage in extreme activities, accidents can and do happen, sometimes the result of life-ending episodes. Unfortunately, we need to be prepared for that, too. Gauging the Risk of Fatality A quick check of the American Alpine Club’s periodical Accidents in North America Climbing shows that of 8,000-plus accidents covered over the more than 75 years the club has been gathering data, more than (more... ) --- - Published: 2025-01-20 - Modified: 2025-04-24 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/managing-mass-casualty-incidents-in-the-backcountry/ Most people think of wilderness medicine as providing medical care in a remote setting where access to conventional healthcare resources is limited or unavailable. They imagine someone treating a wound, applying a tourniquet, performing CPR, or fashioning a splint out of sticks and a bandana enabling a hiker with a broken leg to hobble to safety.   Few rarely consider the role of wilderness medicine in mass casualty events such as earthquakes, flash floods, wildfires, and other natural and manufactured disasters. These incidences result in multiple injuries that can overwhelm the resources available to treat the injured. In the context of a mass casualty event, wilderness medicine providers fill all their traditional roles — caring for the injured and improvising to overcome the lack of medical equipment and supplies. However, their role often expands in scope as they face the challenges of assisting multiple patients at the same time suffering from diverse injuries.   Meeting this challenge requires knowledge of the system and resources available, along with an ability think and act quickly and rationally in order to triage patients. That means sorting and prioritizing patients on larger scale, based on the severity and urgency of their medical needs — again in the context of available resources. Defining “Mass Casualty Incident” A mass casualty incident (MCI) is any (more... ) --- - Published: 2025-01-02 - Modified: 2025-04-24 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/celebrating-2024-a-year-of-growth-innovation-and-milestones-at-ncoae/ The year 2024 was another great one for The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE). From groundbreaking program launches to prestigious accreditations, we’ve continued to grow, innovate, and strengthen our commitment to education and adventure. Here’s a look at our top milestones from 2024: Celebrating 15 Years of Excellence In 2024, we celebrated a major milestone: our 15th anniversary. Over the past decade and a half, NCOAE has grown from a vision into a leading outdoor education and adventure programming organization, impacting thousands of lives through our innovative programs. This achievement reflects the passion, dedication, and trust of our community, as well as the vision of our founders and faculty and staff that continue to buy into the NCOAE educational framework.   Here’s to the next 15 years of adventure and growth! Cognia Accreditation This year, we learned that our accreditation from Cognia — an esteemed global organization representing the largest network of accredited institutions — is in its final stage of approval. Cognia is comprised of three of the six U. S. recognized regional accrediting agencies, including the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI), the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI), and the Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC). Together, they form the largest and most recognized community of accrediting institutions in the world. For NCOAE, Cognia accreditation ensures our academic credits are recognized and transferable across schools nationwide and internationally. Cognia accreditation also underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional educational programs that empower students to achieve their academic objectives in non-traditional ways. Expanding EMT Training to Idaho We officially became a recognized Proprietary School in Idaho through the Idaho State Board of Education. Our new satellite camp in Idaho offers Hybrid EMT Training in a stunning wilderness setting, blending immersive, hands-on learning with state-of-the-art facilities. This expansion furthers our objective to make EMT certification accessible to more students. Self-Paced EMT Certification  Speaking of EMT education that meets the needs of busy students and professionals, we launched our Self-Paced EMT Certification Course in North Carolina and Oregon. This flexible program allows students to gain life-saving skills on their schedule, combining rigorous coursework with real-world applications. It’s the perfect solution for anyone passionate about emergency response but balancing demanding commitments. High School Semester Programming In 2024, we finalized our plans for launching our first-ever High School Summer Semester, giving rising 10th and 11th graders a unique opportunity to earn academic credits while embarking on 32-day outdoor adventures in North Carolina, the Pacific Northwest, and Ecuador. With courses in honors Natural Science, Outdoor Leadership, and certifications in Wilderness Medicine, this program sets students up for success in education and life. Sharing Our Story on the “It’s In the Experience” Podcast Our co-founders Zac and Celine Adair shared their journey on the Association for Experiential Education’s (AEE) podcast, “It’s In the Experience. ” In Episode 15, titled Overcoming Challenges: Creating Positive Experiences in Experiential Education, they reflected on NCOAE’s origins, challenges, and triumphs. The interview offers an... --- - Published: 2024-12-06 - Modified: 2024-12-12 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/intensive-self-paced-emt-certification-course-for-oregon-and-north-carolina/ Finding a local EMT certification course provider and fitting the training into a busy schedule may seem like an insurmountable obstacle, especially if you’re still in school, working a full-time job — or both.   The solution? The National Center for Outdoor and Adventure Education’s (NCOAE’s) Intensive Self-paced EMT Certification Course, which gives you the freedom to learn at your own pace, from anywhere.   This flexible EMT certification in Oregon and North Carolina is designed for people who are passionate about emergency response, the Intensive Self-paced EMT Certification Course offers a comprehensive, hands-on approach to learning that combines in-depth coursework with practical, real-world applications. With expert instructors, engaging online content, and field training opportunities, this flexible EMT course is tailored to meet the needs of busy learners. Ready to dive in? In this post, we share most of what you need to know about this unique course offering from NCOAE, point you to sources where you can find additional details and provide the many benefits of Self-paced EMT Training. About the Intensive Self-Paced EMT Certification Course Our team designed this 240-hour self-paced EMT training course to be comprehensive, practical, and efficient. The curriculum is divided into two phases: (more... ) --- - Published: 2024-11-14 - Modified: 2024-11-14 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/backcountry-guide-outdoor-educator-whats-the-difference/ If you’re considering a career in the field of outdoor education and adventure programming that involves leading groups through remote wilderness areas, your career path will come to a fork in the road where you will face an important choice: Do you want to become a backcountry guide or an outdoor educator? At first glance, these two roles may appear to be too similar to matter, but they serve distinct purposes. While both require expertise in risk management, their focus and approach differ considerably. In general, the differences boil down to the following: A backcountry guide is primarily responsible for leading groups safely through remote, rugged environments, with a focus on navigation, logistics, health, and safety. An outdoor educator or field instructor does everything a backcountry guide does but with the added responsibilities of teaching wilderness skills, fostering environmental stewardship, and creating opportunities for individual and group personal growth and learning. In this post, we explore the key similarities and differences between these two roles and what each brings to the outdoor experience. Recognizing the Similarities Backcountry guides and outdoor educators (field instructors) are more alike than they are similar. They both have a passion for nature and human-powered outdoor recreation and adventure, and they both share their technical outdoor knowledge and skills freely with others. More specifically, backcountry guides and outdoor educators share the following qualities: (more... ) --- - Published: 2024-10-30 - Modified: 2024-11-14 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/testing-for-emt-certification-past-present-and-future/ Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) play a vital role in the modern healthcare system, providing immediate, life-saving assistance to people experiencing acute medical conditions or traumatic injuries. By rapidly assessing and treating patients in critical situations, EMTs improve survival rates, minimize complications, and optimize treatment outcomes. Training, testing, and certification ensure all EMTs have the skills needed to respond to life-threatening emergencies. In this post, we explore the history of EMT training and certification, bring you up to speed on its current state, and look ahead to its future. Why this matters to us here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) is because we offer such training for EMTs throughout the U. S. The Evolution of EMT Testing: Past to Present EMT testing and certification have evolved over the course of nearly six decades. Formalized training didn’t begin until the late 1960s. It was initiated by the publication of a white paper in 1966 titled, “Accidental Death and Disability: The Neglected Disease of Modern Society. ” The paper was in response to increasing trauma and death resulting from traffic accidents in the United States. Up to that time, ambulance services generally consisted of team members with little to no formal training, with such services often relying on volunteers. And any formalized training and testing that was being done was administered locally by (more... ) --- - Published: 2024-10-15 - Modified: 2024-10-24 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/emts-come-to-the-rescue-in-natural-disasters/ The morning of September 26, 2024, saw the peaceful mountain towns of western North Carolina waking up to their usual weather notifications. Even though the area was accustomed to storms, information about Hurricane Helene caused worry because it was growing stronger at a faster pace than anticipated.   The stronger the storm became, the greater the responsibilities of local Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). From organizing for the possibility of extensive evacuations to offering essential treatment in hazardous and uncertain settings, EMTs were at the ready. Two recent hurricanes — Helene and Milton — serve as stark reminders that natural disasters can strike with little warning, leaving a trail of chaos and devastation in their wake. Saving lives and keeping people safe during a disaster, and cleaning up in its aftermath, requires the coordinated efforts of a diverse army of professionals, including doctors, police, members of the military, heavy-equipment operators, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and more. Also on the front lines are EMTs, such as the ones we train here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education, typically serving as part of the local rescue response. National emergency services, including the military and larger medical teams, are usually dispatched later. But they also require the dedication and expertise of EMTs. In this post, I explore the indispensable contributions of EMTs during natural disasters, highlighting their training, the challenges they face, and the profound impact they have on (more... ) --- - Published: 2024-10-09 - Modified: 2024-10-10 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/understanding-wilderness-cpr/ Imagine hiking with a small group of friends or family members in a dense, remote forest. You’re ascending a steep, rocky ravine, when suddenly a member of your group, a middle-aged man with a stout build, clutches his chest and collapses to the ground. Everyone rushes to his side, their voices rising in panic. They all reach for their phones to dial 911, but nobody can get a signal. The nearest medical facility is miles away. The only hope is that someone in the group is trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Unfortunately, most CPR training is provided in the context of urban settings, including the workplace, community gathering spaces, and our homes. In a remote wilderness environment, responding to a cardio event requires additional skills along with mental calmness and agility — skills and abilities developed and practiced as part of Wilderness First Aid with CPR training. What Is Wilderness CPR? Wilderness CPR involves providing life-saving care in remote settings with limited access to medication, medical gear, and emergency medical services. The First Aid component covers everything from assessing situations and injuries/illnesses to treating common injuries, such as cuts, bruises, sprains, broken bones, head trauma, and spinal injuries. It also covers life-threatening conditions that are common in wilderness adventure scenarios, such as hypothermia and dehydration. The CPR component covers the process of delivering a combination of rescue breathing and chest compressions to help someone whose breathing or heartbeat has stopped. Wilderness Care Challenges Providing first aid and CPR in a remote wilderness environment, as compared to an urban setting, presents some unique challenges, such as the following: (more... ) --- - Published: 2024-09-13 - Modified: 2024-09-26 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/cognia-accreditation-further-demonstrates-ncoaes-commitment-to-excellence/ Here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), we are known to be among the best in class among providers of outdoor education and wilderness-based adventures for youths and adults, and wilderness medical and EMT training for adults. To that end, we are excited to announce that we are currently in the final stage of seeking accreditation with Cognia, a globally recognized nonprofit organization acknowledged by the U. S. Department of Education, that provides accreditation, certification, assessment, and professional learning services for continuous improvement to public, private, and independent postsecondary schools, among others. NCOAE attributes its success to several qualities that set us apart from others who offer the same or similar services and experiences. These include our highly knowledgeable, experienced, and passionate leadership team and staff and our unique core curriculum, carefully crafted to positively impact each participant’s self-confidence, interpersonal relationships, and commitment to fulfilling their civic and environmental responsibilities. But we don’t expect you to take our word for it. Several highly reputable, independent organizations have given us their seals of approval through their accreditation programs, including the Association for Experiential Education (AEE) and the Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE). Further boosting our street cred is that fact that both the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services and the State of North Carolina have approved us to offer an intensive 21-day EMT-Basic training curriculum. Why Cognia Accreditation Matters Since 1895, Cognia, most well-known as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools-Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS/CASI) rebranded about five years ago, offers research-based performance standards that are created with one end in mind — to ensure high-quality learning. They define the practices that are essential for (more... ) --- - Published: 2024-09-03 - Modified: 2024-09-26 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/meet-the-ncoae-student-robert-fox-emt-course-graduate/ Within three weeks of graduating from the Intensive Hybrid EMT course offered by us here at The National Center for Outdoor and Adventure Education’s (NCOAE), Robert Fox had obtained his national and state emergency medical technician (EMT) licenses and had a job offer in hand at a local ambulance service. Today, this Athens, Georgia, native works full time as an EMT. In addition — and in short order — Robert in on track to attend school to become an advanced emergency medical technician (AEMT) this fall. Advanced emergency medical techs provide basic and limited advanced emergency medical care and transportation for critical and emergent patients.   These advanced technicians possess the knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient care and transportation.  And after that schooling? Robert is thinking about starting a paramedic program at a local community college. So, what prompted such inspiration for our young graduate? Robert began his career as a senior wilderness guide, working in the field from 2007 to 2013. It was while taking a course to maintain his Wilderness First Responder certification that he became interested in more advanced emergency medical services (EMS).   But, sharing that the timing wasn’t right, Robert decided to work in behavioral health and criminal justice for (more... ) --- - Published: 2024-08-23 - Modified: 2024-09-26 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/the-role-of-assessment-in-wilderness-medicine/ Look, listen, and feel.   If you’ve been around wilderness medicine long enough, you may remember when this was the standard teaching for determining breathing status. You place your hand on the injured party’s stomach (feel), your ear to their mouth (listen), and watch (look) to see whether their chest is rising and falling. This method remains a foundation for assessing breathing, and its application has been expanded to cover a wider range of injuries and illnesses common in wilderness scenarios. Look, Listen, and Feel Look, listen, and feel is still a great way to remember that much of the assessment process (arguably the most important) comes in the form of look (visually inspect), listen (auscultate), and feel (palpate). These three actions are like the bumps on a key that align with tumblers to open a lock. In the context of emergency medicine, they form the key that unlocks the door to assessing the patient’s condition and developing treatment and evacuation plans. NCOAE’s Patient Assessment Process “Assessment” is the process of determining the nature, quality, or ability of something. In the context of medical assessment, it refers to determining the realities of the patient’s condition and environment factors in order to provide appropriate care and make well-informed evacuation decisions.   In order to most accurately determine these realities, it is important to use a system of assessment that is easy to remember yet sophisticated enough to avoid overlooking vital data. While assessment varies depending on the patient’s condition, environmental factors, and the wilderness medicine provider’s level of training and experience, The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) patient assessment process is a wonderful example of a (more... ) --- - Published: 2024-08-12 - Modified: 2024-08-12 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/meet-the-staff-bethany-smith-lead-field-instructor-raft-guide/ Bethany Smith’s journey with The National center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) is one marked by passion, adventure, and a deep commitment to outdoor and experiential education.   Joining our team in 2022, Bethany quickly became an important member of our field operations. After taking a brief break in 2023 to explore the world, we were thrilled to welcome her back for another season. Whether she’s navigating whitewater rapids or guiding students through challenging backcountry terrain, Bethany’s enthusiasm and expertise shine through in everything she does. As you’ll learn, Bethany’s love for the outdoors started unexpectedly and has grown into a lifelong passion. From her early days as a raft guide to her current role as Lead Field Instructor & Raft Guide, she’s dedicated herself to helping students achieve their objectives in the outdoor classrooms offered in the backcountry. We recently sat down with Bethany to learn more about her journey, experiences, and what she loves most about working at NCOAE. Here’s what she had to say: NCOAE: Where are you from originally, and when you’re not working in the backcountry, where do you call home?   Bethany: I was born in (more... ) --- - Published: 2024-07-29 - Modified: 2025-04-10 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/making-outdoor-recreation-and-adventure-more-inclusive/ When next you find yourself in a wilderness area, whether that be at a national park in another state or a local or state park closer to home, take a moment to look at the folks around you while you’re enjoying the flora, fauna and pristine views. What you’re likely to notice is a lack of diversity. That’s because the majority of those who spend time in wilderness and the backcountry participating in human-powered outdoor recreational pursuits are predominately white.   Fact is, statistics collected by the U. S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and Fish and Wildlife Service show that while people of color make up nearly 40 percent of the total U. S. population, close to 70 percent of those who visit national forests, national wildlife refuges, and national parks are white. And Blacks remain the most dramatically underrepresented group in all of these spaces. It’s not that people of color and other underrepresented groups don’t appreciate and enjoy the outdoors. Visit an urban park — especially on a weekend — and you’re likely to see more people and activity at parks located in black and Hispanic sections of town than at parks in predominantly white neighborhoods. The question is why? What’s keeping state and federal parks and other wilderness areas from reflecting the diversity of the overall population in this country? A good follow-up question might be what can be done to make these areas and their associated outdoor activities attractive to a more diverse population? Exploring the Possible Reasons for the Lack of Diversity in the Backcountry Several factors may be contributing to the lack of diversity in human-powered outdoor adventure and recreation activities. These factors can be broken down into (more... ) --- - Published: 2024-07-18 - Modified: 2024-07-19 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/the-history-of-wilderness-medicine-and-why-that-even-matters/ Wilderness medicine has been broadly defined as the provision of medical care when environmental conditions play a stronger role in decision making and interventions than the established systems of care. It’s something we take quite seriously here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE). We also ensure that all of our field instructors, course directors, and other NCOAE staff hold current certifications in wilderness medicine. On top of that, we teach wilderness medicine courses ourselves. Editor’s Note: See “What is Wilderness Medicine” here on the NCOAE Blog for a deep dive into defining wilderness medicine.   The history of wilderness medicine as we know it today, is generally traced back to the 1980s and the emergence of the Wilderness Medical Society (WMS) in 1983. However, it has been in practice centuries earlier than that. In respect to Western Civilization, caring for the sick and injured in the field has its origin in early Greek and Roman societies. It has certainly been in practice for as long as human beings have been sailing the seas, exploring the world, and engaging in military operations. Experts in the field of wilderness medicine universally agree that its continued evolution is (more... ) --- - Published: 2024-07-08 - Modified: 2024-07-19 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/aees-podcast-highlights-ncoaes-zac-and-celine-adair/ Like many podcasts that host informal chats with founders of businesses, organizations, and charities, Zac and Celine Adair recently offered listeners a glimpse into the heart and soul of their “baby,” The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE). Zac and Celine, NCOAE’s co-founders, are showcased in Episode 15 of “It’s In the Experience,” presented by the Association for Experiential Education (AEE) and hosted by Sherry Bagley, AEE’s executive director. To listen to the 45-minute episode, which is titled Overcoming Challenges: Creating Positive Experiences in Experiential Education, subscribe to “It’s In the Experience” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podcast App, or wherever you listen to podcasts.   Or, you can listen to Overcoming Challenges: Creating Positive Experiences in Experiential Education by clicking on the audio file below: Episode Highlights Here’s a high-level overview of what’s featured in the episode, which was published by AEE in mid-June of this year: (more... ) --- - Published: 2024-06-26 - Modified: 2024-08-12 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/backcountry-gourmet-favorite-recipes-from-our-field-staff/ Here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) we like to take backcountry cooking to the next level, and that means teaching students how to prepare gourmet meals while on backcountry expeditions. Whether it’s starting your day with a hearty breakfast, making a quick lunch wrap on the run, or preparing a veggie-filled dinner at the end of a long day hike, climb, or paddle, this post includes three backcountry recipes that might inspire you for the meals you’ll prepare and enjoy on your next adventure. Cooking in the backcountry doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor or nutrition. In fact, with a little planning and creativity you can enjoy delicious, nutritious, and satisfying meals that fuel your human-powered outdoor activities. Our field instructors have crafted these recipes to be both easy to prepare and incredibly tasty, ensuring that your time in the backcountry is complemented by great food. Heard, Chef! When you’re in the wild, having a variety of meals that are quick and simple to prepare can make a big difference in your attitude and overall experience. The three recipes below are designed to maximize flavor while minimizing cooking time and cleanup, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the great outdoors. At NCOAE, we believe that good food is an essential part — in fact, a highlight — of any outdoor adventure. Not only does it provide the energy needed for strenuous activities, but it also brings people together, creating memorable experiences around the campfire. So, whether you’re a seasoned outdoor chef or a beginner, give these recipes a try. Note: The following recipes are meant for groups of 12. Do the math and adjust for the size of the group for whom you’re cooking. Backcountry Recipe 1 - Breakfast Breakfast Burritos with Hash Browns Ingredients 3 Cups Scrambled Egg powder or 24 Eggs 4 Cups Hashbrowns (dried) Onion, diced Bell Pepper, diced 12 Tortillas 1 Cup Salsa 2 Cups Cheese Salt & Pepper, to taste Bacon Bits, optional Ketchup packets, optional Butter / oil Directions | Instructions | Serves 12 (more... ) --- - Published: 2024-06-11 - Modified: 2024-06-20 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/advice-starting-an-outdoor-education-or-adventure-program-in-your-school/ In addition to working for The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), I’ve had the good fortune to assist public, private, and charter schools in setting up outdoor education programs for the past 25 years. During that time, I’ve developed a few winning strategies for educators embarking on such adventures. Some of my more successful programs have included launching a learning farm for a public school system with 32,000 students, transforming schools into outdoor learning labs as a model for a school district, and even helping former inmates return to the world beyond bars by diving deep into outdoor experiences. (You can learn more about some my school-related work by reading “Taking Learning Outdoors: Merrick-Moore Elementary” on The Great Trails State Coalition website. ) None of these projects were easy, but they can be done. In this post, I offer insights on how to start an outdoor education or adventure program for your classroom or school. Let's begin with planning and dreaming. Have a Dream, Plan Your Work, and Work Your Plan To successfully launch an outdoor education program, it’s important to start with a clear vision and follow a structured plan. Here’s an approach I’ve developed based on both my experiences and the wisdom of my mentors (more... ) --- - Published: 2024-05-30 - Modified: 2024-06-20 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/a-fresh-look-at-spinal-injury-care-in-the-backcountry/ In wilderness medicine, the traditional response to a potential spinal injury has emphasized immobilizing the patient to prevent further injury. To this end, emergency responders have been trained to use advanced immobilization techniques and equipment, such as rigid cervical collars and spinal boards in conjunction with manual stabilization.   And while nobody educated in emergency medicine would argue against the importance of motion restriction, the priority is shifting as doctors and emergency personnel consider it in the larger context of overall patient health and safety. Given the importance of the spine in a person’s overall health, the focus on immobilizing patients with suspected spinal injury is no surprise. The spine protects the spinal cord, which functions like a fiber-optic network to carry signals throughout the body to and from the brain. Interruptions in the continuity of the spinal cord can dramatically impact a person’s ability to move and to interpret and interact with the world. However, over the last few decades, the medical community has acquired a vast body of evidence concerning care for a person with an obvious or potential spinal injury. As a result, recent years have seen a significant shift in thinking on this subject. The conversation regarding the extent to which a spinal injury is impacted by subsequent treatment and transport has evolved into a rather heated debate that’s (more... ) --- - Published: 2024-05-20 - Modified: 2024-08-12 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/meet-the-ncoae-student-will-newman-hybrid-emt-course-graduate/ Shortly after graduating from The National Center for Outdoor and Adventure Education's Intensive Hybrid EMT course, Will Newman began working for Pender EMS and Fire in Burgaw, North Carolina, as an EMT. He recently completed orientation and is eager to serve the rural communities of Pender County as a medical provider. Will credits his instructors at NCOAE for their ongoing commitment to his success after graduation, highlighting one instructor in particular for their continued communication and help in securing employment at an EMS agency. He noted that the dedication of our instructors to their students' success is what makes our EMT training programs so unique. Will Newman (right) with high school friend, Riley Myer (left), who completed their NCOAE Intensive Hybrid EMT course at the same time. Additionally, this North Carolina native continues to volunteer at the emergency department in nearby Scott's Hill, where he has applied many of his new EMT skills. Will's long-term goal is to attend medical school, and he plans to apply during the next application cycle. (more... ) --- - Published: 2024-05-08 - Modified: 2024-05-16 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/wilderness-medicine-accounting-for-challenging-terrain/ When some hear the term “wilderness medicine,” they think of those rusty out-of-date First Aid kits that they used to carry with them on a personal hiking or camping trip. “As if that thing is going to do any good in an emergency. ” In fact, to the average summer weekend outdoor enthusiast, wilderness medicine is limited to treating minor cuts, scrapes, bruises, sprains, bites and poison ivy. A major tragedy would be the occasional broken bone. But it has always been much more than that. To realize just how broad wilderness medicine really is, all you need to do is travel back to Antarctica in 1961. That’s when Russian explorer Leonid Rogozov suffered a severe case of appendicitis. Being the only medical doctor on site, he had to perform his own appendectomy. That’s among the extremes of what wilderness medicine is all about. More recently, the Thailand cave rescue shined the spotlight on wilderness medicine. Thousands of rescue workers and medical personnel, including Thai Navy Seals, the national police, doctors, and nurses, rallied to save 12 teenagers and their soccer coach, all trapped in a complex cave system by floodwaters during a heavy rain. Rescuers had to locate and extract 13 people, some of whom couldn’t swim, from a flooded, two and a half mile stretch of caves. The rescue tested experienced divers who struggled to navigate currents and squeeze through the narrow passages. Rescuers had to (more... ) --- - Published: 2024-04-22 - Modified: 2024-05-08 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/educating-the-educators-to-ensure-safe-and-satisfying-outdoor-adventure-and-educational-experiences/ When you’re planning a backcountry-based experiential educational experience for yourself or a child/teen, you want to be sure that the people leading the outdoor program know their stuff. Few things are scarier in life — or potentially deadlier — than being ill-prepared in the wilderness.   To ensure safety and an enjoyable, fulfilling experience, outdoor educators and field instructors must be highly skilled in many facets of outdoor and adventure education, including the following: Wilderness medicineMap and compass navigationEnvironmental stewardship principles and practicesBackpacking planning and packingWilderness sheltersBackcountry cooking, water purification, and food safetyPaddling techniques and boat safety (canoe, kayak, or raft)ClimbingLeadership One of the reasons we here at The National Center for Outdoor Adventure and Education (NCOAE) excel at delivering safe, enjoyable, and transformative outdoor adventures is that we educate our educators. We provide our field instructors with the training and opportunities to pursue the certifications they need to achieve best-in-class status. Field Instructors and Guides: There IS a Big Difference NCOAE outdoor educators and field instructors are not just “guides. ” They are experienced outdoor educators with a broad range of responsibilities that include the following: (more... ) --- - Published: 2024-04-11 - Modified: 2024-04-11 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/when-to-call-or-not-call-for-help-during-a-wilderness-emergency/ In wilderness or the backcountry, bad things can happen to even the most experienced of adventurers. Truth is, most illnesses and injuries on the trail can be managed by the adventurer, or with the assistance of someone possessing some training in wilderness medicine. Of course, some injuries and illnesses do pose a threat to life or limb, and in other cases, the person — who for our purposes we’ll call our “patient” — may not even survive without professional medical intervention. It’s those situations in the grey area that leave many outdoor adventurers wondering, Do we call for help or not? You maybe conflicted for several reasons: pride or overconfidence, embarrassment or reluctance to admit weakness, misjudging the severity of the situation, concerns over medical costs, or perhaps you lack an effective means to contact emergency services. As the ancient adage suggests: “He who hesitates is lost,” and the objective of this post is to equip you with the knowledge and insight needed to arrive at the right decision faster. Here, you will learn when to call for help, the type of help to call for, and the various means of communication you can use to call for help. Important! Before embarking on any wilderness or backcountry adventure, leave your itinerary with a trusted individual, along with instructions to contact emergency personnel in the event that you fail to return or call on the scheduled date of your return. If you need a visual on how important this is, watch the 2010 film 127 Hours, which vividly illustrates the torment suffered by Aron Ralston, the rock climber who was forced to amputate part of his own right arm after it was pinned between rocks in an isolated canyon in Utah. Deciding When to Call for Help In The Wilderness When you or someone in your group suffers a serious illness or injury, toss your emotions aside and focus on the following factors in deciding whether or not to call for help: (more... ) --- - Published: 2024-03-15 - Modified: 2024-04-11 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/the-quintessential-backcountry-expedition-road-trip-playlist/ You’ve probably passed us on the highway. We’re the weirdos with heads bobbing, playing air guitar and dashboard keyboard, shouting lyrics at the windshield, grinning from ear to ear on our way to the places that make us happy — the backcountry places where people go to play, challenge themselves, and connect with wilderness . Once while sitting at a dead stop in a traffic jam, a woman hand-crank motioned me to roll down my window. She leaned out her window asked what I was listening to that made me ignore our current, static lack of movement. Jack Drag! That was my shouted response over the Indie Pop music blaring from my speakers. Music moves us, literally and figuratively; it becomes the soundtrack of our lives that most of us only realize when we look back decades later. Working in the outdoor education sector of the outdoor industry means traveling. Sometimes you find yourself on a desert highway, traveling alone to meet your group, gas pedal depressed deep into the car’s carpet, speakers distorting because they can’t handle the volume. You stare out the window into the beautiful brown and green landscape, listening to your favorite band as the lead singer’s voice cracks through the air like a peal of thunder. And then you smile, knowing that at the end of the road you’ll be taking people into (more... ) --- - Published: 2024-03-06 - Modified: 2024-03-07 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/emt-health-and-fitness-how-to-stay-physically-strong-and-mentally-sharp/ It’s been my experience that emergency medical personnel — including Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) — tend to be much better at caring for others than for themselves. That’s generally the result of long shifts, life-or-death situations, and consistently helping people who are suffering the worst day of their lives. It’s going to take a toll.   To compound the problem, those who work in emergency medicine often neglect their own health and fitness. They forgo exercise, reach for junk food because it’s often handier. Or they begin to seek out various substances to get through the day. These might include energy drinks during their shift so they can remain alert. Or maybe a drink or three when they’re off the clock to calm their nerves and help them sleep. Eventually, this unhealthy lifestyle catches up to them, negatively impacting their mood, energy, intimacy, and more. The multi-billion dollar a year health and fitness industry offers little in the way of relief for those in our field. And often overlooked is the overworked and stressed-out Emergency Medical Systems (EMS) shift worker. If you’re a member of that demographic or you’re considering an EMT training and certification program like our Standard EMT, Hybrid EMT, or Wilderness EMT, don’t wait around in the hopes of that industry or even your own EMS unit will be reaching out to you. Make this your wake-up call. Now is the time to start focusing on your own health and fitness.   Remember the lesson you’re taught when you board an airplane — put your oxygen mask on first before helping anyone seated next to you with theirs. In the same way, you need to focus on your own health first in order to be healthy and fit enough to assist others when they’re experiencing a medical emergency. And continue that health regimen so you are healthy enough to make a lasting career in emergency medicine. In this post, I provide practical advice on how to restore and maintain your own physical and mental health and fitness over the long haul. Manage Stress Stress kills. We are all well aware of its negative impact on health, but what we need to realize is that a great deal of our stress is self-inflicted. After all, we’re the only ones who can (more... ) --- - Published: 2024-02-22 - Modified: 2024-03-07 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/the-value-of-outdoor-education-to-your-students-and-schools-curriculum/ For as long as we can remember, private and independent schools have recognized the transformative power of experiential learning, and that’s particularly true when it involves outdoor and adventure-based activities. While all educators are trained and encouraged to seek innovative ways to engage students in their own education, private and independent schools have traditionally been more likely to partner with an organization like ours to create a custom outdoor program that reinforces their curriculum and culture. Here at The National Center for Outdoor Adventure and Education (NCOAE), we assist all types of schools — including private and independent ones — to seamlessly incorporate outdoor and adventure-based experiential education into their curricula.   By exploring the benefits, practical considerations, and implementation strategies, we work closely with these schools to enhance their educational offerings. And when we succeed, we find we have awakened and nurtured a sense of adventure in their students. In addition, we have supported the development of well-rounded youth who are better equipped for success in academics, peer interactions, and the communities in which they live. Benefits for Students Participation in our highly customized and curriculum-based outdoor education programs contributes to higher student retention rates, higher grade averages, and positive changes in a student’s “Five C’s” — Competence, Character, Connection, Confidence, and Caring. At NCOAE, our custom programs for private, independent, and even open enrollment summer camp expeditions for teens are built on our Theory of Change: (more... ) --- - Published: 2024-02-06 - Modified: 2024-02-06 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/evaluating-neurovascular-function-in-the-backcountry/ When it comes to emergency medicine — whether in an urban setting or the backcountry — swift and accurate assessments play a pivotal role in determining the severity and progression of an injury and deciding the best course of action.   The decisions you make regarding treatment, evacuation, and transportation in cases of non-obvious threats to life and limb can determine not only whether someone lives or dies, but also their quality of life should they survive the emergency. After all, quality of life is a huge part of being alive. And a beating heart with minimal brain activity doesn’t always meet a person’s definition of “living. ” The National Center for Outdoor and Adventure Education (NCOAE) is a leading provider of wilderness medicine education and certification, and in this post, we’re taking the time to introduce you to the process of evaluating neurovascular function to determine the extent and progression of an injury. By doing so, you can make well-informed treatment, evacuation, and transportation decisions when responding to a medical emergency, no matter the origins of the incident. Understanding What a Neurovascular Assessment Entails A neurovascular assessment is a collection of tests used by medical clinicians, including emergency medical personnel such as Wilderness First Responders and Wilderness EMTs, to determine whether someone is suffering nerve damage or impaired blood flow. Neuro refers to anything related to the body’s nervous system, and vascular refers to anything related to the body’s blood vessels. Neurovascular function encompasses the interplay between the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and blood vessels that supply oxygen and other vital nutrients to organs, limbs, and tissues. Any disruption of this intricate balance can lead to severe consequences ranging from impaired cognition to more severe conditions such as stroke or the loss of a limb. Neurovascular status can be determined by simple tests of the following three functions: (more... ) --- - Published: 2024-01-25 - Modified: 2024-02-01 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/exploring-2024-summer-camp-experiences-for-teens/ It’s that time of year — from mid-winter to early spring — when teens, parents, and others are asking for recommendations about fun, educational, and enriching summer camp experiences and outdoor adventures for late-May, June, July, and August.   With all of the outdoor options available, finding the right summer camp experience can pose a formidable challenge. First off, you need to narrow your choices down to one of three broad categories: day camp, residential camp, or virtual camp.   From there, you need to choose a focus, such as outdoor adventure, academic enrichment, arts and crafts, sports (football and soccer camps, for example), or performance arts (such as ballet or theater). And, at some point, you’re going to need to choose a location, perhaps in the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, or North Carolina. In this post, we tell you about three upcoming opportunities for you to personally meet with experienced summer camp leaders — including our staff at The National Center for Outdoor and Adventure Education (NCOAE). These summer camp specialists will provide you with information about the benefits of leadership-focused summer camp experiences for teens who have an appetite for camping, rock climbing, mountaineering, white water rafting, and other human-powered outdoor adventures. 2024 Teen Summer Camp Expos If you’re shopping for an outdoor adventure this summer for your teen, consider attending a summer camp fair near you. This year (2024), NCOAE will be exhibiting at three camp fairs — two in North Carolina and one in Georgia: Wilmington Parent Magazine’s 21st Annual Summer Camp Fair: This is the only event of its kind in the area, providing families with a unique opportunity to explore the summer camp and enrichment options available to their children during summer break. Date: Sunday, February 11, 2024Time: 10 a. m. to 3 p. m. Location: Elks Lodge, 5201 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NCFor more info, visit: Wilmington Parent Magazine’s 21st Annual Summer Camp Fair Triangle Summer Camp ExpoDate: Saturday, March 16, 2024Time: Noon to 3 p. m. Location: Wake County Shrine Club, 6015 Lead Mine Road, Raleigh, NCFor more info, visit: Triangle Summer Camp Expo Atlanta Camp FairDate: Sunday, March 17, 2024Time: Noon to 3 p. m. Location: Agnes Scott College, 141 East College Avenue, Decatur, GAFor more info, visit: Atlanta Camp Fair Appreciating the Benefits of Leadership-Based Summer Camp for Teens Accredited adventure-based experiential and outdoor education companies like NCOAE offer leadership-based summer camps that provide a unique opportunity for teens to develop technical outdoor skills along with personal competencies in the following four areas: (more... ) --- - Published: 2024-01-15 - Modified: 2024-01-24 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/what-is-wilderness-medicine/ When the average person encounters the term “wilderness medicine,” they typically assume it is referring to the practice of medicine in a remote or harsh environment with little to no access to medical equipment or supplies.   They may imagine a scenario of providing CPR to someone who suffered cardiac arrest during a whitewater rafting adventure or creating a splint out of a branch and a few strands of twine to help a hiker with a sprained ankle become ambulatory.   While these notions of wilderness medicine aren’t far off the mark, they are limited. In other words, close but no cigar. It’s all the above and more, which makes it a challenge to come up with a clear and comprehensive definition.   Teaching Wilderness Medicine at NCOAE Here at The National Center for Outdoor Adventure and Education (NCOAE), our wilderness medicine courses begin with a discussion of what wilderness medicine is, as well as what each student hopes to learn from the course. Often, these discussions elicit points of discussion that require an even broader definition of the term. While there’s no universally agreed upon definition of wilderness medicine, certain components set it apart from non-wilderness medicine. For the purpose of this blog post, let’s begin with the following definition: Wilderness Medicine is provision of medical care when environmental conditions play a stronger role in decision making and interventions than the established systems of care.   Wilderness Medicine encompasses not only the treatment of injuries and illnesses in these settings but also includes preventive measures, survival skills, and the management of environmental hazards such as extreme weather, hazardous terrain, and wildlife encounters. Wilderness medicine skills and techniques can be applied in a variety of setting, including but not limited to: (more... ) --- - Published: 2024-01-05 - Modified: 2024-01-18 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/ncoaes-2024-camping-and-outdoor-adventure-gear-improvement-guide/ From November 1st to the end of the year, you’ll be bombarded with advertising, discounts, and announcements of “shopping holidays. ” In the winter months, you’ll find all sorts of sales on camping and backcountry clothing and gear, as retailers clear out their 2023 stock and announce new products for the spring and summer.   And if you’re looking for the perfect gift for yourself or your loved ones who spend lots of time outdoors, you can find plenty of Shopper’s and Buyer’s Guides to consult for ideas. This is not any of that. In this post, we do not steer you toward specific camping or outdoor adventure products or brands. In fact, depending on your situation, our advice may inspire you to shed some gear. The ultimate objective is to accumulate gear that makes your human-powered outdoor experiences more awesome than ever without spending so much money that you can’t afford to go anywhere! Gear Up with a Leave No Trace Mindset Leaving no trace in the backcountry doesn’t only apply to the seven principles of Leave No Trace (LNT). It begins with how we buy, use, and consume only what we need when engaging with the outdoors. Buying the latest, greatest outdoor clothing and gear each year runs counter to that philosophy. In addition, if you’re on a limited budget, it reduces the funds you have available to take (more... ) --- - Published: 2023-12-11 - Modified: 2024-01-24 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/spinal-immobilization-or-spinal-motion-restriction-which-is-safest/ For decades, spinal immobilization (SI) has been the standard practice when moving trauma patients with potential spinal injuries. Indeed, this particular procedure has long been commonplace for patients injured in the backcountry. Spinal immobilization involves the use of various devices, including a long spine board (LSB) and a cervical collar to stabilize the spine and prevent further injury. However, recent research has called this practice into question. In fact, while current techniques limit or reduce undesired motion of the spine, they do not succeed in fully immobilizing the spine. For this reason, the term “spinal motion restriction (SMR)” has gained favor over “spinal immobilization. ”  Both terms refer to the same concept — minimizing unwanted movement of the potentially injured spine. However, while LSBs have historically been used to attempt spinal immobilization, SMR may be achieved using a scoop stretcher, vacuum splint, ambulance cot, or other similar device to which a patient is safely secured. The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) defines the term “spinal immobilization” as the use of adjuncts (LSB, cervical collar, etc. ) to prevent movement of the spine. The term “spinal motion restriction” is defined more broadly as attempting to maintain the spine in anatomic alignment and minimizing gross movement — irrespective of adjuncts. Evaluating the Efficacy of Spinal Immobilization The effectiveness of the LSB to prevent further trauma to the spine has never been proven in high-level trials. Its use was adopted largely by consensus and not driven by data from any formal studies. An extensive literature review on the history of not using the LSB as a tool concluded that it is ineffective and may be detrimental by delaying time-sensitive treatments for some patients. A study published by Cambridge University Press examined patient outcomes over a decade during which Emergency Medical Service (EMS) systems decreased backboard use as they transitioned from SI to SMR protocols. The study included (more... ) --- - Published: 2023-11-30 - Modified: 2023-11-27 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/leadership-skills-personal-development-are-backcountry-bonuses-at-ncoae/ Editor’s Note: Today’s post is the 250th since we launched our blog in December of 2013. And what better way to mark the occasion than by publishing a post about the efficacy of outdoor and adventure-based experiential education. Thank you to everyone who has been along for the ride so far. From our writers and editors to our readers and those who choose to share our posts, we appreciate the opportunity to share our expertise and experience and we look forward to continuing to do so for many years to come. Leadership Skills, Personal Development are Backcountry Bonuses at NCOAE By, Elizabeth Shirley, WFR, NCOAE Director of Outdoor Programming & Education For those of us who work in adventure-based and experiential outdoor education, it’s pretty much a given that backcountry, expedition-style experiences can set students up for success in life, sometimes well beyond the expedition itself. Whether these wilderness experiences include the mountains of Alaska, the rivers of the Pacific Northwest, or the coast of North Carolina, outdoor education expeditions offer an opportunity for meaningful life experiences. In fact, backcountry courses planned and expertly guided by The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) are intentionally designed expeditions, with a focus on leadership and personal development that goes hand in hand with learning or improving technical outdoor skills and environmental science. The term “empower” has become a trite and ineffective word in today’s world, much like a father telling his son, “I empower you to mow the lawn. ” However, there are numerous occasions during an NCOAE wilderness expedition where students are offered a variety of opportunities to step into leadership roles while in the field. These assignments include serving as a Leader of the Day — a student charged with making sure the group stays on task and on the trail, utilizing a map and compass. The Cook of the Day guides the assigned expedition members in the preparation of meals and the subsequent cleanup. And the Gear Crew helps the group set up camp, position bear hangs, collect water, and more. Students also participate in a variety of (more... ) --- - Published: 2023-11-20 - Modified: 2024-08-15 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/meet-the-ncoae-student-tina-haver-currin-wemt/ Tina Currin’s dance card remains full after completing our 27-day Hybrid Wilderness EMT course this past March. For starters, Tina is currently wrapping up the Triple Crown of American long-distance hiking. In fact, she’s about 1,600 miles into the Continental Divide Trail, which runs the length of the Rockies — from Canada to Mexico. “I should be done in about a month, by which point I’ll have hiked more than 10,000 miles on National Scenic Trails across the USA,” she recently told us. We should note that traversing the Divide isn’t the first of her long-distance backpacking rodeos. Tina’s also tackled the Appalachian & Pacific Crest Trails, as well as major trail systems in Arizona, Florida and throughout New England. Depending on the season, Tina is a freelance writer, National Park Service (NPS) Ranger, and a long-distance backpacker. She’s worked as a ski liftie, spent a summer season guiding cave tours, and organized large-scale charity events and bike races. Professionally, Tina has created content for the NPS’ social media accounts and currently contributes articles to NPS. gov. She also writes blog posts and conducts product testing for Hyperlite Mountain Gear and Nashville Pack and Equipment Company. And she occasionally contributes what she terms “grainy photographs” to Outside Magazine. Why Tina Chose NCOAE's W-EMT Course So, with a schedule that makes her feel “like a strange assemblage of a zillion somewhat-related skills stuffed inside a hiker’s body,” why did this backcountry wonder carve out a full month of time for NCOAE’s intensive W-EMT training program? Tina said the reason she signed up for the (more... ) --- - Published: 2023-11-10 - Modified: 2023-11-29 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/ncoae-garners-prestigious-organizational-member-of-the-year-award-from-aee/ In the world of outdoor education and adventure-based recreation, there are shining stars that not only inspire peers with their reputation but also for setting the bar high for industry best practices. And here at NCOAE, we operate as if we’re one of those shining stars — not at the exclusion of anyone else, but to push ourselves to be the best we can be.   As a result of our, The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) has been named the 2023 Organizational Member of the Year by the Association for Experiential Education (AEE). This prestigious honor comes as a result of developing and maintaining innovative programming at continuously high levels, including high ethical standards in our operations and programming, and being a supportive association member. AEE the Organization If you’re unfamiliar with AEE, it’s a well-respected and influential organization in our sector of the outdoor industry, that has been honoring organizations for their contributions for nearly a half century. NCOAE now joins the ranks of renowned organizations such as Deer Hill Expeditions, Thompson Island Outward Bound, Prescott College, and Project Adventure — all previously recipients of this accolade. The St. Petersburg, Florida-based association, which was previously headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, is a (more... ) --- - Published: 2023-10-19 - Modified: 2023-11-09 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/soap-notes-keep-wilderness-medicine-clean/ In the context of wilderness medicine, soap and SOAP are both indispensable. An explanation is in order. We’re all familiar with lower-case soap. This noun refers to a substance that’s added to water to remove dirt, grease, grime, and germs from various surfaces, including skin, hair, clothing, pots and pans, and so on. Soap In The Wilderness Traditional soap works in two ways — as a surfactant to break water tension, improving water’s ability to penetrate surfaces, and as a molecule that has a love-hate relationship with water. Soap molecules have two ends, one that’s hydrophilic (loves water) and the other that’s hydrophobic (hates water). The hydrophilic end binds to water, while the hydrophobic end binds to anything other than water — dirt, grease, grime, germs. Imagine soap molecules as tiny carabiners that shackle dirt molecules to water molecules to enable the water molecules to usher them away. In backcountry and wilderness settings, soap plays a vital role in preventing infection and transmission of disease. In fact, scrubbing vigorously with soap and water may be among the most important risk-management technique you practice during your time in the wilderness. SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan) Now let’s move on to the other SOAP — all uppercase — which is an acronym for Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan. As an outdoor educator, field instructor, or wilderness guide, this note-taking procedure is nearly as important as scrubbing your hands regularly with soap and water. This is especially true when you’re dealing with a client injury or illness in a remote setting.   SOAP Notes, which I’ll be covering in this post, separate important information from the chaos and fog of emotion in order to provide clean, uncluttered details for making informed medical decisions and emergency response plans.   With SOAP Notes in hand, field instructors and outdoor educators trained in wilderness medicine, as well as backcountry guides, are better prepared to respond to a medical emergency. They do this by: Following an organized, methodical processTracking changes in a patient’s health statusKeeping a record of assessments, anticipated problems, and any interventions already providedCommunicating with emergency respondersEnsuring a seamless transfer of patient care to next-level healthcare providersDocumenting cases and care for improving organizational outcomes Here at The National Center of Outdoor Adventure and Education (NCOAE), we developed the SOAP Note form shown below. Our SOAP Note's Form Our SOAP Note form consists of the following seven sections (more... ) --- - Published: 2023-10-09 - Modified: 2024-01-18 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/the-value-of-ncoaes-curriculum-focusing-on-leadership-and-personal-growth/ What happens when someone answers the call to outdoor adventure and enrolls in a wilderness education, outdoor education, or backcountry expedition like the ones we offer at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE)?  They’re pretty much guaranteed they’ll be engaged in an experience that involves adventure, challenges, and fun, but most important — learning. I mean, just do the math: “Adventure” and “Education” is at the tail end of our name. Our Educational Framework (see below) is the basis for what we do within the practice of outdoor education, just as the Experiential Learning Cycle itself defines how we do it, and our Theory of Change explains why we do it.   At NCOAE, we are undeniably invested in teaching technical outdoor skills, the science of applying risk management to wilderness and backcountry expeditions, and planning and logistics — the cornerstones of living safely and in relative comfort during an adventure-based expedition. Our course areas are spread across the globe and provide a unique context to engage in lessons on environmental stewardship and Leave No Trace’s principles of outdoor ethics. However, one of the top areas upon which we focus during an NCOAE expedition is leadership. Our students are guided to process, generalize, and apply what they are experiencing during an NCOAE program, with the ultimate objective of (more... ) --- - Published: 2023-09-26 - Modified: 2023-10-03 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/maintaining-resilience-and-mental-health-in-the-ems-profession/ The suicide rate among emergency medical service (EMS) professionals rose a shocking 38 percent since 2009, according to a study published in the Western Journal of Emergency Medicine. But as shocking as that statistic is, it should come as no surprise. As an emergency medical technician (EMT) or paramedic, you typically work a five-day rotation of 12-hour shifts (days or nights). You may start the week working Monday and Tuesday and then have Wednesday and Thursday off. You spend half your first day off catching up on sleep, doing chores, and running errands. You’re free the next day, but pretty much alone because everyone you know is at work or school or busy with other normal weekday obligations.   As a result, you likely lack the social connections many of us rely on for emotional support and psychological well-being. Come Friday, Saturday, and Sunday — when your friends and family are off work — you’re back on the job, providing critical medical care in highly stressful situations involving people who don’t always treat you with the respect and appreciation you deserve. And you have to perform this service with a smile on your face, because you don’t want a complaint on your record. To make matters worse, emergency medical care leaves no room for mistakes. Quality assurance (QA) and quality improvement (QI) programs ensure that Monday morning quarterbacks are always looking over your shoulder to spot mistakes and offer their criticism and sage advice from their comfortable seats along the sidelines. It’s Getting Worse Instead of Better Thanks to high healthcare costs and doctor shortages, many people don’t have access to (more... ) --- - Published: 2023-09-13 - Modified: 2024-01-24 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/2023-outdoor-industry-conferences-for-outdoor-educators/ As we do each year, we are once again taking advantage of this space to inform you about opportunities for you, your staff, and your organization to participate in professional development, networking, and business growth and development available at upcoming outdoor industry conferences. In this edition, we are spotlighting nine events taking place between now and the end of this year, as well as bringing to your attention six more events scheduled for the first part of 2024 that might be worthwhile marking on your calendar. (Image courtesy Association for Experiential Education) 5TH ANNUAL OUTDOOR ECONOMY CONFERENCESept. 18-21, 2023 | Cherokee, North CarolinaWebsite: https://outdooreconomy. org Why you should attend: This in-person, multi-day event is designed to foster intentional connections among stakeholders across the outdoor economy, igniting collaborations and catalyzing meaningful actions. Why your company or organization should exhibit: Whether you're a conference sponsor with booth space included in your sponsorship package or an independent exhibitor, conference organizers have curated a dynamic program that allows you and your staff to engage with the attendees while respecting the event’s other scheduled activities. 2023 OUTDOOR MEDIA SUMMITSept. 24-26, 2023 | Boise, IdahoWebsite: https://outdoormediasummit. com Why you should attend: Outdoor Media Summit is where some of the brightest minds in outdoor media and marketing gather to share their tips, tricks, strategies, and warnings. If you are a marketer at an outdoor industry brand or an editor, freelancer, podcaster, or other content creator, this may be the conference for you. WILDERNESS RISK MANAGEMENT CONFERENCEOct, 18-20, 2023 | Portland, OregonWebsite: https://www. nols. edu/wrmc  Why you should attend: Attend the Wilderness Risk Management Conference in order to gain practical risk management skills, network with others in the outdoor education and adventure programming industry, share field and administrative techniques, and help develop risk management standards for the outdoor adventure and education industries. Why your company or organization should exhibit: Connect with more than (more... ) --- - Published: 2023-08-23 - Modified: 2023-08-23 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/meet-the-staff-kate-javes-ncoae-emt-instructor-clinical-coordinator-and-aha-training-site-coordinator/ Kate Javes has been a huge part of NCOAE’s continued success for a number of years, most recently as our EMS program director. Recently, Kate has decided to step back from that leadership role following three years of developing our Hybrid EMT training program.   In addition, Kate oversaw all of our EMT and AEMT courses as well as instructed students, helped author the first editions of the NCOAE Wilderness Medicine Field Guide and the NCOAE EMT Program Manual, and played a pivotal part in helping our organization navigate the health pandemic caused by the virus named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes, named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). A 2003 graduate of the U. S. Naval Academy who also attended Rutgers (The State University of New Jersey) where she played Division I soccer, Kate is now taking on the duties of an NCOAE EMT instructor, teaching hybrid and in-person 21-day EMT courses, both in North Carolina and in Oregon. In addition, Kate is our clinical coordinator, working with local hospitals and EMS agencies to schedule required clinical hours for the courses in both states. And she’s also our American Heart Association (AHA) training site coordinator. As such, she is the point of contact for the Southern Regional American Heart Education Center regarding all of our AHA courses, responsible for maintaining and submitting documentation for these courses. This is primarily for our BLS (basic life support) for Healthcare Providers courses taught as part of our EMT curriculum. It also includes HeartSaver CPR and First Aid courses as well as instructor certification and recertification.   Before joining NCOAE in 2013, this Maryland native was a paramedic for the New Hanover (NC) Regional EMS for eight years. Prior to that, she was a paramedic and firefighter for a summer for the Antarctic Fire Department. And while serving in the U. S. Marine Corps, Kate was a (more... ) --- - Published: 2023-08-02 - Modified: 2023-08-23 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/why-clinical-experience-matters-in-emt-training/ In the world of emergency medical services (EMS), future EMTs and paramedics accept the reality that their immediate future includes hundreds of hours of lectures, extensive bookwork, and plenty of written tests.   Each of these students has an objective in mind for taking EMT training courses, and their reasons are many. Some are looking to start careers in the EMS profession. Others plan to use their EMT certification as a stepping stone to medical school or physician assistant (PA) school. And there are those who are uncertain about what direction their future might take, so they’re exploring their options.   Regardless of the reason why, there are a number of things that simply can’t be “taught” in the classroom. Equally important as “book learning,” and perhaps more vital, is clinical and field experience. What is clinical experience? In the real world, clinical settings feature healthcare providers conducting actual exams and procedures on real patients. Physical examples might be a bustling hospital emergency department, a crowded local health clinic, or finding yourself hovering directly over an (more... ) --- - Published: 2023-07-12 - Modified: 2023-07-12 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/frazzled-by-eco-anxiety-find-respite-in-the-backcountry/ As you’ve probably heard or read, last month was the hottest June our planet has ever experienced — topping a prior record set in 2019. In fact, according to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, the nine hottest Junes ever occurred over the past nine years. In addition, extreme heat creates crispy conditions, and last month’s torrid temps were all the kindling needed to promote the one of the worst wildfire season in Canadian and North American history. Add to that a record-breaking cyclone in southeast Africa, heatwaves across Asia, and extreme flooding throughout the world. Oh, and this just in: June sea ice levels in Antarctic were at their lowest level since scientists began keeping records. All of this highlights what many of us have sensed and now know for certain: Climate change is upon us — and that’s a scary situation for those of us who work in the outdoor industry. The cumulative effect of all of these climate catastrophes has created what the American Psychology Association (APA) calls “eco-anxiety. ” According to the American Psychology Association, eco-anxiety is “the chronic fear of environmental cataclysm that comes from observing the seemingly irrevocable impact of climate change, and the associated concern for one’s future and that of next generations. ” Media coverage adds to the angst This fear is evident across our land, with hand-painted yard signs and a variety of bumper stickers on vehicles, all advocating that “Science is Real. ” Newspaper editorials push for “immediate action,” or ask, “Are We Too Late? ” Such articles often crowd out other headlines and newscast bulletins, which only increases our angst. These conversations about our planet’s future — most of them based on science — have had an effect on most everyone’s emotional state. Words have weight, words plant ideas. And ideas spread faster than anything else, for good or bad. Some people pay attention, some don’t notice, and some dismiss the science out of hand, pushing the notion aside without realizing they are being affected at a cellular level by the emotions that are under the surface. This is what is happening, and sometimes we see it, sometimes we miss it, but in the end we’re all going to feel it personally, or collectively. (more... ) --- - Published: 2023-06-28 - Modified: 2023-06-28 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/why-learn-map-and-compass-skills-in-the-age-of-gps-and-digital-tools/ Undoubtedly, you’re either reading this on a smartphone or you’ve got a smartphone in your pocket or sitting on the table or desk in front of you. Most likely, that device features a compass. In fact, the digital app version of one of the most ancient navigational tools in the world comes standard with most cell phones and other mobile devices these days.   Toss in Google Maps, Pacer, Apple Maps, MapMyWalk, Waze, and other directional apps that rely on GPS technology and you’ve got to ask yourself, “Why the heck should I bother using unwieldy paper maps and a handheld compass to explore the backcountry? ”  Of course, there are plenty of good reasons to master traditional map and compass skills, the most obvious being, “Damn, I got no signal. ”  Here at The National Center for Outdoor and Adventure Education (NCOAE), we include lessons in basic map and compass skills on every expedition we lead. In fact, it’s part of our “First 48” programming, which teaches students important technical skills they’ll need to know within the first two days of any NCOAE backcountry expedition.   During the Fist 48, NCOAE course participants learn the basics of a baseplate compass, as well as how to (more... ) --- - Published: 2023-06-16 - Modified: 2023-10-03 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/whats-the-difference-between-nols-outward-bound-and-other-outdoor-programs/ As an accredited outdoor and adventure education provider, we here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) know that people are diligently doing their homework in their search to find the best guided wilderness trips for their children or for themselves. And topping their list of questions is this query: What makes NCOAE different from programs like Outward Bound, programs like NOLS, and even traditional summer camps? How do you make a well-informed choice between our outdoor education company’s offerings and those offered by a summer camp, tour operator, GAP semester provider, or an unaccredited outdoor adventure programming company? Many organizations like ours seek to set themselves apart from the top two standard bearers, namely, The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and Outward Bound (OB). Truth be told, NCOAE’s similarities to those organizations far surpass our differences. In fact, like so many other organizations, we trace our pedigree back to programs like Outward Bound and NOLS. NOLS and OB are leaders in the field, and for very good reason. They’ve been around longer than most every other outdoor education and adventure programming organization out there. Both brands are highly recognizable and trusted, and each has trained hundreds of thousands of people — many of whom have gone on to found outdoor recreation companies of their own. In addition, these two organizations play leading roles within the outdoor education industry, from convening the annual (more... ) --- - Published: 2023-05-26 - Modified: 2023-05-26 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/meet-the-team-wes-hawkins-ncoae-director-of-course-management-and-logistics/ As The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) has grown, so have the skills and knowledge of our expertly trained and credentialed staff members. Take Wesley Hawkins, WFR, for example; a young man who grew up in the Southeast and eventually landed in Georgia where he attended Georgia College and State University. Majoring in outdoor education with a minor in business administration, Wesley was given a class assignment that brought him to NCOAE for a site visit back in 2014. That trip resulted in Wes becoming an NCOAE intern, assisting with our outdoor programming, and eventually working his way up to lead instructor. Fast forward to 2023. Wes is now our Director of Course Management and Logistics. He’s responsible for managing all course-related needs, such as transportation, gear, and food, and he makes sure our staff and students are prepared before heading out on their expeditions. He also supervises and assists staff on our backcountry wilderness courses as needed. Shortly after Wes settled in for the upcoming summer season, we pulled him away from his duties to answer a few questions for the latest post in our Meet the Team series. Here’s what he had to say: (more... ) --- - Published: 2023-05-17 - Modified: 2023-05-17 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/trending-with-increased-participation-comes-a-renewed-focus-on-stewardship/ This is the last post in our four-part series on trends to be aware of in outdoor and adventure-based experiential education. In Part 1, we covered DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion). Part 2 focused on restorative practices. And Part 3 called attention to trauma-informed learning.   Here in Part 4, we’re wrapping up the series with a call for action about stewardship. According to research from Pennsylvania State University’s Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management and the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, 13 percent of people who regularly participated in outdoor recreation activities prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, stopped doing so once nationwide lockdowns went into effect.   At the same time, that 13 percent was offset by 20 percent more participation coming from people for whom the researchers say were likely entirely new to recreating in local, state, and national parks. In New England alone, according to an article published in the journal for the International Association for Society and Natural Resources, overall recreation visitation increased by a whopping 61 percent during the summer of (more... ) --- - Published: 2023-04-27 - Modified: 2023-04-27 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/opinion-instilling-an-operational-risk-management-mindset-in-ems/ In EMS (emergency medical services) education, generations of students have been taught to put safety first. “Don’t enter a scene if it’s not safe,” is what all EMS students are told. “Your safety is most important,” we say. “If you don’t feel safe, get out. ” That being said, there’s another concept called “Safety Third” that’s become popular in recent years, claiming that it’s really up to the individual — not the institution — to ensure their safety on a continual basis. For more details about this, please read Safety is Third, Not First, and We All Know It Should Be in the Journal of Emergency Medical Services, written by our Medical Director, Dr. Christopher Davis, MD.   But what is “safe” and why do we put so much emphasis on it? Personally, I think even the notion of chatting about “safety” leads us down the wrong path. Instead, we should be discussing risk management and decision making. Let’s face it. Absolutely nothing in EMS is “safe. ” Emergency services personnel respond on a near-daily basis to situations that the regular population is unable (or unwilling) to handle. Why, just the simple act of driving an ambulance can be unsafe. Again, nobody becomes an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) because they’re desperately seeking a safe career. Most emergency healthcare providers will agree that “safety” is not really our focus. Whether they realize it or not, every EMT or paramedic who spends more than a few shifts in the field will develop their (more... ) --- - Published: 2023-04-17 - Modified: 2023-04-17 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/managing-backcountry-rain-by-adopting-an-expedition-mentality/ If you asked me to list the attributes that allowed Sir Ernest Shackleton's Trans-Antarctic Expedition (1914-1917) to survive more than a year stranded in Antarctica, I point to characteristics like leadership, adaptability, teamwork, ingenuity, and perseverance.   What Shackleton and his men employed was a mindset that intentionally embraced a set of values and behaviors that are essential for success and survival in extreme conditions. Here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), we refer to that as having an expedition mentality (and I’ll have more to say about that later in today’s post). If you’ve ever spent a full week backpacking in the Appalachian Mountains of western North Carolina between May and August, chances are you encountered some rain somewhere on the trail. That’s because that region of the country — particularly in Pisgah National Forest — encompasses areas categorized as Appalachian temperate rainforest that traditionally receive more than 100 inches of rain per year. Generally, this rain is a (more... ) --- - Published: 2023-04-07 - Modified: 2023-04-14 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/trending-trauma-informed-learning-in-outdoor-based-experiential-education/ Why We Need Trauma-Informed Learning Time warp yourself back to early-February of 2020. We were a month into a new decade when news broke that the U. S. Department of Homeland Security had directed all flights from China be routed through one of 11 airports in the United States for enhanced screening procedures and possible quarantine.   A few months later, just as our nation’s students were preparing to end another school year, our country found itself in virtual lockdown.   While students of all ages may experience loneliness, anxiousness, and uncertainty, the global health pandemic caused by the virus named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes — COVID-19 — had an unequivocal impact on school-age youth.   From extreme levels of disengagement and isolation to the loss of school-based nutrition and healthcare programs, we’ve only recently begun to understand how bad it really was. As more children fall behind in terms of social and academic development, the more serious the case for trauma-informed learning and trauma-informed practices in education. (more... ) --- - Published: 2023-03-22 - Modified: 2023-03-22 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/trending-restorative-practices-in-outdoor-based-experiential-education/ A few weeks ago, we published Part 1 of this series, which covers what we here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) view as the trending best practices to know about in outdoor and adventure-based experiential education.   Here, in Part 2 of this series, we introduce you to Restorative Practices, and share how they’re incorporated in the programming here at NCOAE. For Part 3, we will shift our attention to Trauma-Informed Learning. And we’ll wrap up the series in Part 4 with a discussion on Stewardship. At NCOAE we recognize the power of the outdoors and how it can shape the lives of those who participate in our outdoor education courses and wilderness medicine trainings. Take a backcountry teen expedition for example. By experiencing hiking, climbing and paddling, we see physical obstacles turn into (more... ) --- - Published: 2023-03-09 - Modified: 2023-03-15 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/benefits-of-summer-camp-for-teens/ Outdoor and adventure-based summer camps for teens provide a life-enriching and world-changing experience for those who participate in them. These experiences, offered by accredited adventure-based experiential and outdoor education providers like The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), offer a unique opportunity for teens to develop personal competencies in the following four areas, as well as technical outdoor skills that will last a lifetime: SelfCommunityActionImpact Or, as we here at NCOAE prefer to present it: Self + Community + Action = Impact This formula for personal growth, development, and leadership sets us apart from a traditional summer camp, where backcountry experiences are electives and not the backdrop for everything that’s offered. Parents of teens who choose to participate in our adventure-based summer camps often tell us their teens return home with much more than campfire-building skills. These parents report an increase in caring and empathy on the part of their teens, and a better understanding of the importance of sharing and giving. They also exhibit a greater willingness to stand up for what they believe in, taking responsibility for their actions instead of shifting the blame elsewhere. These teens have discovered that such qualities are essential for building a progressive society and making a positive impact on the world. Outdoor and adventure-based summer camps experiences that take place in the backcountry create a sense of community and provide opportunities for intergenerational relationships. They help teens develop (more... ) --- - Published: 2023-03-02 - Modified: 2023-03-02 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/trending-4-best-practices-in-outdoor-and-adventure-based-experiential-education/ A little more than three decades ago, two educators and researchers from Canada partnered with the Association for Experiential Education (AEE) on a groundbreaking book titled Safety Practices in Adventure Programming.   Simon Priest, Ph. D. , and Tim Dixon, M. Ed. , regarded at the time as among only a handful of leading experts in outdoor adventure education and leadership, penned what some argue was the first widely-published best practices for the outdoor education and adventure programming industry.   Known as the Red Book, due to its bright red cover, their work coincided with AEE’s foray into accreditation, inspiring outdoor education program administrators across the globe to adopt common approaches to the safety and well-being of their clients and staff while facilitating adventure-based programs.   And while it likely isn’t fair to suggest that best practices didn’t exist within our sector of the outdoor industry before Priest and Dixon’s Red Book, the publication of that forward-looking guidance saw the rapid adoption of such practices for our sector like no other. Fast-forward 33 years, and we find most all outdoor education or adventure-based programming operations pay close attention to best practices in the realm of safety and risk management.   In today’s post, I’m pleased to call attention to four areas with associated best practices for which all outdoor educators and adventure-based organizations should be aware. After hearing from college and university outdoor program managers, organizational leaders, and by performing research of our own, four themes rise to the top as trends and best practices in outdoor education and adventure programming to follow over the next year: (more... ) --- - Published: 2023-02-20 - Modified: 2023-02-21 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/opinion-theres-nothing-basic-about-an-emt/ It’s been more than a decade since the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) stopped using the certification designations EMT-B and EMT-Basic.   The change from EMT-B to EMT was not just in title. It was accompanied by an expanded set of knowledge and skill expectations for emergency medical technicians (EMTs). There is nothing “basic” about what an EMT learns or the skills he or she can perform. And they’re certainly not “Ambulance Drivers. ” (Photo Credit: RODNAE Productions | Sourced from Pexels) Most states have made the transition to the new title, but many emergency medical service (EMS) providers continue to refer to some EMTs as “Basics. ” Maybe it’s out of ignorance, or just an antiquated habit, but we need that to stop. It’s much more than just an inaccurate designation — it’s misleading to the public and gives the wrong impression regarding care and capabilities. Looking Back at EMT Designations The early terminology came from a haphazard system of state-by-state naming conventions. The NREMT itself started out with an “EMT-Ambulance” or “EMT-A,” later adding an “EMT-Non-Ambulance” designation. As a result of this confusing (more... ) --- - Published: 2023-02-06 - Modified: 2024-08-15 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/what-outdoor-industry-pros-recommend-you-keep-in-your-first-aid-kit/ Having a first aid kit handy is always a good idea, but what should it contain? The answer to this question really depends on what you plan to be doing. There are different considerations for a kit that you carry in your car versus one that you grab up for a mountain bike ride or take with you on an overnight or multi-day backcountry expedition.   Of course, you could purchase pre-stocked first-aid kits for a variety of purposes. Retailers and companies like REI, Adventure Medical Kits, and even Amazon and Target all sell first aid kits that may be right for your purposes. These can be convenient, and many are vacuum sealed to save space. However, they can be expensive and may contain less useful items for your purposes. Putting together your own first aid kit lets you decide how many and what kinds of things you want. It also gets you thinking about what you’ll have on hand should a backcountry emergency occur.   Pro Tip: Make sure your backcountry first aid kit is waterproofed and check it regularly to make sure things haven’t been damaged or have expired. Here are some things to consider when creating your own backcountry first aid kit: What injuries/situations are likely to occur? (more... ) --- - Published: 2023-01-23 - Modified: 2023-01-25 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/lets-add-humble-to-the-5-umbles-of-hypothermia/ Hypothermia is deadly. There, I said it! This potentially dangerous drop in body temperature is commonly defined as a core body temperature below 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) after dropping from a healthy temperature of about 98. 6 degrees Fahrenheit or 37 degrees Celsius. The slightest variance from the “normal” range can disrupt the body’s ideal operating conditions, known as homeostasis. The negative impact of hypothermia on homeostasis is dramatic and therefore should not be underestimated. Hypothermic progression follows a path, moving first more slowly, then more rapidly toward non-movement and when properly treated, onto death. The author, NCOAE Director of Wilderness Medicine Education Todd Mullenix, moving and staying warm. Movement is life. Living things grow, evolve, learn and work to improve their circumstances. Non-living things hold fast to current circumstances unless acted upon by an outside force. As we’ve all experience, movement generates warmth, and this case, it combats hypothermia. A creature that has the appropriate amounts of items necessary for movement will generally maintain a body temperature conducive for life.   These items required for movement include nutrients, health, fitness, clothing, and sometimes technical outdoor tools such as an ice axe and crampons. A breakdown of these items leads to decreased movement and reduced temperature. In this post, we will look at the hypothermic process using the five umbles: (more... ) --- - Published: 2023-01-09 - Modified: 2023-05-05 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/hands-on-training-is-the-key-to-a-career-in-the-outdoor-industry/ For anyone interested in a career in the outdoor education, adventure programming, and guiding sectors of the outdoor industry, there are many trails to reach your destination. Among these are university recreation programs, internships, seasonal employment and more.   Not all pathways in this wide and diverse industry necessarily require a recreation-specific degree. However, an associate’s or bachelor’s degree offers job seekers a leg up when it comes to qualifying for an administrative position, as well as positions in environmental education or academia.   And while a college degree is helpful and even required in some sectors of this great outdoor industry of ours, what this industry truly values most is hands-on experience. That experience — in combination with holding the relevant certifications — is the key to successful advancement in outdoor education and adventure programming employment.   Gaining real-world experience is essential, whether you’re pursuing a college degree or not. And one of the best ways to jump start your outdoor industry career is to find seasonal employment working in the field. Taking a part-time or summer job offers a great opportunity to start gaining the needed experience.   Types of Outdoor Industry Organization Seasonal opportunities abound, including through the following types of organizations: (more... ) --- - Published: 2022-12-12 - Modified: 2022-12-12 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/new-thinking-about-how-to-handle-spinal-injuries-in-remote-wilderness-settings/ Best practices for evaluating and transporting patients with potential spinal fractures or spinal cord injuries is a hot topic in emergency medicine. And it’s no wonder. All of us who work in the adventure programming and emergency medical services field fervently want to avoid causing or worsening a potentially catastrophic injury to someone’s spinal cord.   As such, and for many decades, EMS officials dogmatically insisted that “immobilizing” patients with potential spine injuries was the best protection from further harm. Protocol demanded rigid backboards, cervical collars, head blocks, and yards of tape and straps to prevent someone who is injured from moving. However, new research suggests this is not only ineffective, but quite likely harmful. Immobilization Dismissed as the Tool of Choice for Patient Transport Anyone suffering a spinal injury could have a spinal fracture. And that fracture could be unstable. So, if your client (i. e. , patient in this case) moved even a little bit (like turning their head), that unstable spinal fracture could slide around and cause spinal cord injury. And that spinal cord injury could cause them to be paralyzed forever. The Old School solution was to prevent them from moving on their own. Only let trained first responders (including outdoor educators, field instructors, and guides who are certified in wilderness medicine) lift/move the injured patient. Immobilize them to a rigid device — essentially a full-body splint — and get them out of the backcountry and to a hospital.   Upon what was this edict based? Essentially nothing. A few case reports that, on closer scrutiny, don’t indicate any (more... ) --- - Published: 2022-12-05 - Modified: 2022-12-05 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/in-the-outdoor-industry-affordable-housing-for-outdoor-educators-remains-elusive/ One of the major “perks” of working as a field instructor, guide, or senior staff in the outdoor education and adventure-based programming sector of the outdoor industry used to be an offer of free or low-cost housing. Today, that incentive is more elusive, both for employees at our peer organizations and the staff we hire here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE). Affordable staff housing — or the lack thereof — tops the list of major financial issues facing those of us who oversee the experiential education programs we run at NCOAE. Our instructors and staff come from around the globe to teach and facilitate our outdoor adventure and education programs. And for us, it has always been important that when they arrive on campus, we attempt to make sure the stress of basic needs does not overshadow the joy of the work. Image © Camp Echo Lake (sourced from OccupationWild. com) Carolina Beach, North Carolina, is the closest residential area to NCOAE headquarters, featuring rents that average $1,500 a month. That’s not outrageous if you’re earning $50,000 a year and you consider 30 percent of income for rent as the gold standard for conservative budget management. But ours is a seasonal business, and part of the problem our sector of the outdoor industry faces is that our staffers don’t make 50 grand a year. In addition, most outdoor education facilities are located in beautiful areas near state and national parks, mountains, beaches, lakes, and other open recreational spaces. Obviously, real estate and rental accommodations are much more costly in such places.   Outdoor Educators Consistently Lack Affordable Housing Options Fortunately, NCOAE is not located in an area where rent and income gaps are so disparate that staff must move to other locations to survive. However, at the end of the day we are (more... ) --- - Published: 2022-11-21 - Modified: 2022-12-05 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/gaining-the-clinical-experience-to-get-into-med-school-emt-training-and-direct-patient-care/ Experience is among the biggest hurdles you need to clear in order to enter any competitive profession. However, clearing this hurdle can be especially challenging for those entering the medical field because it’s unlikely you can get into medical school without some experience under your belt. Unlike other professions, the field of medicine offers internship opportunities only upon graduation from medical school. So, the question for many high school and college students aspiring to become doctors is this: How do I get the patient care experience I need to get into medical school if I’m not a doctor? Our solution? Perhaps the best clinical experience for pre-med can be obtained by training for and working as an emergency medical technician (EMT). As an EMT, you get diverse hands-on patient care experience in a fast-paced, high-intensity treatment environment while working closely with firefighters, police officers, doctors, and other emergency-response and medical professionals. And you gain exposure and experience with patients who have a variety of medical conditions in a broad range of emergency response scenarios. Discover efficient and effective paths to medical school, and ways to get the clinical experience needed to increase your chances of being accepted. The Path to Medical School According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the recommended approach to getting into medical school includes: Explore your medical career options. Get some experience. Stay on track for medical school. Get more experience and explore resources. Team up with your advisor to build a game plan. Register and prepare for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Prepare for med school interviews. Receive letters of acceptance or rejection. Prepare for medical school. Steps 2 and 4 call for gaining experience — hands-on patient care experience. The people who run medical schools are only looking for serious candidates — intelligent individuals who are passionate about the field. They seek those committed to completing a rigorous and prolonged education and training program. They don’t want to fill their limited openings with candidates who are likely to drop out after their first encounter with a cadaver. Nor do they want to discover later that a (more... ) --- - Published: 2022-11-14 - Modified: 2022-11-14 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/meet-the-emt-students-colleen-and-justin/ There’s good reason why we precede our three-week Hybrid EMT course with the word “Intensive. ” And that’s because our 21-Day “Intensive” Hybrid EMT course enables students to satisfy eligibility requirements for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) and North Carolina State EMT examinations in an expeditious manner. Our course includes 10 days of virtual, instructor-led training, followed by 11 days of hands-on, practical skills training. Today in this post, we’re highlighting a couple of students who completed our EMT training and received their certifications. As you’ll see, neither of them rested on their laurels, instead immediately following their training with additional education. First up is Colleen Kenedy. Meet Colleen Kenedy The first student we’re highlighting is Colleen Kenedy, who completed our Hybrid EMT training course in December of 2021. She signed up for the program in order to gain hands-on medical experience in a short amount of time. The objective was to help her when she was accepted to Physician Assistant (PA) school. And Colleen did just that. Shortly after completing her EMT course and passing her NREMT exam, Colleen was accepted for admissions to the PA Program at the University of Washington’s MEDEX Northwest campus in Anchorage, Alaska, where she is now completing her didactic year. She received her (more... ) --- - Published: 2022-10-31 - Modified: 2023-03-09 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/hybrid-emt-training-now-available-in-oregon-and-north-carolina/ Long touted for offering hybrid EMT instruction in North Carolina, The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) also offers Hybrid EMT training in Oregon. This highly effective 21-day EMT training includes 10 days of virtual instruction delivered online, followed by 11 days of hands-on, practical training in Oregon’s Tygh Valley. The program offers an ideal format for college students, premed students, working professionals, and anyone else who appreciates the flexibility of learning in a fast-paced hybrid format. Whether you choose a hybrid EMT training program that features in-person, hands-on skills training in Oregon or North Carolina, your NCOAE training and experience will include the following: Before your course begins: We’ll ask you to complete up to 30 hours of asynchronous web-based training using our online eLearning platform. The benefit to this approach is (more... ) --- - Published: 2022-10-14 - Modified: 2022-10-20 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/8-alternative-jobs-to-pursue-with-an-emt-certification/ Just obtaining an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license opens a world of career possibilities both inside and out of the medical field. Sure, you have to put in the effort, but the opportunities are as diverse as our EMT students here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE). Fact is, we receive applications from students from all walks and stages of life, who successfully complete our EMT training program and go on to use that EMT training for a variety of opportunities. Some become full- or part-time EMTs, others use this outstanding training and education as a steppingstone for medical or nursing school. And then there are the outdoor enthusiasts who use this EMT training to become Ski Patrollers or members of Search and Rescue crews, or to add an additional layer of medical expertise when guiding groups on mountaineering and backcountry expeditions. Maybe you’ve been an EMT for a while and are looking for a change, Or maybe you’re thinking about obtaining your EMT certification and then consider your options. While the most popular career trajectory for EMTs is to become a Paramedic, there are a number of jobs that you can obtain with just an EMT certification, keeping mind that some may require additional training.   Here are eight such opportunities: (more... ) --- - Published: 2022-10-03 - Modified: 2022-10-03 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/heat-illness-symptoms-prevention-and-treatment/ Nobody likes to be hot and sweaty on the trail. But when things turn from being uncomfortable to becoming downright dangerous, it’s time for quick, on-the-spot emergency action.   Heat illness is a range of medical conditions that result from the body’s inability to cope with an elevated heat load. When that occurs, it is more commonly referred to as “heat strain. ” And whether you’re inactive in a warm, humid environment or participating in strenuous physical activity in the fall or winter, you are at an increased risk of heat illness. For people who engage in backcountry adventures, heat illness and heat strain are among the many potential health and safety risks. That’s why our instructors at The National Center for Outdoor Adventure Education (NCOAE) include it in our Wilderness Medicine courses. In this post, we bring you up to speed on the basics, including the symptoms to watch for, preventive measures, and treatments to cool an overheated body. From Bad to Worse on the Heat Illness Spectrum Heat illness, heat strain, and related injuries occur when the core body temperature becomes elevated, stressing or surpassing the body’s ability to cool itself. Like a nuclear power plant, the human body can suffer serious and potentially fatal damage when its core becomes overheated. The severity of the condition is on a spectrum generally divided into the following three levels: (more... ) --- - Published: 2022-09-23 - Modified: 2022-09-23 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/adult-education-courses-adventure-vacations/ Taking a well-deserved adult vacation offers joyful predictability. There’s time off to do what you want, visit places that you’ve maybe never seen before, and return home with some great photos of friends and family. Then, for most of us, it’s back to a predictable grind. By mid-week, we’re back to being the same employee or boss that we were when we packed up and headed out for vacation. What The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) offers outdoor enthusiasts — including adults who are curious about backcountry travel — is an alternative to your typical adult vacation. We prepare, set up, and guide life changing adventure-based adult education courses for anyone looking to learn new skills — or those sharpening existing skills in the outdoors, enabling them to return to daily life with new insights into leadership and how to protect our natural resources.   We can even help you pitch your trip as a benefit to your employer. Who knows? Adventure-based education may be the future for your organization’s workplace employee engagement. (more... ) --- - Published: 2022-09-09 - Modified: 2022-09-08 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/concussion-recognition-and-treatment-in-the-backcountry/ Concussion recognition and treatment has gotten a lot of attention over the last decade, mostly in the context of youth and professional sports such as tackle football and soccer. It’s even a topic for those who serve in our armed forces. However, confusion over its prevention, diagnosis, and treatment remains widespread. In an interview with a reporter from the Chicago Sun Times, former National Football League quarterback Brett Favre, who was knocked out cold only once in his 20-year career, claimed that “probably 90 percent” of the tackles he endured left him with a concussion. He’s most likely correct in that estimation. After all, the definition of “concussion” is broad: “A concussion is a brain injury, a disturbance in brain function induced by traumatic forces, either from a direct blow to the head or a transmitted force from a blow to the body. ” It disrupts brain function at the cellular metabolic level but does not result in major structural damage. Conventional MRI or CT scanning will not show evidence of a concussion. So, how do you know if you or someone else has suffered a concussion while in the backcountry? And, after having made that determination, what should be done? Having clear answers to these two questions is essential for successful recovery and to prevent long-term cognitive and psychological complications. This is true no matter where the concussion takes place, but especially in the backcountry where medical treatment from a full-time team is unavailable. (more... ) --- - Published: 2022-08-29 - Modified: 2022-08-29 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/avoiding-target-fixations-and-incident-pits-in-the-backcountry/ “Look where you want to go! ”  I have conveyed this message to wilderness course participants countless times, shouting, screaming, and using hand signals when necessary. Sometimes I’m yelling above the roar of a set of rapids or the sound of an adjacent waterfall.   “Look where you want to go! ” I emphatically issue the same advice while watching climbers rappelling down a cliff, or verbally guiding a student on a mountain bike through a sketchy section of trail. In each case, the point of my shouting is to get the students to stop looking at the obstacle.   “Look where you want to go” really translates as “Stop looking at the obstacle! Don’t fixate on the hazard! ” And it doesn’t matter if you’re a Wilderness First Responder approaching the scene of a backcountry incident, or a student on a wilderness course attempting to navigate a perceived hazard or obstacle, looking too closely at a hazard you want to avoid can be very dangerous. At first glance — no pun intended — you might think it wise to actually look closely at the hazard you want to avoid. No argument there. You absolutely need to identify obstacles, especially in the backcountry and other places considered Wilderness. In fact, identifying an obstacle is a key factor in remaining safe.   But here’s the thing: (more... ) --- - Published: 2022-08-12 - Modified: 2022-08-23 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/most-ems-terminology-comes-down-to-initials-abbreviations-and-acronyms/ A few years ago, we ran a three-part series on slogans, slang, and terminology as it applies to a trio of human-powered outdoor recreational activities. If you recall, we started out with some “gnarly” surfing terms, then we “tied in” to a conversation about climbing, finally pulling a “wet exit” on the language of paddling. You can review these three articles using the links below:  From Sept. 20, 2020: Surfing Terminology and Slang: You Can’t Play BINGO Without the LingoFrom Oct. 10, 2020: On Belay — Climbing Terminology and SlangFrom Oct. 30, 2020: Paddling Terminology and Slang: Nobody Says ‘Up a River Without an Oar’ There was quite a bit of word whimsy in those articles, and we made sure to remind readers that successfully lassoing the linguistics of a particular activity was no guarantee you were mastering that particular sport professionally.   Today we’re taking a more serious look at language, this time highlighting the terminology used by members of the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) community. That’s because one of our areas of focus here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) is emergency medicine training and education. And whether you’re an EMS, medical professional, or wilderness first responder (WFR), these terms are most often employed when these professionals find themselves managing a medical emergency.   First off, you might notice that most of these terms come in the form of acronyms, abbreviations, and initials, and the reason for that is to enable first responders to quickly communicate and react with each other and the patient in the field. The source for these acronyms comes from the NCOAE Wilderness Medicine Field Guide (ISBN 978-0-578-87449-4).   Here, we present them in alphabetical order: (more... ) --- - Published: 2022-08-03 - Modified: 2022-08-03 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/when-it-comes-to-wilderness-is-it-an-adventure-or-experience/ Years ago, I was working in wilderness-based setting with a group of gang members who were attempting to break away from the often-violent lifestyle in which they found themselves. During a break our programming, I asked a loaded question. “Anybody want to tell me about their tattoos and what they mean? ” The 30 or so gang members, hailing from a variety of organizations — MS-13, Bloods, Crips and Latin Kings — stared up at me. Hard. One participant in the back shouted, “Nobody gives a shit about our tattoos! ” When I burst out laughing, I was met with even harder stares, I realized an explanation was in order. I told the participants that everyone wants to know about their tattoos. They’re just too afraid to broach the subject. I said that if we were to put a person covered in tattoos from head to toe on a scale, and then somehow remove all that ink on their skin and weighed them again, the weight change would probably be undeterminable. If, however, that same tattooed gang member walked into a job interview, the weight of those tattoos — what they represented — would be a thousand pounds. So again, I asked them to tell me the stories and histories behind their tattoos. What followed was an enlightening experience. The curtain was pulled back and these folks opened up and shared the significance behind their body art.   My point is this: Words and images have weight.   Words and Images Have Weight I tell you this because a leading outdoor industry retailer — REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc. ) — recently announced an adjustment to their marketing, based on patterns they say are cropping up in our culture today. REI’s announcement that the company is rebranding its tour business from REI Adventures to REI Experiences caught many people I know off guard, myself included.   It’s an effort, they say, to increase their participant base to three million clients a year. The company’s officers and administrators fear the word “Adventure” is getting in the way of its effort to grow the business. So, what is it we think when a brand that builds a $3. 7-billion-a-year business around catering to adventurers decides to change the word to experiences instead? Is adventure too heavy of a word? Is the term adventure dangerous? Are we — both consumers and outdoor community members — becoming soft? What comes next? Will the (more... ) --- - Published: 2022-07-22 - Modified: 2022-07-22 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/the-role-of-the-wilderness-first-responder-during-water-rescues/ It may surprise you to learn that drownings — along with heart attacks and falls — are among the leading causes of death for those who venture into the wilderness for recreation or education in the United States. Statistics show that there are nearly 4,000 fatal drownings each year in the United States, with a little more than 8,000 nonfatal drownings. These figures include boating-related drownings. In fact, the threat of drowning is so prevalent that the first edition of the NCOAE Wilderness Medicine Field Guide devotes an entire section to Environmental Submersion and Drowning Injury. Of course, it’s during the spring and summer that most outdoor explorers are on the water, including those participating in backcountry expeditions. Lakes, rivers and streams provide much-needed relief in the backcountry on a hot August afternoon and are sought-after destinations for many outdoor enthusiasts. For those training to become Wilderness First Responders (WFR) and those participating in Wilderness First Aid (WFA) training, a major consideration is assisting with medical emergencies that occur on or near the water. (more... ) --- - Published: 2022-07-11 - Modified: 2022-07-21 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/outdoor-industry-jobs-require-personal-experience-and-certifications/ Professional development — learning that allows you to earn or maintain professional credentials — is key to career planning, especially when it comes to considering a career in the outdoor adventure and education industry. Much more than participating in a bunch of classes, our sector of the outdoor industry looks favorably on applicants with wilderness medicine training and certification, skills training and certification, and hands-on guiding and expedition leadership experience. Truth is, we here at NCOAE found that operating an adventure education company during a health pandemic was challenging. And staffing our AEE-accredited organization with highly experienced instructors became increasingly difficult but not impossible. Like other industries, we suffered a staffing shortage, and yes, some of our existing staff left to pursue other pathways. But what we’ve noticed lately is a lack of experience from some people who thought working in the outdoors would — quite literally — be a walk in the park. Many of these would-be outdoor educators and guides decided that sitting on a couch while looking at photos and films of wilderness expeditions was a suitable alternative for actually going out and experiencing the outdoors. This potential pool of applicants backed out and went the way of the “Instagram Adventurer” or the “Armchair Explorer. ” And in talking with our colleagues across our sector of the outdoor industry, we’re not alone in seeing this trend. Nearly all outdoor adventure and education organizations are taking pause and evaluating the future of trainings, staff recruitment, and what it means to be qualified to head out into “wild places. ” Regardless of what other organizations choose to do about their staffing challenges, NCOAE will not budge on what is required of our field instructor and outdoor educator candidates. Hands-on experience coupled with recognized industry certifications still matter and always will. If you’re interested in a seasonal or full-time job in outdoor education, here are my recommendations on how to proceed. (more... ) --- - Published: 2022-06-27 - Modified: 2023-10-03 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/applying-the-principles-of-leave-no-trace-to-daily-life-in-an-urban-setting/ What is Leave No Trace? The idea behind Leave No Trace is to embrace specific wilderness stewardship values in order to protect our backcountry areas for generations to come. Back in the early 1940s, Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the world Scouting movement, said, “Try and leave the world a little better than you found it. ” Over time, this morphed into, “Always leave your campground cleaner than you found it. ” Fifty years later, in the early 1990s, that Leave No Trace concept was immortalized through an educational curriculum developed by the United States Forest Services in partnership with NOLS (the National Outdoor Leadership School). The outcome was an agreed framework for instilling awareness on the part of wilderness travelers to interact with nature in a manner that reduces human impact. What is The Importance of Leave No Trace? The idea behind Leave No Trace is to embrace specific wilderness stewardship values in order to protect our backcountry areas for generations to come. Today, that program — run by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics in Boulder, Colorado — impacts more than 15 million people in the United States and dozens of other countries with conservation initiatives, education, training, and research. Baden-Powell’s simple sentiment more-or-less condenses the seven principles behind today’s Leave No Trace (LNT) program. The well-known LNT’s principles are: (more... ) --- - Published: 2022-06-16 - Modified: 2022-06-22 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/theres-a-reason-why-outdoor-ed-is-not-club-med/ Zac Adair, our co-founder and executive director, recently asked one of our courseparticipants why they signed up for a particular outdoor adventure. “It was a photo thatappeared on your website of a guy on top of a mountaintop with the blue skies above theglaciers in the background. ” Picture yourself here. It’s a common tactic in all great marketing campaigns. If afterseeing an advertisement, you can picture yourself wearing a specific shirt, driving aparticular truck, or vacationing on a cruise ship that’s making its way to the Bahamas,then the team of marketers responsible for those ads has done their job. Here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education — where we’re focusedon designing and guiding outdoor and adventure education experiences that promotepersonal growth, professional development, and stewardship in our community and thenatural environment — we employ the same tactics. Take one look at our website andyou’ll see photographs and videos featuring real NCOAE students participating in thevery courses and trainings that we offer around the globe. So, it’s little wonder that these videos and photos prompt our website visitors to picturethemselves on one of our backcountry adventures. But here’s the thing that may escapesuch a casual or initial thought. That picture of a (more... ) --- - Published: 2022-06-03 - Modified: 2022-06-03 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/cape-fear-academy-students-immerse-themselves-in-ecuadors-culture/ Late last year, the staff at Cape Fear Academy in Wilmington, North Carolina, asked for our help in creating a unique and meaningful 10-day, outdoor and adventure-based out-of-country expedition for a handful of its high school students. In particular, Cape Fear’s educational leaders were looking for a diverse destination that would enable their students to immerse themselves deeply in a new culture — an adventure that would extend far beyond selfies, social media, suntan oil, and sand — and which would reinforce the school’s own values and curriculum. Known for designing and leading custom outdoor education programs for private and independent schools, we were happy to help! https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=8nAxesMio4M The original Cape Fear Academy was established in 1868 as an independent school for boys. After closing in 1916, the school was reestablished 52 years later in 1968 with the commitment of “forging capable young adults with skills, confidence and resilience to take risks, solve problems and overcome challenges. ” So, it was with that focus in mind that the school asked us here at The National Center for Outdoor and Adventure Education (NCOAE) to custom design an expedition for nine of the school’s students, along with a chaperone from the school and three NCOAE field instructors. Their destination? Ecuador. Our staff prepared an itinerary that incorporated the school’s objectives of instilling confidence, facing challenges, taking on informed risks, and solving problems. After all, those missives mirror the (more... ) --- - Published: 2022-05-25 - Modified: 2022-05-26 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/ncoaes-emt-training-opens-the-doors-to-jobs-across-the-u-s/ Applicants to our nationally renowned EMT training courses often ask us if they can taketheir new EMT credentials to the state where they live, and the answer is mostly yes. The National Center for Outdoor and Adventure Education’s (NCOAE) campus islocated in North Carolina, where we offer 21-day “Intensive” EMT-Basic and 23-day“Intensive” Advanced EMT training courses among others. Successful completion ofthese courses authorize our graduates to take the National Registry of EmergencyMedical Technicians (NREMT) exam. National Registry Certification examinations evaluate the competence of EMSpractitioners at a variety of levels, including Emergency Medical Responder (EMR),Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Advanced Emergency Medical Technician(AEMT), and Paramedic. NREMT credentials are either required for an initial license or accepted for legalrecognition or reciprocity in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. That makes it easier tomaintain (more... ) --- - Published: 2022-03-22 - Modified: 2022-05-12 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/ncoae-recommends-2022-outdoor-industry-conferences-and-summits/ The health pandemic has had an enormous impact on the outdoor education and adventure programming industries, not to mention those who thrive on human-powered outdoor recreation. Our industry-sponsored conferences and tradeshows especially suffered as a result of strict, but often necessary local and state mandates about social distancing and public gatherings. And now that those precautions have mostly been lifted — with industry confabs back to in-person events for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic started in February of 2020 — it’s time to get back into the full swing of in-person conferences and trade shows. If you’re an outdoor industry professional, or you would like to work in outdoor education or adventure-based programming, you might want to check out the conferences and industry events highlighted in this post. Attending in-person professional gatherings allows you to learn about what’s changed and what’s trending for our profession, participate in activities and discussions relating to the profession, and network with your peers. Here then is a list of upcoming conferences, summits and gatherings that are worth checking out for 2022: 4th Annual Outdoor Economy Conference — April 4-7, 2022, in Cherokee, N. C. The Outdoor Economy Conference seeks to connect company CEOs, conservation leaders, federal agency personnel, local and state park personnel, and economic developers to focus on what conference organizers believe matters both now and in the future. This year, there are four separate conference tracks to explore, including: (more... ) --- - Published: 2022-03-11 - Modified: 2022-05-12 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/program-spotlight-weve-got-teen-expeditions-far-and-wide/ Looking for a teen expedition this summer? We here at NCOAE are excited to announce that our 2022 season of backcountry and wilderness adventures for teen-agers is already up and running and in full swing. At the end of February, a dozen students led by a team of NCOAE field instructors, headed down to Ecuador for a cultural immersion and rafting adventure. For those of us on the administrative side of things, couldn’t wait for the students experience the Palugo Farm — a sustainable organic farm that feeds 30 families each week. NCOAE students and instructors at Palugo Farm, Quito-Ecuador. To be sure, we have a busy season ahead, with backcountry adventurers to be found anywhere, from paddling in the Everglades to rafting Oregon’s beautiful Three Sister’s wilderness, as well as backpacking all around Pisgah’s National Forest. Any of this sound good to you? Are you looking to step out of your comfort zone this summer? We still have openings on many of our summer teen leadership expeditions. It’s an opportunity to learn what it takes to navigate the backcountry, push your limits with new activities, and make life-long friends as you work together to cultivate the adventure you never knew you needed. With activities that include backcountry cooking, campsite set-up, compass and map navigation, Leave No Trace training, as well as exposure to the NCOAE curriculum, you’ll leave the backcountry feeling accomplished and ready for more. Spend seven days rafting down the (more... ) --- - Published: 2022-03-02 - Modified: 2022-05-12 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/old-school-tips-for-handling-bleeds-on-the-trail-get-a-needed-update/ Injuries that involve bleeding are not completely uncommon to those of us who visit or work in the backcountry. In fact, injuries that produce blood are considered inherent risks in wilderness travel, whether that be during a multi-week expedition or an afternoon hike in your local woods. Knowing how to handle medical emergencies — and that includes knowing how to stop the bleeding when it occurs — is an essential backcountry skill. But here’s the thing... when it comes to bleeding, some “vintage” emergency tactics may have outlived their usefulness. For example, if you’re old enough to remember first aid courses where you were taught to use pressure points or to elevate the injured site, you should know this: Those methods have been found to be ineffective and are no longer recommended. So today, we’re going to talk about this commonly encountered medical problem, and how the vast majority of bleeding issues can be effectively and rapidly controlled by almost anyone with a few simple techniques. Fist though, let’s cover the three types of external bleeding. Types of external bleeding External bleeding is visible, whereas internal bleeding is not. Internal bleeding can result from a variety of problems ranging from traumatic injuries to illnesses. Stopping internal bleeding requires advanced techniques and often surgery. In other words, if you suspect internal bleeding, call for help. External bleeding is divided into three types: (more... ) --- - Published: 2022-02-18 - Modified: 2022-05-12 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/the-benefit-of-early-exposure-to-the-outdoors/ I grew up in the Midwest, and while some may claim the flatlands don’t have much to offer — I often found one way or another to get into trouble. I climbed trees in my front lawn, jumping off one branch, and climbing higher. While learning how to ride a bike, I often showed up to kindergarten the next day with bandages covering my knees. On family ski trips, I was the one tumbling head over skis down the mountain rather than staying atop my skis like other people. I wanted to know how fast I could go, but nine times out of 10, I lost control and fell victim to power of the mountain. My mother was not a fan of my experiments as we watched her fearless seven-year-old tumble on down below. There’s no question I have always had an adventurous heart, a thirst for more, and a passion for the world around me. I was fortunate to be able to spend more days outside than inside during my childhood. That passion grew as I grew. While all my friends were putting on their prom dresses, I was stepping into a harness. One of my most cherished memories was checking my gear for about the 10th time, giving my spotter down below the “all clear” signal, and slowly making my way down. I was in Costa Rica, about to rappel down a waterfall at sunset, thinking “there’s nowhere else I’d rather be. ” While most of my senior class friends wrapped up their final year in high school with ceremonial “lasts,” I was surfing seven-foot waves, sea kayaking in bioluminescence waters, hiking through a cloud forest, and whitewater rafting Costa Rica’s Savegre River. I could probably write a book about the personal lessons I learned during all of my travels, but the one that changed everything was the realization that (more... ) --- - Published: 2022-02-07 - Modified: 2022-05-12 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/ncoae-celebrates-black-history-month-with-nccus-cheatham-white-program/ It’s pouring rain, and some of North Carolina Central University’s custom outdoor education program participants slip into the knee-deep mud, briefly maintaining their balance, only to slide like baseball players down a short, navigable incline. Stephen Mullaney, NCOAE’s director of school partnerships, quickly glances over to see how Christina is doing — just in time to see a huge grin from beneath her rain hood. That figures, he thinks. Christina Garrett is a go-getter, no question about that. She is the Associate Director of University Scholars at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), one of about a hundred Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States. As Christina, NCCU students, and some of NCOAE wilderness field instructors continue their trek in the rain, she tells Stephen about her own outdoor experiences, including fishing with her father, visiting state parks, and her accomplishment of heading what is likely the first required wilderness orientation experience for incoming freshmen and transfer students at a Historically Black College/University. (NCCU student participants on an NCOAE custom program | image © Stephen Mullaney) Christina’s program, which is named the Cheatham-White Scholarship Program, was established in 2018 and provides academic scholarships based on merit. Focusing on students attending NCCU, the program was designed for exceptional student scholars who possess a range of interests, proficiency in both the arts and sciences, and who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to service. Admittance to the scholarship-supported program includes tuition and fees, housing, meals, textbooks, a laptop, travel, and personal expenses. The generous scholarship also means four summers of enrichment and networking. That means travel — maybe even international travel. Where NCOAE comes into the picture is at the (more... ) --- - Published: 2022-01-26 - Modified: 2022-05-12 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/adventures-in-outdoor-cooking-do-it-for-your-taste-buds/ The instructor-in-training for the day reaches into her pack, shakes her head and swears softly. “We left a bottle of fuel at basecamp. Who do we call for resupply? ” Liz, NCOAE’s course director walks over to the instructor and looks into the canvas bag. Then she shrugs her shoulders and says, “There’s no one to call. Looks like we’ve only got fuel for three out of eight nights. ” Scanning the forest, Liz points to a pile of rocks on the ground where previous groups have built fires and says, “Collect wood, build a fire, cook dinner. ” A few days earlier, this same group was packing for an Instructor Training Course. Participants are educators who have been in the outdoor education and adventure industry for a few years and have a firm grasp on technical skills. We use the course to familiarize these future instructors with our curriculum, educational practices and other components that are unique to NCOAE. So, when an Instructor Course group forgets to pack an important piece of gear — in this case fuel — we like to see how problem solving, creativity and ingenuity unfold to keep an expedition moving forward. Now, with a fire started and a meal selected for the evening, it’s time to start cooking. These NCOAE instructors in training begin by building a potholder out of rocks, stirring up the coals, and blending ingredients together for the meal. There’s little confusion, no drama, and the meal comes together because these educators have been practicing outdoor skills at home in their backyards as well as in outdoor settings like the one mentioned here. Practice makes perfect The way these participants upped their backcountry skills and calmly slapped together a great evening meal was to practice their “seeking game. ” It was back in the late 1990s when a neurologist named Jaak Panksepp coined the term “seeking system” in regard to (more... ) --- - Published: 2022-01-17 - Modified: 2022-05-12 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/six-tips-on-how-best-to-respond-to-a-medical-emergency/ It’s pretty well known that we here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) are experts when it comes to training our students how to respond to medical emergencies in remote or wilderness settings. Less known is the fact that we also educate anyone interested in training that satisfies the eligibility requirements for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. As a result, we teach our students to recognize that medical emergencies can happen anywhere and at any time. And it’s how we respond to those emergencies that makes all the difference in the world. Below are tips in six categories — including safety, recognition, requesting help, patient communication, and being prepared — when handling a medical emergency. Safety. Don’t be afraid to help, but don't become part of the emergency. Use extreme caution near roadways or in hazardous environments. Take a few extra seconds to stop traffic or put on your life jacket. Recognize that an emergency is happening. Whether you’re dealing with a friend or a stranger, if something seems wrong, ask if they are OK. When is something an “emergency? ” Breathing: When someone is having trouble breathing, always consider it an emergency. Circulation: Many conditions, including heart attacks, can cause the heart to have difficulty pumping blood and can be rapidly fatal. Don’t wait, assume. Significant traumatic injuries: Falling from high places or being hit by a car are obvious examples of events that can cause significant injury. However, even if the person involved seems OK at first, assume there are unseen internal injuries. Neurologic problems: Any time the brain does not seem to be functioning correctly — even if it’s only mild confusion. Or if someone can’t use/feel one or more of their extremities. These are all emergency situations. Call for help. This may be as simple as (more... ) --- - Published: 2022-01-06 - Modified: 2022-04-13 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/eastern-divide-trail-promises-bikepacking-heaven-for-enthusiasts/ Consider what it is you like best about the Appalachian Trail or the Pacific Crest Trail, and then ask yourself this question, keeping in mind that, hypothetically, you were born decades earlier than you really were: Benton MacKaye, the father of the Appalachian Trail — or perhaps Clinton Churchill Clarke, who conceived the notion of the Pacific Crest Trail — have asked you to scout the proposed routes to help with the writing of a guidebook. Would you do it? “Yes please,” would be my immediate response. Granted, it’s a little late to do original onsite research for those two hike-thru heavens, but let’s move ahead to the 21st century and Logan Watts. A decade ago, from his home in the mountains of North Carolina, Logan launched a website called Pedaling Nowhere, which has since become BikePacking. com — a site has garnered an enormous following. (If you’re unfamiliar with the term or activity, according to the editors of BackPacking. com. bikepacking is the “synthesis of all-terrain cycling and self-supported backpacking. It evokes the freedom of multi-day backcountry hiking and travel off the beaten path, but with the range and thrill of riding a nimble bicycle. It’s about venturing further into places less traveled, both near and far, via singletrack trails, gravel, and forgotten dirt roads, carrying the essential gear, and not much more. ”) Getting to Know Bikepacking. com BackPacking. com started out as a place to share bikepacking stories, product review and profiles of people, their bikes and the routes they were riding, and by 2014, as more and more routes were catalogued, readers looked forward to everything from challenging and life-changing expeditions to day trips that, by the way, can also be life changing. Bikepacking’s following grew to a point where a print journal — The Bikepacking Journal — was launched (which is now published in April and October of each year), and bikepacking “collective” was formed, which has grown to have enormous influence on the bike industry. Many of the routes you can find on the website were originally published by (more... ) --- - Published: 2022-01-06 - Modified: 2022-07-20 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/eastern-divide-trail-promises-bikepacking-heaven-for-enthusiasts-2/ Consider what it is you like best about the Appalachian Trail or the Pacific Crest Trail, and then ask yourself this question, keeping in mind that, hypothetically, you were born decades earlier than you really were: Benton MacKaye, the father of the Appalachian Trail — or perhaps Clinton Churchill Clarke, who conceived the notion of the Pacific Crest Trail — have asked you to scout the proposed routes to help with the writing of a guidebook. Would you do it? “Yes please,” would be my immediate response. Granted, it’s a little late to do original onsite research for those two hike-thru heavens, but let’s move ahead to the 21st century and Logan Watts. A decade ago, from his home in the mountains of North Carolina, Logan launched a website called Pedaling Nowhere, which has since become BikePacking. com — a site has garnered an enormous following. (If you’re unfamiliar with the term or activity, according to the editors of BackPacking. com. bikepacking is the “synthesis of all-terrain cycling and self-supported backpacking. It evokes the freedom of multi-day backcountry hiking and travel off the beaten path, but with the range and thrill of riding a nimble bicycle. It’s about venturing further into places less traveled, both near and far, via singletrack trails, gravel, and forgotten dirt roads, carrying the essential gear, and not much more. ”) Getting to Know Bikepacking. com BackPacking. com started out as a place to share bikepacking stories, product review and profiles of people, their bikes and the routes they were riding, and by 2014, as more and more routes were catalogued, readers looked forward to everything from challenging and life-changing expeditions to day trips that, by the way, can also be life changing. Bikepacking’s following grew to a point where a print journal — The Bikepacking Journal — was launched (which is now published in April and October of each year), and bikepacking “collective” was formed, which has grown to have enormous influence on the bike industry. Many of the routes you can find on the website were originally published by (more... ) --- - Published: 2021-12-21 - Modified: 2022-02-16 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/why-become-a-wilderness-first-responder/ For those outdoor education organizations — or for those enthusiasts who live for a well-planned wilderness experience — the inclusion of a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) on the trail brings an additional layer of risk mitigation to any backcountry experience. As for the question posed in the headline above, one of the primary reasons for becoming a Wilderness First Responder by earning your WFR certification, is the demand for highly trained and prepared educators and guides. When you’re prepared to deal with medical emergencies in remote wilderness areas (locations where emergency response personnel may be difficult to reach or significantly delayed in arriving), you can not only breathe a sigh of relief; you can rest assured that you have someone in the group with the critical thinking skills and medical knowledge to help assess the situation and then properly manage the team if things go wrong. What Does WFR Certification Entail? Here’s what you should learn during a Wilderness First Responder course: Basic first aid skills, including bleeding control and wound care, splinting, and CPR. How to assess a patient and pinpoint any issues that compromise optimal health. The basic anatomy and pathophysiology of common medical problems. and injuries including shock, internal bleeding, dehydration, and infection. How to differentiate between true emergencies and more routine medical complaints. What to expect and how to proceed when you have to stay with your patient for hours or days before help arrives or an evacuation can occur. Evacuation guidelines and techniques. Who Normally Takes a WFR Course? Many professional outdoor industry businesses — including (more... ) --- - Published: 2021-12-09 - Modified: 2021-12-09 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/at-ncoae-partnerships-keep-us-outside-and-global/ One tree doesn’t offer the strength of a forest, just as one organization can’t lead an entire industry. According to others, we here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) have distinguished ourselves as outdoor and adventure education industry leaders. But without collaborations, our ability to be creators and innovators would be difficult — if not impossible to achieve. Since 2009, we have sought out ways to collaborate, learn, and lead with others. As a result, partnerships have taken us around the globe and helped us grow, and we happily play it forward, or backward or sideways to help our partners and others do the same. As the calendar runs out in 2021 and we look ahead toward 2022, we see our biggest year yet on the horizon. On the agenda are courses, trainings, expeditions, and custom outdoor education programs that vary in length from three days to three months — all of which focus on technical outdoor and personal development skills. These include mountaineering, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, backpacking, surfing, sea kayaking, remote backcountry travel and camping, and of course... team building. So, how exactly do partnership and collaborations with like-minded organizations help us grow? As we began working with public, private, and independent schools over 10 years ago, the word spread about our programming, curriculum, depth of instruction, and track record of facilitating programs that shifted students’ lives, school cultures, and even started to redefine communities. For example, our collaboration with (more... ) --- - Published: 2021-11-22 - Modified: 2024-01-04 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/op-ed-has-the-time-come-to-standardize-wilderness-medicine-education-and-training/ There is no shortage of wilderness medicine education providers in this country. From organizations that offer education and training for Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certifications to those that offer train-the-trainer programs, a simple online search reveals a ton of options — especially when the search is focused on a specific geographical region. What’s striking about all the wilderness medicine training and certification taking place is that none of it is nationally regulated. None of it adheres to commonly accepted industry standards that govern what’s being taught or how wilderness medicine education and training are being delivered. On the other hand, the training and certification EMTs receive is regulated on a state-by-state level and must meet minimum requirements as set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Wilderness medicine training, while loosely adhering to a similar curriculum, is officially overseen by, well, no one. That being said, standardization and oversight aren’t completely absent. Several organizations have attempted to fill the void with a variety of education programs, courses, guidelines, accreditations, and oversight committees. A Mismash in the Making Historically speaking, first on the list is the Wilderness Medical Society (WMS) — a nonprofit founded in the early 1980s to encourage, foster, support, and conduct activities that improve the scientific knowledge of human health activities in a wilderness environment. WMS offers three types of advanced wilderness medicine-related certification that have a “continuing education” focus and accreditation connection. The organization’s Fellowship in the Academy of Wilderness Medicine (FAWM), Diploma in Mountain Medicine (DiMM), and Diploma in Diving and Marine Medicine (DiDMM) are all provided in accordance with standards set in part by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). There’s also the fledgling Wilderness Medicine Education Collaborative (WMEC) — an ad hoc group of medical educators whose interest in providing guidance on content for wilderness medicine courses has resulted in the creation of minimum guidelines and scope of practice (SOP) documentation for Wilderness First Aid (WFA), Wilderness Advanced First Aid / Advanced Wilderness First Aid(WAFA/AWFA), and Wilderness First Responder (WFR) training. While the work of the collaborative (whose members include leaders from SOLO Wilderness Medicine, Wilderness Medical Associates International, and NOLS Wilderness Medicine, among others) has resulted in a robust set of SOPs, its influence is nonexistent outside those of us who actively choose to look beyond ourselves for best practices. In other words, without accreditation, there’s no real motivation for anyone offering wilderness medicine education to seek out the WMEC. And without a formal structure and an administrative arm, the WMEC has no enforceable authority or meaningful influence. Speaking of accreditation, closer to home for those us in outdoor and experiential education, following a rapid increase in the number of adventure programs in the late 1980s and early 1990s, it became imperative that outdoor experiential education programs develop standards of program quality, professional behavior, and appropriate risk management. Enter the Association for Experiential Education (AEE), which responded to that need in the early 1990s by... --- - Published: 2021-11-14 - Modified: 2022-02-16 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/exactly-what-is-it-that-an-emt-does/ Depending on where you live, you may see them every day or just when there’s a fire, police, or medical emergency where you are. Regardless of the frequency with which you see them, you may be wondering — what exactly does an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) do? EMTs are not just “ambulance drivers,” although that’s certainly a critical part of their occupation. An Emergency Medical Technician is a trained and certified medical provider who has demonstrated competency in basic pre-hospital medical care. For EMTs and patients, an ambulance is more than transportation to the hospital. It’s a mobile mini-medical center squeezed into the back of a moving vehicle where a skilled team of pre-hospital healthcare providers perform a variety of life-saving medical interventions that save lives every day in every community. What an EMT Must Learn While nearly anyone can attempt to become an EMT, in order to qualify to take and pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians certification exam, candidates must first complete an approved EMS education program. In that program, EMT candidates’ study and learn a lot of things, including: (more... ) --- - Published: 2021-11-04 - Modified: 2024-08-15 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/proper-water-treatment-needs-to-be-a-priority-in-the-backcountry/ While it’s true that some water sources you encounter in the outdoors are safe, know that drinking from even the most pristine looking stream or river can make you sick. There might be unseen runoff from industry, agriculture, livestock, and wildlife, and these can contribute bacteria, chemicals, and other contaminants to the very water you believe is safe to drink. Which means you should always treat all outdoor water sources before consuming. If that recommendation is confusing or sounds somewhat limiting, consider the following: To guarantee your continued health while recreating in the outdoors, whenever possible, you should bring your own water from a known source. That includes tap water from home or bottled water from the store. The only other option is to practice water treatment techniques. (Photo © Jeffrey Hamilton — sourced on Unsplash) Here are some common ways to treat water: BOILING This method is one of the simplest and least expensive ways to treat water in the backcountry. Simply fill your water pot from your water source, place your pot on your stove, then bring to a full rolling boil. Once your water has come to a full rolling boil, allow to continue boiling for another minute to eliminate bacteria, protozoa, and some viruses. And if you find yourself at a higher altitude (above 6,500 feet), add another three minutes to that boiling time. However, boiling is not the best method when you know your water is contaminated with runoff from agriculture or chemicals. Warning: Boiling water burns cooking fuel. You might consider saving cooking fuel for cooking and perhaps build a wood fire — assuming your backcountry permit or local ordinances allow for it — to boil water for drinking. (more... ) --- - Published: 2021-10-26 - Modified: 2022-02-16 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/discover-solace-in-the-outdoors-after-months-isolating-indoors/ You sit. The clock is ticking. You hear only the clock. And all the stress and anxiety vanish. Solace. Laughing with friends around a backyard campfire on a Friday night. Distant traffic and an occasional train whistle provide the soundtrack. The weight of the week disappears. Solace. Sitting quietly on a rock on Day 20 of a 30-day solo backpacking trip. Hearing birds overhead and seeing every pine needle with clarity. Solace and solitude. Solace and solitude, however, do not mean the same thing. Photo Credit: © Kalen Emsley — sourced from Unsplash Solace is the finding of comfort in times of distress. Solitude is being alone. For the past year and a half, most of us have tackled a mountain of experiences and emotions related to the global health pandemic. We know solitude. Head in hands, confused, feeling pain, sorrow or anxiety, we have all been bombarded by the thought that something has got to change. Want to know my take on this universally felt emotion? Find yourself some solace. Sure, maybe solitude seekers have an easier go of it. That’s because avoidance and denial are always the easy way out. What I know is that it has been a long time and a hard time for many of us. And many of us are now seeking solace. In reaching for stone, wood, water, and feather, I found my own edges softening, scars fading. Heather Durham Getting outdoors — either alone or with close friends — has always been a way for me to find solace. Here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), we design a variety of outdoor programs that can provide that which you seek. We work with all types of schools, groups, and organizations to provide many radically different outcomes. And one thing that is common to all of our courses is what we call the “Summit. ” Ask any NCOAE instructor or participant what they think was the most powerful experience that shaped the group, provided introspection, and helped keep them moving in a positive direction when they returned home. Most will immediately say, “Summit. ” (more... ) --- - Published: 2021-10-15 - Modified: 2022-08-18 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/it-took-a-pandemic-to-shine-the-spotlight-on-our-nations-emts/ Emergency Medical Services personnel (EMS) have been on the front lines of the COVID health pandemic for 18 months now, with no end in sight. These key healthcare providers continue to adapt to an ever-changing work environment and thus far have maintained a high level of care. (©2021 Andrew Cope | sourced from Unsplash. ) If you’re thinking of entering the field of EMS, know this: The need is greater than ever. That given, what should you know about EMS in the era of COVID? Below are thoughts from the experts here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), where we offer a number of training options to prepare future EMTs for what lies ahead. To get us started, let’s take a look at PPEs. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): For years most EMS providers considered “PPE” to mean “Exam Gloves. ” No longer. Today, you’ll most likely be required to wear an N-95 respirator and eye protection for an entire 12-hour shift. You can probably also add a gown and potentially additional layers to that ensemble. It’s hot and uncomfortable and no one enjoys it. But we’ve shown it can be done, and that it’s being done to good effect.   (more... ) --- - Published: 2021-10-05 - Modified: 2021-10-05 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/planning-begins-now-for-2022-pacific-northwest-adventures/ Well, it’s official. We’ve just wrapped up and put a bow around another successful season of adventure-based programming in the Pacific Northwest, with all of our expeditions originated from our base of operations in Maupin, Ore. , alongside the wild and scenic Deschutes River. And, of course, we here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) are already making big plans for next season’s explorations of the Pacific Northwest. Our custom trips feature a range of course options to fit every organization’s or adventurer’s schedule, all set against the background of some of this country’s most breathtaking terrain — the rugged and remote Cascade Mountains. During your trip, you’ll be guided through deep canyons, hike along alpine meadows, traverse cold-mountain streams, explore cascading waterfalls, and enjoy remote mountain passes. For the 2022 season — in addition to custom programs for schools, youth organizations, and other groups — we continue to offer a range of (more... ) --- - Published: 2021-09-25 - Modified: 2024-01-04 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/dyneema-a-lightweight-fabric-for-your-outdoor-gear/ Every now and then, we like to introduce — or expand upon — a new product or material that outdoor educators might be interested in. By keeping our ear to the ground and paying attention to what’s impacting the outdoor industry, our peers in the adventure-based, outdoor education community can continue to be informed about what’s next. Today, we’re pleased to shed some light on an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber named Dyneema. What is Dyneema and why should I care? Dyneema is a new age fiber that stops bullets in law enforcement gear, provides lighter weight jibs and thus faster speeds on sailboats, and gives tents and backpacks incredible strength while dramatically reducing weight. Oh, and it floats in water. Dyneema is solely manufactured by Royal DSM, a Netherlands-based firm that’s recognized as one of the oldest players in the European chemical industry. Dyneema itself is a superlight fiber that’s up to 15 times stronger than steel by weight. Its base — the ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene — makes it the strongest of any thermoplastic. And while it’s been used in climbing gear for quite some time — often referred to as Spectra or Dynex — you would have been hard pressed to find Dyneema products like tents and backpacks until just a few years ago. But today, there are entire companies that use only Dyneema, building their product lines around this highly touted, lightweight fabric. What are the benefits of Dyneema in the backcountry? In the outdoor adventure segment, manufacturers using Dyneema have made great strides in several product areas, including tents and tarps. Due to its strength-to-weight ratio, it offers the lightest weight in the industry with the added bonus of being completely waterproof with no water absorption. In active apparel and footwear, the ultralight category is coming up with a variety of strength-added offerings, including hiking boots. Other advantages include: (more... ) --- - Published: 2021-08-19 - Modified: 2022-02-16 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/safety-considerations-for-adventure-travel-in-foreign-countries/ There are few activities that provide a greater explosion of sense and emotions than putting foot in a new land — a foreign place where you have to navigate language, landscape, and culture practically the instant you arrive. Memories of stepping off a plane and heading out of the airport in Kathmandu, Port Au Prince, and Guatemala are forever stored and accessible in my brain's happy file. Prominent among these are the new smells, the architecture, the people, and the only slightly realization that you’re not in Kansas anymore. Or North Carolina or wherever it is you call home. And the places to which we travel, and the experience we take away from those adventures are tied directly to how safe we feel while out exploring. As more of us prepare to climb on planes, trains, and boats again, NCOAE wants to share some of the safety and risk mitigation tips we have learned along the way when traveling far from home with clients from all walks of life. With the tips we offer below, the focus is on adventure travel and ecotourism. Don’t neglect to research basic travel tips as well. Let’s get started: (more... ) --- - Published: 2021-08-13 - Modified: 2021-08-13 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/update-from-ncoae-spinoff-education-without-walls/ If you’re a regular reader of our blog, you may recall that Education Without Walls (EWOW) began more than a decade ago here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE). Today, EWOW has become a successful organization — a self-sustaining not-for-profit complete with its own administrative staff, board of directors, programs, and funders... all of which are focused on providing academic and life skills guidance for motivated teens with financial need. With that as background, the rest of today’s post focuses on what this fledgling organization has been up to since spinning off from NCOAE, and what’s on its horizon. The Big 24 The organization’s first big fundraising event — The Big 24, which aims to raise enough funds to award one-year scholarships to 24 deserving students — begins this Sunday (Aug. 15) and runs through Oct. 15, culminating with a first-ever “Evening Without Walls” fundraising event. For information on The Big 24 and how you can help, please The Big 24 webpage or contact EWOW’s Executive Director, Celine Adair, MA, LMFT by email or by calling (910) 515-9157. Summer Expeditions Education Without Walls has always been focused on merging meaningful outdoor adventures with ongoing mentorship to assist aspiring students in identifying and accomplishing their (more... ) --- - Published: 2021-07-30 - Modified: 2022-02-16 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/the-three-bears-part-3-decision-time-for-the-trailbike-rider-2/ Editor’s Note: Below is final part in Stephen Mullaney’s three-part series of essays about encounters with bears in the backcountry. The first essay in the series recants the shock Stephen experienced with one particular bear encounter, while the second essay in this series attempts to find humor in a persistent bear taking up quarters in an NCOAE camp late at night. This time around, Stephen — who serves as Director of School Partnerships here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) — writes about a timing issue. Decision Time for the Trailbike Rider When NCOAE offers larger courses or custom outdoor education courses, we try to have a floater in the field. The floater is an instructor who knows the course area, can navigate to multiple groups in a single day, and has the ability to be flexible and help out when groups are in need of extra support. I enjoy being a floater because it allows me to see the NCOAE field staff in action. To watch an NCOAE instructor teach is inspiring to me. It also has the added benefit of allowing me to discover different approaches to teaching our curriculum. As a result, being a floater is akin to real-time professional development. On one particular wilderness course for which I was the floater, we 11 crews/groups in the field. Because of the distance between the groups, the terrain that would need to be traversed, and the need to reach groups quickly, I figured using a trail bike was a no brainer. I could get to each group every four days and still be able to respond to any group that may need outside support in a quicker fashion.   Our intrepid Director of School Partnerships' trail bike, used to support groups in the backcountry. Each day I woke up, left the crew with which I had spent the night, and headed off to meet the next crew before they had even had their breakfast. Then I was off to the next group before lunch, and I usually showed up to meet my final crew for the day a little before dark. Or very much after dark depending on circumstances. (more... ) --- - Published: 2021-07-22 - Modified: 2021-07-22 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/the-three-bears-part-2-some-confrontations-can-be-humorous/ Editor’s Note: In this, the second installment of “The Three Bears,” we’ll hear from NCOAE staffer Stephen Mullaney tell yet another true tale about confrontations with bears. In this post, he’ll attempt to find the humor in a persistent bear taking up quarters in an NCOAE camp late at night. But let’s let Stephen tell the story: The spot where this particular bear adventure occurred is conveniently located near an area we used for climbing instruction. Unfortunately, the site is also known for its occasional bear activity, and with proper planning and risk mitigation, can be safely used for that purpose. This was an outdoor education industry training trip, and all participants were adults with lots of experience guiding in the backcountry. We had finished cleaning up camp, putting our bear canisters well away from campsite and had settled down for a well-deserved night of sleep after a long day of climbing. I laid down in my hammock and was asleep in an instant. Having spent an incredible number of nights sleeping in the woods, I have learned the difference between a stick or branch falling, being blown by the wind or being cracked in half under the weight of a large animal. The crack that woke me up was the crack made by the weight of a large animal. I rolled over, lifted my tarp, and took stock of the situation. I didn’t get out my hammock, because I didn’t want to fully wake up if everything looked copacetic. No more sound means more sleep, and I rolled over and fell back to sleep. Crack! There it was again. I repeated my previously approach of taking a peek while buried in my hammock. However this time the cracking continued, and I was able to (more... ) --- - Published: 2021-07-17 - Modified: 2022-02-16 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/the-three-bears-tales-of-terror-and-trepidation-part-1-the-shock/ When folks find out that my work often takes me into the backcountry, one of the first questions they usually ask me is, “Have you ever had a run-in with a bear — a bear encounter? ” After I tell them that I have had run-ins with bears in the backcountry, they ask what’s that’s like. And that’s when I share that there are many emotions attached to an encounter with a bear in the wilderness, ranging from shock, to humor, to the sudden and unexpected “meet and greet” where you wonder, “Am I going to have to physically engage with this bear? ” First up in this three-part series on bear encounters in the backcountry is a true story about ashocking bear encounter. A Shocking Bear Encounter It was Day Two on a multi-day backcountry expedition when someone in the group needed to stop and use the facilities, meaning off the side of the trail. The hiker asked for the “Poop Kit,” which contains hand sanitizer, a trowel to dig a hole and everything else needed for a semi-comfortable sitting. Brown Bear Image © by JT Ray Problems arose when no one could find the kit. As an aside, when traveling as a group, each participant is responsible for carrying the same communal gear each day — that way, nothing gets lost. So, who had been carrying the kit for the entire trip? A voice spoke up, “I’m supposed to have it, but it’s not in my bag. ” Someone else said, “I saw it by the fire ring this morning while we were getting ready to head out. ” Not too happy, I looked at my co-leader and told him, “One of us needs to hike back and get it while the other gets the group into camp. ” I lost the coin toss, and prepared to head back to get the kit. Wanting to travel light, I hung my backpack up in a tree, grabbed a snack and a bottle of water and headed the four miles back to the previous night’s campsite. (more... ) --- - Published: 2021-06-30 - Modified: 2022-02-16 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/making-dehydrated-delicious-4-quick-backcountry-recipes/ Here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education, we’re known for bringing gourmet meals to the wilderness. And since we carry all our food either on our backs or in our boats, we try to pack ingredients that begin in their lightweight dehydrated form. That makes for an easier time on the trail, and it leaves room in our packs for fresh vegetables and fruit to mix things up. Meals in the backcountry offer a variety of options — from meat and grains to fresh baked bread and pizza made from scratch. Our students learn to cook meals on the trail, often developing cooking skills that they can bring home to the front country. Here are some our staff members’ and students’ favorites from the trail that you might want to prep and cook on your next outdoor adventure: Blueberry Pancakes Who doesn’t like pancakes first thing in the morning? This trail-proven recipe is sure to get your day started on the right footing. Blueberries, after all, are more than just sweet and nutritious — they’re also known to play a role in reducing muscle damage, especially after strenuous exercise. (more... ) --- - Published: 2021-06-21 - Modified: 2021-06-21 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/tales-from-the-trail-the-cookie-lady-of-the-appalachian-trail/ There are always lessons to be learned on the trail, and they aren’t always related to building a campfire, setting up a tent, or leaving your campsite cleaner than when you arrived. Some of these are life lessons that fall in the category of treating others as you would like to be treated and adhering to the principles of human kindness. Take, for instance, an experience I had while hiking along a stretch of the 2,200-mile Appalachian National Scenic Trail, or simply, the AT. For days, I kept running across hikers along a Massachusetts section of the AT, and often during our short conversations, they would tell me stories about a “Cookie Lady” on up the trail. It got to the point where it seemed every other hiker told me, “You just gotta stop at the “Cookie Lady’s” house. Best cookies ever! ” Then these thoughtful fellow travelers would painstakingly give me directions to a blueberry farm just off the trail in western Massachusetts. It seems Marilyn Wiley, along with her husband Roy, owned the farm in rural Washington, Mass. , that had several outbuildings, including one with what appeared to be storing a small airplane. And since buying the place back in 1983, Marilyn Wiley would walk out front and hand out her scrumptious cookies to blueberry pickers and hikers passing her farm on the Appalachian Trail. A few days into that part of my trek, I found myself approaching a country road in western Massachusetts in search of (more... ) --- - Published: 2021-06-07 - Modified: 2021-06-07 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/mental-health-issues-for-emergency-medical-technicians/ Becoming a full- or part-time Emergency Medical Technician requires extreme and rigorous training, and it’s not a career choice to be taken lightly. That’s because emergency medical responders encounter patients in life-threatening situations, ranging from traumatic incidences of cardiac arrest and auto accidents, to drownings to drug overdoses. EMS techs like the ones we train here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education work for hospitals, municipalities, and fire departments, and often provide emergency assistance in everyday urban areas as well as at ski areas, throughout the backcountry, at sports events, and even on offshore oil rigs. As a result, those who choose to become EMTs face high-stress situations daily, often dealing with patients who have just suffered a life-changing trauma. Long shifts in an emergency department or in the back of an ambulance can take a toll, as well poor sleeping habits to due irregular working hours and poor eating habits because of the on-the-run nature of the profession. To make things worse, there’s a stigma attached to EMTs that purports a higher rate of mental health disorders than other occupations, including an increased risk of depression, suicidal thoughts, and a higher rate of substance abuse. Which is why it’s important that those working in emergency medical services avoid burnout and take care of themselves so that they can continue to support the communities they serve. Here are some things you can do to take care of yourself as an EMT: (more... ) --- - Published: 2021-05-27 - Modified: 2022-02-16 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/trail-nutrition-planning-and-prepping-backcountry-meals/ Preparing backcountry meals and focusing on trail nutrition is important when planning meals for your next outdoor adventure. Whether you’re organizing a day hike, overnight camping trip, or multi-day backcountry adventure, maintaining good nutrition while exploring the outdoors is key to have a good time on your next adventure. First on the list? Be sure to start your day off right with a good breakfast. That’s the meal that will set the tone for your day and jumpstart your metabolism. Throughout the day, that morning meal will help you maintain good blood sugar levels and energy. Planning a Backcountry Menu Here’s the deal when it comes to planning a backcountry menu: You need to find a balance between getting enough food (calories) to sustain yourself and stay well fed and warm, while not overdoing it and ending up hauling an unnecessary amount of weight on your back. Depending on the weather, mileage, pack weight, activity, incline of the trail, and other factors, you’ll want to consider your group’s necessary daily calorie intake. Common sense tells us that if you’re planning to be more active than usual, you’ll burn through more calories. For a multi-day backpacking trip, a good average is 3,500 calories a day per person. A good baseline is a limit of 1. 5 pounds to 2. 5 pounds of food per person, based on how strenuous you expect your trip to be. (more... ) --- - Published: 2021-05-17 - Modified: 2022-02-16 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/engaging-teens-in-the-outdoors/ Getting your child or teen to look up from their smartphone, put down their Xbox controllers, or step away from the TV can be a chore — and that’s just when you’re calling them to dinner. Mention taking a walk around the block or joining the family on a picnic a local park and witness the wailing and gnashing of teeth. If you look at our nation’s history since the end of World War II, you see that service men and women returned to the United States and began to grow families. These households scrimped and saved to purchase such luxuries as high-fidelity stereo systems, black and white television sets, and a second car. Most of these new items enabled folks to enjoy life indoors, or drive to the drugstore instead of walking. Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash Fast forward 75 years and we find that families — and especially teens — have dozens of electronics devices at hand, each able to deliver entertainment from the comfort of their couch or bedroom. So, how do we as families, let alone as a nation, compete with all these shiny handheld toys and devices, and get our kids out of the house and into the outdoors? When I was young, I was tossed out of the house early in the morning. I would jump on a skateboard or bike and search out the wild side of urban landscapes. Not so today. Below, I’ve listed four action verbs that can get the ball rolling toward get kids interested in exiting their indoor surroundings. (more... ) --- - Published: 2021-05-07 - Modified: 2021-05-07 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/signs-that-an-intensive-emt-training-course-might-be-right-for-you/ Intensive is one of those words that, when you say it out loud or write it down, sounds foreboding or, as the word itself suggests, promotes a feeling of tenseness. However, when we talk about completing an intensive EMT training course here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), the word is not meant to scare you off. Instead, it’s intent is to communicate the level of dedication you’re capable of putting into such a program, given the brief timeframe allotted for the program. And by brief, consider this: You can complete a high school EMT program in about a year. A university college course typically takes about six months to complete, and a community college course normally takes a semester. However, to complete an intensive EMT course, such as those offered here at NCOAE, the work can be completed in just 21 days. That’s three short weeks. Boom! Done! Let me take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam! Benefits of the Intensive Approach to EMT Training Know this: With an intensive program, you’re going to learn everything you need to know to take and pass the NREMT exam, and you’re going to learn it quickly. Just be prepared to take in a lot of information in a short amount of time. Here are a few of the advantages of intensive learning: (more... ) --- - Published: 2021-04-29 - Modified: 2022-02-16 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/understanding-the-role-epipens-play-in-urban-and-wilderness-settings/ For those who suffer severe allergic reactions to everything from wasp stings to wheat consumption, getting help — and getting that medical intervention fast — may mean the difference between life and death. Here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), we train our Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) students and Wilderness First Responder (WFR) students in the use of EpiPen, an autoinjector for those suffering a sudden anaphylaxis reaction. This somewhat imposing emergency medicine tool is an injection device that contains epinephrine, a chemical that narrows blood vessels and opens airways in the lungs. A promptly administered injection may reverse severe low blood pressure, a rash or itchy skin, an alarming shortness of breath, hives, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms of an allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate treatment, whether within the city limits or deep in the backcountry. And while most anaphylaxis reactions are mild and self-limiting, it is impossible to predict — at least in the beginning — whether a reaction will become life-threatening. As a result, rapid intervention is always critical. A hiker’s risk for anaphylaxis increases if they suffer asthma that is severe or not controlled. Medical conditions such as heart disease can also increase the risk of an episode. What can trigger an anaphylaxis episode? The following are among of the most common causes of anaphylaxis: Milk, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, shellfish, wheat, and soyStings from bees, wasps, or fire antsAntibiotics, NSAIDs, or aspirinLatex Adrenaline is the first line treatment for anaphylaxis and is most often administered using an autoinjector such as the EpiPen or drawn from a vial using a needle and syringe. EpiPen autoinjectors are available in two sizes — one for young children and another for those weighing more than 66 pounds. Since epinephrine is a prescription medication, anyone with a history of severe allergic reactions should have a prescription and the device at hand.   (more... ) --- - Published: 2021-04-16 - Modified: 2022-02-16 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/from-couch-potato-to-hiker-in-just-4-to-6-weeks/ Apparently, I spent three quarters of last year and a quarter of this year mostly sitting on the couch. I held a beverage in one hand, chips, cheese and crackers in the other (and yes, I can hold that much). Adding new meaning to the term “binge-watching,” I viewed dozens of subtitled, multi-season detective series from every nation in NATO — all of which I wouldn’t have sat through in the years leading up 2020. Sound familiar to you? OK. Maybe your pandemic parade didn’t include as many snacks, and maybe you were watching adventure films while wearing your climbing harness on the couch, a rack of gear on the floor. That sound more likely? But it’s possible that in either scenario, you never pulled back your window curtain to notice the outdoors is still there, just waiting for you to emerge. It’s time to get out from under the duvet, lose the pajama bottoms, and be outdoors more than you’ve been indoors and on your couch over the last 12 months or so. You probably aren’t in as good of shape as you think It’s also time to come to terms with reality. You’ve been marinating on a couch for more than a year now. If you were climbing 5. 10 early last year, chances are you aren’t doing that now. The living room furniture has become a leech of progress and fitness. The solution? Allow us to help you see how easy it is to get out of the house and onto the trail for a multi-day backpacking trip. Most couch-to-5k programs are nine weeks long. However, the guide we put together below is only six weeks. And if you’re willing, you can probably knock that down to four weeks. Why? Because training can get boring. And if you get bored while training, you may never make it to the trail. We here at NCOAE want you on the trail. So, what we’ve put together below is a guide. It’s not a program. It’s not a plan. Because if we can’t make it fun, you might just remain on the couch, reading subtitles and thinking you speak Swedish. (more... ) --- - Published: 2021-03-29 - Modified: 2021-03-29 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/thinking-about-going-to-med-school-start-with-emt-training-and-certification/ If one of your goals is to apply to medical school and eventually become a doctor, here are a few of the hurdles you’ll need to jump through. First, you’ll need a four-year Bachelor of Science degree with a minimum 3. 0 GPA, a passing score on the MCAT exam, and a few glowing letters of recommendation. But how would you like to increase your odds of getting admitted and succeeding in med school? If so, you may also want to consider getting trained and certified as an emergency medical technician (EMT) and gaining some valuable experience in the field first. According to a survey of 67 medical schools in the United States and Canada, 85 percent of those schools responded favorably to applicants with experience as EMTs or paramedics. That’s not exactly surprising. After all, EMTs have real-world experience in the medical field. In this post, we highlight the advantages of obtaining EMT training and experience prior to applying for and enrolling in medical school. Build Your Foundational Knowledge EMT training helps to build your foundational knowledge in several medical disciplines, including the following: (more... ) --- - Published: 2021-03-17 - Modified: 2021-03-17 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/mother-nature-requests-a-non-disclosure-agreement-on-secret-spots/ You’ve just finished packing up your gear and made sure that your favorite secret camping spot is in better shape than when you arrived. You’ve disposed of your waste properly and minimized your impact. Suddenly, someone stumbles out of the tree line with a couple of sidekicks, tosses down a backpack and pulls a smartphone out of their cargo pants. Two dozen photos and a short video later, all three cram their cell phone back in their shorts and excitedly speak how pristine the spot is. “This is great! And there’s hardly anybody here,” one of them says to another. “I can’t wait to post this stuff on Instagram and show everybody where we camped this weekend! ” With the advent of texting, tweets, drones with really good cameras, and phones that can take and post 12-megapixel photos and 4K video — along with their coordinates — it’s obviously past time to consider a nondisclosure agreement for Mother Nature’s treasured and off the beaten path locations. The simple fact is wilderness (and the backcountry in particular) is taking a beating. And we all know what happens when Mother Nature isn’t happy. Scientists Battle Location Giveaways on Social Media Here’s a real-life example of why nature needs a nondisclosure agreement. I was guiding a research scientist on a trip to find an ancient bald cypress tree for his research. We spent hours paddling around to find the old tree, and when we did, the scientist wrote down the coordinates. He didn’t even share those coordinates with me in fear I might geotag a photo and post it online. When I asked him to explain his clandestine actions, he told me that an enormous amount of damage has been done to ancient trees because coordinates have been posted along with pictures. He now refuses to geotag any of his posts. And he has an excellent point. Close your eyes for a moment and picture that favorite spot that you found in your local woods, secret climbing crag, or untapped surf location. Now imagine dozens of billboards advertising those treasured spots, each boasting a million views and offering exact directions to each. I can hear your screams from here. Can you hear mine? You would be angry on a volcanic level. (more... ) --- - Published: 2021-03-09 - Modified: 2025-04-10 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/how-to-become-an-emt/ You’re thinking about becoming an EMT. Awesome! If you follow through, you will be joining the ranks of today’s modern-day heroes, the frontline of the frontline workers — bona fide life savers! Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are trained professionals who provide care in critical and emergency situations. Such emergencies can range from simple, routine calls to intense and complex scenarios. You may show up for a call only to discover that there is no victim, or the person is okay and refuses help, or a patient simply needs transportation from one medical facility to another. On the other hand, you could be called in to attend to the victim of a car accident or a shooting or a heart attack, drowning, mountaineering accident, or drug overdose. You may even have to deliver a baby! You can never predict what will happen over the course of any given shift. As an EMT, your job responsibilities generally boil down to keeping patients alive using non-invasive medical procedures and transporting them safely to a hospital or clinic where they can receive a higher level of professional medical care. More specifically, you have three fundamental job responsibilities: Assessment and stabilization of the patient’s condition Basic life support Transportation In this post, we bring you up to speed on the different levels in emergency medicine and credentialing while explaining the basic education and skills required to become an EMT. (more... ) --- - Published: 2021-02-20 - Modified: 2021-02-20 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/returning-to-school-we-want-to-help-you-safely-opt-outside/ In recent weeks, we've all been hearing more and more from parents, educators, and even the nation’s top disease experts on the impending opening of schools across the nation. Dr. Anthony Fauci, who heads the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has suggested that school districts developing their plans for campus reopening should find ways to offer as many outdoor activities as possible. Fauci said that could include everything from outdoor classes, to recess, and lunchtime. Plans for just when and how schools will reopen are being formulated and fine-tuned, and the consensus seems to be that being outside is the safest place to be during the instructional day. As states start to mandate returns to school, safety and quality of education are at the forefront of design. Obviously, you’ll get no argument about that from those of us here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE). And we have some suggestions. But first, here are the questions we are hearing most often from you. Why move outdoors? Doctor Fauci already told us that spending time outdoors is safer during times of infectious diseases, and we’re puzzled why some schools forget that being outside is often best for our physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Studies have shown that, in districts with high numbers of second language students, learning outdoors is (more... ) --- - Published: 2021-01-29 - Modified: 2022-08-18 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/wilderness-courses-in-the-new-year-fresh-beginnings-adventures-and-trails/ Much like most educational institutions this past year, we find ourselves looking down the road toward new beginnings. And for us here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), that means new wilderness courses, upgraded emergency medicine education courses, and more wilderness medicine education programs. Long before 2020 faded into the rearview, we took a fresh and hard look at what we do, why we do it, and how we can do better by you — our students and client organizations. As we emerge from the pandemic, we’ve designed courses that offer our participants more flexibility, greater breadth of instruction, and fresh course areas that will draw you deeper into the wild and yourself. (Photos © by Dave Hoefler, Andy Holmes, Ronan Furuta, and Daniele Franchi — all sourced from Unsplash) If your desire is to help yourself to adventure, here are a few of our offerings: Emergency Medicine Education and Wilderness Medicine Education We have worked hard to make Emergency Medicine Education and Wilderness Medicine Education easier to access and more flexible to participate in. Our hybrid medical courses enable you to start things off in your own home. That’s because one of the largest obstacles facing our students in the past was leaving home, quitting a job, or getting time off from work, and spending their savings on accommodations and food for extended periods of time. For some people, this trifecta of changes meant they had to abandon their dream of becoming part of the medical workforce. Here at NCOAE, we design course that exceed industry standards, which means you will be a leader in knowledge and practice. Depth of instruction is not compromised by the hybrid format. In fact, our hybrid courses will prove to be a huge win for you, as studying from home only enhances the hands-on education that occurs once you’re on-site with us for the practical portion of your training. (more... ) --- - Published: 2021-01-15 - Modified: 2022-02-16 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/success-is-just-getting-out-there-re-ignite-your-inner-beginner-part-3/ On a recent early morning bike ride along some local wooded trails, I happen to stumble upon the greatest of beginners: a group of children playing with rocks, moss, and whatever “loose parts” they could lay their hands on. I smile and ride right past them, unwilling to break the spell. But then I spot the father and we exchange “good mornings,” before I squeeze the brakes on my bike and come to a halt. I know this particular man and he just so happens to be a passionate member of the outdoor- and adventure-based experiential education community. And since I had been musing on how to approach this — the third installment of the NCOAE Re-ignite Your Inner Beginner series — bumping into this man on the bike trail was perfect! Scott Schnieder, Senior Lecturer - Department of Health and Exercise Studies — N. C. State University The father’s name is Scott Schneider, and he’s a well-known senior lecturer of Outdoor Leadership at North Carolina State University in Raleigh. He teaches courses in backpacking, rock climbing, mountaineering, basic canoeing, and challenge course programming, to name a few. Scott is also a certified American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA) guide with a Single Pitch instructor (SPI) designation to his credit, a Leave No Trace (LNT) trainer, Wilderness First Responder (WFR), and an Association of Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) certified challenge course manager. Grabbing up my phone and turning on the mic, I asked Scott a few questions about staying fresh, excited, and teachable in the field. Here’s what he had to say: (more... ) --- - Published: 2021-01-06 - Modified: 2022-02-16 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/running-as-exploration-re-ignite-your-inner-beginner-part-2/ Francis Bacon, the Renaissance statesman and philosopher best known for his promotion of the scientific method, is credited with the expression, “Knowledge is power. ” But to those of us who prefer to see a world bathed in fresh new adventures, knowledge can actually be a curse. Here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), we encourage our students to take an adventure first / educational always approach to discovering new experiences; to become beginners at something fresh. Attempting something new promotes a growth mindset. It reminds us to reflect on our education expertise and empathize with those we teach and lead on first-time adventures. And it keeps us from getting stale. In this, the second installment of the benefits associated with discovering new human-powered outdoor challenges, we’d like to introduce Christine Fantini, who has toiled for years in our industry as a guide and outdoor educator. For a good chunk of her career, Christine was a sailing instructor in Massachusetts, eventually becoming director of sailing programs for the Town of Yarmouth. She helped create OWLS (Outdoors We Learn to Succeed) in Durham, N. C. ’s public schools. Photo: Christine Fantini In addition, Christine is a certified Kripalu yoga instructor, bringing yoga to children in inner city schools, and she also taught bilingual classes within the Latino community. She has explored the wilderness by hiking, bouldering, climbing, biking, and paddling. And now, after years of wandering around the woods, exploring off trail, “getting lost” on purpose, and once being lifted off her feet by 90 mph winds on a mountain trek, Christine is igniting her inner beginner by exploring a fresh, new pursuit. This North Carolina-based educator has taken up running as a new means of exploration. Why running? We asked Christine to explain to us why she would abandon other human-powered outdoor pursuits in which she has had much success in order to run. Here’s what she said: (more... ) --- - Published: 2021-01-01 - Modified: 2022-10-27 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/21-day-intensive-emt-basic-training-now-available-north-carolina/ Starting and completing EMT-Basic training in North Carolina doesn’t have to be a long, drawn-out exercise. It’s now possible — in just 21 days — to obtain the proper training and knowledge to take and then pass the National Registry and the North Carolina state EMT exam. Editor's Note: This course was previously a 19-day training but has since transitioned into a 21-day 'intensive' EMT certification course with a unique hybrid component as of 2021. Keep reading, and then visit the link at the end of this post for the latest info. The following EMT Training video, which explains the ‘Intensive’ EMT-Basic Training program offered here at NCOAE, explains how we do it and why it’s so effective at helping people obtain their EMT credentials: As you may already know, because we’ve blogged about it before, we are credentialed through the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services department — as well as approved by the State of NC — to offer our one-of-a-kind intensive 21-day EMT-Basic training program. Classes meet virtually for 11 consecutive days, which include 131 hours of didactic, classroom training. Then, the class meets in person for 10 days, for an additional 61 hours of hands-on training, as well as 48 hours of clinical and (more... ) --- - Published: 2020-12-18 - Modified: 2022-02-16 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/outdoor-activities-getting-stale-re-ignite-your-inner-beginner/ They say you never forget your first kiss. And while that’s very sweet and sometimes even true, the point I’m going to attempt to make is this: If you’re an avid surfer, rock climber, or backcountry enthusiast, there are times when you look back on your first epic outdoor adventure. Sometimes it’s with a grin, and sometimes it’s with a grimace. What we’re going to do in the next couple of posts in this new series here on the NCOAE blog is to ask you to consider rebooting your minds and think back to your initial foray into your favorite human-powered outdoor adventures. Maybe you remember paddling into your first wave and just lying on the board until the person next to you leans over and says, “Hey, jump to your feet without thinking about it. It’s easy. ” And so, you do — and you’re amazed how effortlessly it was. And it’s been 10 seconds and you’re still standing up, riding the foam, wondering where that sense of balance came from. Photo by Julian Bialowas on Unsplash Same for the time you put on your climbing gear and successfully made your way up a challenging route. Or paddled your kayak straight toward a stretch of angry rapids. Is it the adrenalin rush that got you hooked on your particular activity in the first place? Was it the ever-pleasant dopamine blast? More important, do you still get that feeling of excitement every time you participate in that activity or has it become routine? If your answer is in the affirmative, head out and continue to do your thing. However, if the thrill is gone, or greatly reduced, keep reading. (more... ) --- - Published: 2020-12-05 - Modified: 2025-04-10 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/inspiration-through-a-journey-of-exploration-part-three-outdoor-magazines/ As you’re probably already aware, outdoor magazines such as Bike, Surfer, Powder and Snowboarder have all shuttered their windows and shut down their presses. So now what? Where do you turn for some real human-powered and adventure-based outdoor and journalism? And by journalism, we’re not talking about tweets, posts, and pieces written in and curated by whatever advertising banner flies across a website or social media platform. Print journalism — especially outdoor magazines — is supposed to show an investment in credibility. Its printed editions say, we care and we are serious about what we do. And how do you gain access to a quality outdoor journal? You pay for it, that’s how. We have no problem spending money for independent music, artisan foods and craft beer, as well as the artists we really want to see. To obtain those experiences, we go buy the vinyl, we shop the local markets, we attend the art shows, and we actively support these ventures. But today, the majority of our best journalists, photographers, editors, and artists are independent operators, some contributing to outdoor journals such as Adventure Cyclist Magazine, BikePacker Magazine (now part of Bikepacking. com), The Surfers Journal, and Adventure Journal. Unfortunately, these magazines could soon disappear if we don’t continue to support their work. “Ah,” you say, “But I can view any of these journals on their websites and see what they are doing. ” Yes and no. Yes, you can see the work of these journals — and their journalists — online, and indeed, the quality of the photography is beautiful, and the writing is inspiring. With just a click of a mouse, you can get a fair representation of what a slick, colorful, hold-in-your-hand magazine can give you. But not quite. Print magazines and journals are the best! They physically arrive on your doorstep and you devour them so fast you can’t wait for the next to arrive. And the next issue won’t arrive for another three months! So, you keep your back issues. Another plus, no need to plug in, boot up, log on, and go into a search box to find words to read and beautiful pictures to help you escape. Three months between issues? Sometimes! Quality takes time. We’re not saying online journalism is without merit. But, honestly, in a short time, online articles are shuffled off to Recent Posts archives, mistakes and typos are corrected and edited. But once a magazine or journal is printed and in your hands, it is (more... ) --- - Published: 2020-11-14 - Modified: 2022-02-16 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/inspiration-through-a-journey-of-exploration-part-two-federico-cabrera/ Federico Cabrera is a dreamer. For years, he had dreams of becoming a National Geographic photographer. Taking photos in Africa was top of mind for 15 years as he toiled in foreign trade. But that nagging thought of grabbing up a camera and exploring the world finally prompted Federico to give up his successful career and follow the photo bug dream. These days, Federico Cabrera is a Buenos Aires-based freelance photographer, traveling throughout South America on a bicycle and living in the countryside and, as we’d like to point out, making a difference in the world. (Image © 2020 Federico Cabrera) Walking away from his former career, Federico put new-found energy into a life behind the lens. And to do this, he said he began commuting country to country by bike, initially to reduce stress and eventually to return to a simple/healthier way of living. He now travels at a pace that enables him to actually see the countryside from the seat of a chain-driven bicycle rather than behind the wheel of a fast-moving, impersonal car. Today, we feature the works of Federico in Part 2 of our Inspiration Through Exploration series. A photo is nothing more than light passing through a hole in a box. Whether exposed to paper treated with chemicals or digital receptors, the end product is the same — a photograph. And when you see a photograph that moves you, that is inevitably the result of the subject and the camera operator engaging in the movement of light together — a beautiful dance. This week’s featured artist not only performs this dance with his subjects, but he produces beautiful portraits of them that he frames and then hands over to the subjects of his photography. His portraits are the residents of poor communities in South America, many living in homes with little or no access to electricity or clean water. It was while visiting with these families that Federico discovered that in many of the homes, the residents didn’t even have a portrait of their family. That prompted him to carry a printer along with paper and ink to deliver personal portraits of his subjects. On a more realistic level, Federico saw many families living with little or no electricity in their homes and worse yet, contamination in their water supplies. He decided he could make a small difference by handing out solar lamps and water filters to households he visited while on his expeditions. That, along with portraits of those families that were often the only photographs these South Americans had in their homes. Federico figures he’s donated nearly 350 solar lamps and water filters, along with more than 500 printed portraits in the six years since he began these bikepacking adventures, which include expeditions through Argentina, Chile, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia. So when Federico packs up for a photo expedition, he brings along his essential photography equipment, as well as solar lights and water filters that he personally delivers to those who need... --- - Published: 2020-11-07 - Modified: 2022-02-16 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/inspiration-through-a-journey-of-exploration-part-one-alex-hotchin/ This week we begin the first in a three-part series called “Inspiration Through Exploration” where we will see how gifted and novice travelers alike can document their adventures through artwork, photography, writings and other means. Today’s inspiration comes from Australian Alex Hotchin and her beautiful — and very unique maps. Next week, we will explore the photography of Federico Cabrera in his “Their Only Portrait Project. ” And in Part Three, we will see how primitive and print journals are emerging, with representation from both the Adventure Journal and Bikepacking Journal. (Image ©2020 Alex Hotchin) What we here at the National Center of Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) hope to accomplish in this series is to inspire outdoor enthusiasts to document their adventures in new and fascinating ways. Too often we just pick up our smartphone or camera to grab a quick shot of a passing bird, a mountain formation, or the cool gear of the hiker in front of us. We are hoping to encourage you to move outside the boxes (devices, phones, computers) that are typical of modern-day sharing. For example, I carry a camera on my bicycle, usually strapped to my climbing harness or in my boats. Ninety-nine percent of the time I don’t touch it. So, why carry it at all? Because maybe one percent of the time, I see something that I want to help illustrate the story and memory of that specific moment in time, during that specific journey. I like to take pictures of the unexpected. Most of the time, I also carry a roll of colored pencils and a notebook. Drawing takes more time, so it forces me to stop and think about how to best combine lines and colors to represent something meaningful to me and to connect my story with those who might see it later on. Many times upon returning from a long outing or expedition for NCOAE, I show my family and friends my journal, drawings, and photos to accompany my stories. This gives people the opportunity to come up with questions, engage with the landscape and not just ask, “How was your trip? “What did you do? ” Sharing on a personal level allows for a secondary depth of exploration, face to face (or six feet apart for now). Meet Alex Hotchin Alex is an illustrator who creates books and maps to tell her stories. Her illustrations are inspiring and the maps she creates are personal to herself and to her specific journeys. When looking at Alex’s work, you get the sense you have actually joined the journey. Alex takes two-dimensional representations of maps and makes them jump off the page. Scale is not specific to cartography, with the scale offering viewers a look through the artist/adventurer's eyes. What she saw out there — the beauty, the obstacles and cultural significance — is laid out before us in lines, shapes and colors. Can you actually find your way using her maps? I suppose that depends on where... --- - Published: 2020-10-30 - Modified: 2022-02-16 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/paddling-terminology-and-slang/ Welcome to our third — and final segment in our series about sports terminology and slang terms. In this post, we’ll be talking about whitewater paddling, and right off the bat, we’ve got a warning for the novice paddler. Those who might be unfamiliar with whitewater kayaking or canoeing might think rowing and paddling are the same thing. But those folks would have another think coming. Because nothing raises the hackles of a whitewater guide or enthusiast than hearing a newbie describe canoe and kayak propulsion as “rowing. ” Strike One! The only thing worse would be referring to a paddle as an oar. Paddles are used for paddling. Oars are used for rowing. Strike Two! We apologize for the harsh tone, but we are professional educators and guides here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), and our primary purpose today is to support you in your efforts to make yourself a more confident person when you emerge from the river. That means that, during the course of a conversation, if you were to say you were rowing a river and got your playboat stuck in a ‘sticky hole,” you would need to take a “wet exit” from the conversation without the opportunity for a “brace” or a “combat roll. ” Fact! So, let’s pack our dry bags, pull on our skirts and PFD’s and hit the river. We’ll start with the name of the vehicle in which we will be paddling. Your first thought might be to call it a kayak. Don’t. Yes, in every design aspect and shape it’s a kayak. But when you talk about your kayak, you will be saying “boat. ” No, really. We insist. And we understand you might be confused but trust the process. Here are some terms you’ll need to know about the boat (kayak) and it is various and sundry accessories: (more... ) --- - Published: 2020-10-10 - Modified: 2022-02-16 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/on-belay-climbing-terminology-and-slang/ Did you hear the one about Rock and Ice magazine merging with Climbing magazine? It’s not a joke. That news was announced just today (Oct. 9, 2020), and it conveniently coincides with the next post in our series on outdoor industry lingo. With the assistance of The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education’s (NCOAE) outdoor lexicon support team (that’s me), most of you were able to make it through the first post in our outdoor industry lingo series — Surfing.  And now, just when you thought it was safe to go back to regular English, you get to learn an entirely new language. For today’s writeup, we’ve got you “on belay” with all the “beta” to get you through the “crux” of the lingo learning curve so you can “on site” any climbing conversation. Holy crevasse! Why are all those terms in quotation marks? And what do they mean? Pay attention, Grasshopper. While I can’t (won’t) give you the entire exhaustive list of climbing terms, I am going to go deeper into the nifty nomenclature of climbing. And the first thing you’re going to need to access in order to summit this speech peak, is the climber’s “bible. ” This 60-year-old book is called “Mountaineering: Freedom of the Hills,” and it’s available now in its 9th edition. So, if you want to climb or become a mountaineer, or if you just want to speak intelligently about the topic at climbers gathers or Zooms, get the book. Why? Look around you. Even the most ardent climbers, guides, and outdoor education professionals reference Freedom of the Hills. So, let’s “tie in” and get you on the “sharp end” by the end of this post. We need to get you talking knowledgably about climbing. I’m thinking we should start things off with how climbs are rated — the difficulty level. You might hear someone talk about climbing a 5. 9 with a 5. 12 pitch at the crux. And you don’t have a clue as to what that means. Bottom line? We’re referring to the “Yosemite Decimal System” (YDS). The Yosemite system is a common and dynamic language. And like ardent surfers talking about big waves, nobody wants to claim they are climbing harder routes than they really are. It’s just too easy to prove that you’re exaggerating. So, is this YDS accurate? If you climb — or attempt to climb — you may come up with the answer yourself. (more... ) --- - Published: 2020-09-20 - Modified: 2022-02-16 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/surfing-terminology-and-slang/ Seems most every human-powered outdoor recreation activity has a language of its own. And the more popular that activity becomes, the more expansive the list of slang words and new terminology become. It’s a way of communicating efficiently with your fellow enthusiasts, and let’s face it, speaking the language makes your part of the group. In this next series of posts here on the NCOAE Blog, we’re going to explore the unique spoken word of our beloved adventure-based sports. We’ll start off with surfing, the “Sport of Kings,” this week, then move on to climbing and paddling in future posts. And now, without further ado, let’s go ahead and push through the shorebreak, paddle out to the lineup and grab us up some gnarly waves. Sorry. One more aside before we begin. Let’s go ahead and elaborate on that “Sport of Kings” comment above: Back when missionaries arrived on the Hawaiian Islands, they quickly banished the sport of surfing, calling it hedonistic and probably too much fun. They also gifted the Hawaiian population with a variety of diseases, but that’s another story. However, when King Kalakaua was installed on the throne in 1872, one of his first acts was to reinstate this ocean-specific human-powered activity that was so loved by his royal predecessors. And once again, surfing became the “sport of kings” and commoners alike. Since then, surfing has become among the most romanticized sports in the world. Films like The Endless Summer, Point Break, Elvis Presley’s Blue Hawaii and even the Gidget television series drew thousands of young people into the ocean and onto waves across the coastlines of America — and around the world. And most recently, as you'll see in the video below, Maya Gabeira — a Brazilian surfer who makes it her mission to tackle big, big waves — recently broke the Guinness World Record for the Largest Wave conquered by of woman! https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=fTuqJE03aH4 Again, sorry. One final diversion and then we’ll get to those surfing terms: Lee Clow, the advertising icon who worked directly with Steve Jobs on classic Apple television ads and futuristic consumer trends, brought the culture of local surf shops into Apple’s megastores around the world. Instant success. This California ad genius — himself a veteran wave rider — knew all about the bond between a surfer and a surf shop. For instance, he knew that surfers find any reason at all to visit a surf shop. Even when they’re broke. It’s where they hang out, hear about the trends in surfboard design, get the insider track on new surf spots or what’s breaking. You feel part of a family, and you speak the same lingo. Yep, Apple took Lee Clow’s sales pitch to heart and the rest is history. No more asides. No more fun facts. Let’s talk surfing terminology: (more... ) --- - Published: 2020-09-04 - Modified: 2020-09-04 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/meet-the-staff-kassie-kehrer-ncoae-executive-assistant/ Kassie Kehrer is our new executive assistant, tasked with ensuring the efficiency of our Wilmington, N. C. , office here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE). In addition, Kassie is responsible for enrolling students in our many medical trainings, outdoor education courses, and backcountry trips. She’s also the go-to person when it comes to customer service and support, collecting enrollment paperwork, and making sure things are running smoothly for students and staff members alike. Born in Schenectady, N. Y. , and raised in Washington State, Kassie attended Western Washington University in Bellingham, Wash. , where she majored in recreation with a concentration in Recreational Therapy & Child Life Services. Prior to joining us at NCOAE, Kassie spent the past six years working for the YMCA of the Triangle in Raleigh, N. C. , with four of those years in the position of director of Camp Rising Sun. She said the job gave her the opportunity to coach and hire staff and build an inclusive environment for kids of all abilities. Prior to that, Kassie worked in a variety of roles, ranging from counselor to kayak instructor, at places like Camp Wingate Kirkland in Yarmouthport, Mass. ; Brookline Parks and Recreation in Brookline, Mass. ; Camp Indianola in Indianola, Wash. ; and Camp Greenville in Cleveland, S. C. In college, Kassie was a recreational therapist and Child Life intern at Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Boston. She then went on to work as a program coordinator at the Henderson School for Inclusion in Dorchester, Mass. , and served as a behavioral therapist at The May Institute in Boston. We asked Kassie to tell us a little bit about herself, and here is what she had to say: (more... ) --- - Published: 2020-08-15 - Modified: 2022-08-18 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/diy-part-3-brewing-coffee-in-the-backcountry-like-a-barista/ What’s the only item in your gear closet that could possibly be more important than food, water, and shelter? For most of us the answer to that question is coffee! That complex nectar of the gods that makes us sharp in the morning and warm at night. And as the old saying goes, “Everyone should believe in something. I believe I will have another cup of coffee! ” And, since brewing coffee is as much of a ritual as it is a necessity, you can imagine the amount of gear you’d need to stuff in your backpack in order to prepare the perfect cup of coffee in the wilderness. The question becomes, how do we get that great cup of coffee — using the best beans and blends we can find — without breaking the bank and our backs in the process? In this, the third and final installment of Do-It-Yourself camping tips, we address the coffee snob within most of us, and share some interesting coffee-related quotes along the way. Now make a face and say, “Instant coffee? Are you kidding me right now? ” COFFEE QUOTE NO. 1: "What goes best with a cup of coffee? Another cup. Henry Rollins So let’s get to it. We’ll teach you how to pack and prepare the best cup of coffee possible in the backcountry. And you’ll be able to perform this feat in five to seven minutes. Heres' what you'll need: (more... ) --- - Published: 2020-07-25 - Modified: 2022-02-16 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/diy-part-2-emergency-water-filtration-system/ We’ve all seen those old Western movies where the hero is crawling on the desert floor with an empty canteen and a parched throat. None of us want to experience that torture. It’s bad enough watching the bad acting. Same goes for heading to the backcountry for a weeklong wilderness experience. Nobody wants to be caught short of fresh drinking water. Here’s where the do-it-yourself approach to human-powered outdoor recreation really comes in handy. The stove we built in Part One of this three-part DYI series, can be seen as an inexpensive alternative to a store-bought stove, and as a tool to help us understand how camping stoves work. Because the more we are familiar with the inner workings of equipment, the more likely we’ll be able to solve challenging issues with that stove. It’s a given. Your gear will fail you. That being said, the water filter we’re building today falls more into the understanding of how filtration systems work. Again, if we comprehend how our equipment works, we can better take care of that gear and repair it when it reaches a point of failure. And, if you have spent a considerable amount of time traveling in wild places, you know that your gear is eventually going to fail. First off, there are three tried and true methods of water purification — boil, filter (purify), and chemical treatment. (For more on this, read Stay Sharp in The Offseason By Following the Way of the Farmer, available here on the NCOAE Blog. ) The industry standard when traveling with groups on guided trips in the backcountry is the use of chemical treatment, typically Iodine. That’s because Iodine is inexpensive, easy to carry, and highly reliable.  Many outdoors enthusiasts use a commercially available filter, life straw, or gravity feed system. Not surprising, many don’t know how they work or how to repair them in the backcountry. This lack of knowledge has cut short many a trip due to a water filtration failure. Once, while traveling in Nepal with a group of students from NCOAE, I was almost forced into building a water filtration system like the one we describe below. One of the participants swore he was having a reaction to the chemical treatment. And, because the mental perception of one individual can affect the entire group, when water quality is in question, we need to overcome that obstacle. My thought was to create a filter system that would not only educate the students but keep everyone safe — whether that danger was perceived or not. Fortunately, it never came to that. (more... ) --- - Published: 2020-07-18 - Modified: 2024-01-04 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/do-it-yourself-part-one-denatured-alcohol-stove/ Visitors to our blog are going to react in one of two ways when they see an article with “Do it Yourself” in the headline. You’re either going to avert your eyes and try to find a less intimidating article. Or you’re going to greet this headline and subsequent instructions with enthusiasm and frenzied fervency. Here’s hoping you’re among the second category of DYI folks who revel in the experience of creating things from scratch. You know, those Junior MacGyvers who’d rather spend a weekend creating a project than spend nine bucks for the same item at the store. That’s why we’re dedicating the next three posts here on the NCOAE blog to help you find what we hope is the do-it-yourselfer deep in your soul. Here at The National Center for Outdoor Adventure and Education (NCOAE), we have always used the equation of Self + Community + Action = Impact. It’s the notion of making the changes necessary to feel better about yourself and see your role in a community of peers, practice, neighbors, or just society as a whole. Through our outdoor education and wilderness medicine programs we have helped countless individuals and organizations — through interaction with nature and wild places — to move forward to a more conscious way of living life and perhaps influencing the world around them. Just look at the many companies that were born of DIY thinking. There’s Patagonia, Petzl, Outdoor Research, Swift Industries, Black Diamond, and pretty much everything related to the surf industry. So, for this installment and the two that follow, we will be exploring the DIY experience of creating equipment destined for human-powered outdoor pursuits, either for fun or out of necessity. We find that DIY projects give you a taste of the experiential education process from the comfort of your own home or garage. And Part One of this series is how to make a denatured alcohol stove. Years ago, I made the beautiful mistake of buying “Beyond Backpacking” by Ray Jardine. The mistake? The book inspired me to begin purging my gear, make my own gear, and learn how to go light for less money. Gearing up for a huge trip inspired me to follow the “Ray Way. ” It was around that time that I built my first denatured alcohol stove. The process is straightforward and acquiring the materials can be a lot of fun. For instance, you’ll need to empty a couple of soda or beer cans before you even get started. Any beverage can will work, but some folks would prefer to drain a can of beer. Because building this stove is about the experience and the pursuit of learning. And, of course, the enjoyment. (more... ) --- - Published: 2020-06-30 - Modified: 2022-02-16 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/cloud-identification-and-what-the-clouds-are-telling-us/ As we outlined in earlier parts of this series, our instructors are expected to possess a wealth of experiences, as well as areas of knowledge and skills that educate and keep course participants safe, engaged, and active in the backcountry. An example of that is learning about cloud formations and their relationship to weather. Just like constellations(see: Look Up: A Guide to Viewing the Upper Half of Our Surroundings and bird identification (see: Look Up and Meet Your Feathered Friends), learning the individual names and characteristics of clouds can be a fascinating and worthwhile enterprise, not to mention informative and highly useful from a risk management perspective. In this, the third and final installment in our “Look Up” series, we cover how to identify the clouds overhead and what those clouds are telling us. Because learning this skill is yet another way our AEE-accredited outdoor education program scaffolds leadership and learning in the backcountry. Why clouds are important Clouds, which help regulate temperature and are needed for precipitation, are invaluable in the water cycle. Identifying and them is important in the backcountry, where a sudden weather change can make or break a hike, climb, or whitewater trip. Teaching course participants how to read the clouds builds confidence, which in turn helps participants make informed decisions based on forecasts for what the day, afternoon, or evening ahead may bring. Clouds provide a reliable method of predicting the weather in the backcountry. There are three ways to categorize clouds: High-level clouds: Cirrocumulus, Cirrus, and CirrostratusMid-level clouds: Altocumulus, Altostratus, and NimbostratusLow-level clouds: Stratus, Cumulus, Cumulonimbus, and Stratocumulus High-level Clouds Cirrocumulus clouds: These clouds appear like ripples on the water surface, and they portent good weather and the likelihood of coming blue skies. Cirrus clouds: The most common of the high-altitude clouds, these formations have a wispy look with long streamers as a result of being blown by high winds. Cirrus clouds indicate fair weather and by observing their movement, you can determine the direction from which weather and wind are coming. Cirrostratus clouds: These are thin, sheet-like clouds that tend to cover the entire sky. They are so translucent that you can easily see the sun and moon through them. And when the sun and moon are visible, you may be able to spot a halo formation in the clouds. The halo is caused by light refracting through ice crystals in the clouds. They indicate a warm front approaching. Mid-level Clouds Altocumulus clouds: These clouds look like rounded soft clumps, somewhat similar to a flock of sheep in the sky. These formations are frequently seen after a storm. They may also indicate building cloud cover and afternoon storms. Altostratus clouds: These appear as grey veils over the sun or moon, and if they become darker and thicker, it is likely rain is on the way. (© The Great Cloudwatcher - Own work, CC BY-SA 3. 0, https://commons. wikimedia. org/w/index. php? curid=17465322) Nimbostratus clouds: These are the low, dark clouds that blanket the sky, leaving little doubt... --- - Published: 2020-06-24 - Modified: 2022-02-16 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/look-up-and-meet-your-feathered-friends-part-2-of-3/ One of the best parts of an outdoor educator instructor course is when the group of participants comes together — either spontaneously throughout the day, or at the end of a solid day of training — and we all benefit from the unorganized sharing of one’s individual talents and skills. These experiential-based skill-sharing sessions — which can range from eco-sensitive and safe ways of starting a fire, to hacks for successfully facilitating dialogue among youth participating in a 12-mile trek — bring a helpful spirit to the group. In addition, they enable everyone participating in the course to see the wilderness experience in a different light, with a new set of eyes and appreciation. Here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), we expect our staff to go into the backcountry with a rock-solid set of technical outdoor skills. But it’s also our objective to hire instructors who have developed skills and knowledge that sets them apart from others and deepens the backcountry experience for those they educate and guide. Photo shoutout and credit to McGill Library (sourced from Unsplash) We talked about instructors who become fluent in the constellations and stars in the first post in this three-part series. Bird identification is another of those teachable skills and is the second of our series’ topics. Just a walk through a forest as someone points up and tells you the name of the bird perched on a low-hanging branch can be a surprising and eye-opening experience. Learning the identities of the birds in your area can help you connect with the local environment, offering you a teaching skill that can bring a new community of people to enjoy the outdoors and participate in what is essentially a free hobby — birding (aka birdwatching). Here’s pretty much all you need to get started: (more... ) --- - Published: 2020-06-17 - Modified: 2022-02-16 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/look-up-part-1-a-guide-to-viewing-the-upper-half-of-our-surroundings/ Night sky tips for outdoor educators and guides. We’re literally going to be looking upward in the next three posts here on the NCOAE blog, with tips for outdoor educators, wilderness guides, and outdoor recreation enthusiasts alike regarding the terrain overhead. We will be honing our outdoors skills by exploring the wilderness above our heads. Today’s post (part one in the three-part series) suggests taking a close look at the night sky. And why would we want to do that? Because most of us in the outdoor and experiential education field are adept at tying knots; cooking over a campfire; and naming local rivers, rapids and mountain ranges. But when it comes to the landscape above our heads — the heavens, the clouds, and the winged wildlife — many of us remain slack jawed with wonder. Imagine an evening in the backcountry with a group of students or adults, some of them seeing bright stars — unhampered by city lights — perhaps for the first time. At this point, you can point upward and say, “That isn’t just a beautiful sky. It’s way more than just that! ” By having everyone lay down, look up, and listen as you point out and describe the individual stars and constellations that your group can now clearly see because they are far from city lights, you’ve opened everyone’s field of vision to the space above our buildings and tree lines that’s often forgotten and/or taken for granted. With just a little bit of research, you can pick up a wealth of “fun facts” about the night sky. For example, knowing where to find constellations and then sharing the stories that accompany these heavenly connect-the-dot starry clusters makes you even more authoritative and helpful than you already are. And the stories behind the constellations are beautiful, cultural, and entertaining. Using the embedded video below, watch and listen to Neal deGrasse Tyson, astrophysicist, cosmologist, planetary scientist, author, and science communicator, as he describes the night sky. https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=j421zC0xr00 The best place to start any chat about the constellations is with the Big Dipper, which is part of Ursa Major (Great Bear). It is comprised of seven stars, with three representing the handle overhead, connected to the remaining four stars to create a big square pot or pan. (more... ) --- - Published: 2020-06-03 - Modified: 2022-02-16 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/tips-for-participating-in-emt-training-online/ What you need to know to succeed in an online EMT training course, from The National Center for Outdoor & Adventre Education You might have heard that we have packed up and moved the first 14 days of our traditional June, July and August “Intensive” 19-Day EMT-B training courses to an online and at-home format. The reason for this change, of course, is the continuing saga of the coronavirus. What this modification essentially does is add a mandatory hybrid component to this 19-day training program, with 14 days online, followed by five days on campus for practical and hands-on skills training. Earlier this year, the North Carolina Office of EMS approved our adjusted schedule for five days of on-campus EMT training programs. (Photo credit: Andrew Neel — sourced on Unsplash) Meanwhile, all NCOAE medical training programs taking place outside North Carolina have been put on hold, and the summer sessions on campus in Wilmington, N. C. , remain on schedule, but with the hybrid component playing a major part of that training. Which raises several important questions, including: How do we successfully train future emergency medical technicians remotely in this emergency era of digital space? How does a potential NCOAE trainee become a great online learner? Just like everything else connected to COVID-19, this is brand new territory for all of us, and trial-and-error has become the name of the game. That said, we here at NCOAE have come up with some rules and procedures for those in training that, to date, have proven successful. And we will briefly outline those procedures toward the end of this post. But for now, we’d like to share what we’ve discovered in our effort to make the temporary transition to digital training effective, interesting, and productive. What advice can we offer to those students new to online learning who are participating in our Hybrid 19-Day ‘Intensive’ EMT (EMT-B) training program? Here’s what we learned: (more... ) --- - Published: 2020-05-22 - Modified: 2020-05-22 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/using-collective-impact-to-forge-a-path-forward-with-coronavirus/ Because of the situation with COVID-19, we’ve been thinking a lot lately about the path forward for outdoor and adventure-based programs like the ones we offer here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE). Specifically, how do we operate in a day and age where physical distancing is either required or strongly recommended? That’s where Collective Impact may come into play. The concept of Collective Impact takes into consideration the notion that industry players need to coordinate their efforts and work together in order to create lasting solutions to shared and common societal challenges and problems. Put simply, collective impact is a structured form of collaboration. The term garnered national recognition in 2011 when it was touted by the White House Council for Community Solutions as a powerful framework for solving social issues. The concept became so popular that “collective impact” was selected as among the top philanthropic “buzzwords” for that year. With the current conundrum of coronavirus facing our world today, we here at NCOAE are of the opinion that solutions for COVID-19-related issues from any qualified source is worth considering. And, if you or your organization is of the same mind, we would love to hear from you. We can listen to each other’s challenges and maybe we can help each other discover solutions to those problems associated with operating an outdoor and/or adventure-based program in the time of coronavirus. Since this crisis evolved in mid-February, we have been working up schedules and then reworking them. And, because our work crosses into many sectors — including schools, businesses, and government agencies — and because we deal with multiple states and international borders, we find ourselves dealing with a lot of moving parts. The good news, of course, is that our staff has evolved to become a finely tuned machine. We’re able to juggle a lot and do it well. But that still leaves us wondering how the greater outdoor and adventure education industry may be grappling with the same or similar challenges as we’re contending with. As most successful adventurers and explorers do, we set out to do some research. And here is some of what we’ve discovered so far: (more... ) --- - Published: 2020-04-28 - Modified: 2022-02-16 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/finding-adventure-in-education-thats-taught-online/ So, here we all sit, settling into another sequential week of sequestered sheltering and supreme seclusion, many of us working from home and many of us not. As a certified teacher with a license in EC, ESL, AIG and Classroom Education, and as a member of The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education’s (NCOAE) leadership team, I admit I was caught off balance by the virus named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes, named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Like getting smacked upside the head by a wayward surfboard. This stay-at-home edict forced me to search, find, and deliver a completely new approach to educating my students. And I had zero time to waste. There were students to contact. More important — I had to learn ways to communicate with them face to face and get them engaged through online platforms. And I felt the pressure to do all of this ASAP! I quickly discovered that my side was already behind — and hindered by handicaps. The major hurdle? I have never owned a cell phone. Essentially, I’m a caveperson. Then I remembered what it is we outdoor and adventure educators constantly preach to our students: Step out of your comfort zone and adapt in the time of coronavirus. It was time for me to do just that. Over the first few weeks operating under shelter in place orders, I learned how to use Zoom for video conferencing and Google classroom for creating, distributing, and grading assignments in a paperless way. I also quickly adapted and learned how to use additional online platforms to connect with students, co-workers, and community members. And through this process, I learned that our new and hopefully temporary wilderness is the Internet, where we continue the exploration of creativity and the delivery of instruction.   (more... ) --- - Published: 2020-04-07 - Modified: 2020-04-07 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/adapting-outdoor-education-in-the-time-of-coronavirus/ Here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), we’re known nationally and around the world for our consistency in producing highly impactful backcountry climbing, backpacking, kayaking and other outdoor adventures of an educational and team-focused nature. Our highly trained and experienced outdoor educators, field guides — along with our wilderness medicine and EMT instructors — present hands on training and guidance that vastly improve our students’ technical outdoor and wilderness medical skills. That’s because all of our instructors and guides are experts at adapting to every scenario — whether that’s in a wilderness or urban setting, presenting each of our students and participants with endless opportunities to not only succeed, but to excel at whatever obstacle confronts them on the trail or in the medical training field guides. To that end, our business currently finds itself in the same situation faced by every other educational organization on the planet: managing our affairs at a time when the virus named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is impacting every single aspect of the world economy. How we’re handling the problem is much like what we do on the trail. We’ve chosen to look at this uncertainty and chaos as an opportunity by seeking out the best solutions and maneuvering around and past what is undoubtedly nothing short of a global health catastrophe. In particular, we want you to know how we’re meeting the challenges with regard to our educational training and programming. For example: (more... ) --- - Published: 2020-03-17 - Modified: 2020-03-17 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/ncoae-embraces-place-based-learning/ Embedded in each of our outdoor and wilderness-based experiential education courses is the delivery of place-based learning, which was first introduced by David Sobel in his groundbreaking book, Place-Based Education: Connecting Classrooms and Communities. Place-based learning connects students to history, landscape, geography, and people through the intense exploration of a specific area which, along the way, serves to help solve the area’s inherent or most recent and/or chronic challenges. Here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), our field instructors are required to research and be knowledgeable about the history, ecology, people, and events that impact a course’s geographical areas. Instructors then share that information with each other, discussing how to tie data to parts of the NCOAE curriculum and/or a client’s Custom Program requirements. Having this depth of knowledge binds content and curriculum. The result? No topic or subject is taught in isolation. For example, the study of flora and fauna connects to math, literacy, and science. And meeting and knowing people who helped shape the land through writings or active conservation of the area ties into global studies, communication, and environmental stewardship. In this way, place-based learning benefits educators, students, and communities. For instance: (more... ) --- - Published: 2020-03-05 - Modified: 2022-02-16 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/heres-the-cold-facts-about-canyon-coolers-in-our-opinion/ Here at The National Center for Outdoor Adventure & Education (NCOAE), we just aren’t all that interested in touting the attributes of the materials and products we use while traversing the worldwide wilderness areas in which we work. But every once in a while, we’ll step back and look at a piece of outdoor gear that’s still holding up well despite its age and we say, “Damn, we’ve been hauling that thing around for longer than we can remember and it’s still working. ” In particular, we’re reminded of the Canyon Coolers that we have stored in various sheds and aboard our fleet of river boats and rafts, and we marvel at how well these coolers keep stuff cold after multiple years of use. We were attracted to this Flagstaff, Arizona-based manufacturer when we bought up our first Canyon Cooler a number of years back. We were looking for a sturdy product that would hold up to our strenuous schedule of river trips. (Image © Canyon Coolers / Clara Canyon, LLC) As background, we run guided trips and outdoor educator courses on a number of rivers, including the Deschutes River in in central Oregon (a major tributary of the Columbia River); the Grande Ronde River in northeastern Oregon (a tributary of the Snake River); tributaries of the Amazon River found in Ecuador; and in many other waterways across the globe. What we were thinking back then was that we need a bomb-proof cooler that would hold up to the challenges any gear undertakes on one of our outings. But you know what really sold us on Canyon Coolers? It was their attitude. They stood there, looked us right in the face and said that their stuff would keep ice “on ice” for a mind-blowing 11 days. (more... ) --- - Published: 2020-02-08 - Modified: 2020-02-08 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/nows-the-time-to-explode-your-backpack/ Most successful outdoor retailers take monthly, quarterly, and/or an annual inventory of what they have in stock, what needs to be replaced, and what might need to be added to the store’s shelves. Items that sit ignored on the shelf or are no longer in fashion go in the “50% Off” bin or “sale” rack, enabling the retailer to make space for the newest and greatest products. That practice of practical paring holds true for those of us who enjoy human-powered outdoor adventures and are, even now, preparing for the trails, climbs, and river rapids that we anticipate and dream about each winter. And chief among those preparations is a thorough consideration of the current contents of our backpacks. The idea is simple: How do you lighten your load for your next adventure, feel less stressed when packing, and maybe offer free and still useful gear to a friend or local outdoor-based organization in need? It’s time to “clean house. ” And by that we mean pull your gear out and place it all on the ground, inspect it, and discard those items you can do without. In fact, here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education, we offer a number of courses that, among other things, show participants the ABCs of backpacking — which includes properly packing a backpack. One important part of our courses is when participants “explode” their pack in front of their peers. Typically, the group circles up and (more... ) --- - Published: 2020-01-24 - Modified: 2020-01-24 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/adventure-is-rx-for-staying-sane-and-serene-during-the-winter-months/ Happiness is an inside job. And on the flip side of that coin, depression — a mood disorder — is a condition that also primarily originates from inside our minds. Happiness is an action word. It requires a decision. And happiness does not have to wait. Take the winter months, for example. If you are an outdoor enthusiast — and we assume you are if you’re perusing our NCOAE website — you know the true meaning of “winter blues. ” Often, we find ourselves cooped up inside, postponing our happiness until the spring. When it’s unbearably cold, windy, and wet outside, many of us feel out of sorts. We’re moody, have no energy, and we’re eager to get outside. Unfavorable weather conditions often put a halt to those plans, or seriously limit our participation. Doctors have a name for this mental anguish, and it’s called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). We’re not trying to be cute or funny here, because it really is SAD. It’s a form of depression that is directly related to changes in season, usually beginning in the late fall and continuing throughout the winter months. Doctors put part of the blame on the decrease in sunlight in fall and winter that can disrupt your internal clock. That same lack of sun beams can prompt a drop in serotonin — a chemical in the brain that affects mood. Finally, the seasonal change can increase the production of melatonin — a hormone that regulates the sleep–wake cycle in the body and plays a big role in sleep patterns. Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder According to the Mayo Clinic, signs and symptoms of SAD may include: (more... ) --- - Published: 2020-01-11 - Modified: 2024-01-04 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/get-to-know-us-dr-christopher-davis-ncoae-medical-director/ Dr. Christopher Davis, The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education’s medical director, spent most of his adult life combining his passion for helping others with his love of the outdoors. He serves as medical director for all of our field courses and trainings, including wilderness medicine and EMS training programs, ad outdoor educator and adventure-based programs. These include custom programs developed by NCOAE, school programs, and branded adventures. And, of course, he loves to spend time in the field teaching. Raised in Raleigh, N. C. , Davis discovered his passion for emergency medicine and emergency medical services as an undergrad, teaching whitewater kayaking, rock climbing and backpacking for Duke University’s outdoor program — Outdoor Adventures. After leaving Duke in 2006, Davis ran a small adventure travel company, taking customers on sailing adventures throughout the Caribbean and along the North Carolina coast. He also worked as a paramedic and firefighter in Durham, N. C. , where he found time to teach wilderness medicine. Davis began focusing more of his time on medicine, both front country and wilderness EMS, which inspired him to further his education. He applied to medical school, earning his MD from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, followed by training at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, N. C. He now serves on the faculty at the Wake Forest School of Medicine where he is an assistant professor in Emergency Medicine, specializing in integrating high-quality EMS care into wilderness settings. We asked Dr. Davis to provide us with some additional information about his background, and to answer a few personal questions that our community might find interesting. Here is his response: (more... ) --- - Published: 2019-12-24 - Modified: 2023-08-17 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/7-tips-for-staying-sharp-this-winter/ When it comes to staying connected with outdoor activities — even in the dead of winter — the important thing is to dig deep, don’t procrastinate, and most important, remain consistent. There’s an old expression that I just made up and it goes like this: You can’t stay full on yesterday’s hotdog. What does that mean? It means you can’t depend on memories of your summer wilderness experiences to keep you sharp during these “couch potato” months. Staying sharp means using the wintertime to take on micro expeditions and stay connected with the outdoors. Daylight Savings Time, a 9-to-5-job, freezing weather and endless offerings on subscription-based TV are all basic ingredients when you’re preparing a “couch potato. ” However, if you are looking to stay fit until next spring, it’s time to come up with a better recipe. Which is why those of us who hunker inside NCOAE headquarters on a regular basis came up with some excellent tips to keep you at your physical and mental peak during the winter months. Here are the results of those brainstorming sessions: (more... ) --- - Published: 2019-12-04 - Modified: 2019-12-04 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/give-the-gift-of-adventure-this-holiday-season/ This, indeed, is the time of year when most of us are spending way too much focus seeking the perfect gift for a loved one. In a mountain climbing analogy, the experience can be compared to ascending a 20,000-foot peak without oxygen. Good luck making a sound decision under those conditions. But if we were gamblers, which we’re not — we’re very bullish on wilderness risk management — we would bet you’re someone who either loves human-powered outdoor adventures, is looking to go on such an adventure yourself, or knows someone ready for a wilderness or backcountry adventure. Not hedging our bets or anything, but if we’re wrong, why are you perusing this particular blog and this exact blog post? Anyway, if you’re looking for gift suggestions, what we offer below are a half dozen reasons why you should consider giving the gift of adventure through The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE). Reason No. 1: An NCOAE Course is actually a gift that gives over and over again. When you give the gift of an Outdoor Educator or a Semester Course or Gap Year Course, it will be appreciated more than once. First, your recipient opens an envelope containing the course details, which we’ll gladly custom design for you (the gift certificate, that is). Nice start! Then the gift recipient finds themselves looking forward to the experience almost every day until their departure. Then there’s the (more... ) --- - Published: 2019-11-18 - Modified: 2019-11-18 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/winter-camping-offers-an-exciting-challenge-to-your-comfort-level/ As the numbers on the thermometer continue to drop in many regions of the United States, fewer people are packing up their camping gear and venturing into the backcountry. Not unlike our nation’s bear population, most outdoor enthusiasts lose a little of that enthusiasm for wilderness when winter makes its appearance. Many part-time adventurers prefer to snuggle indoors, heat up some coffee or hot chocolate, catch up on their reading or TV binge watching, and begin planning for their first outing — next spring. However, there are those of us who can’t wait to see how winter has decorated the trails, hillsides, and mountains, and how similarly can’t wait for the challenges offered in the outdoors when the cold settles in and the snow really hits the deck. Yes, there are myriad challenges and yes, wintertime spent in wilderness will definitely test your mettle. But just look at the advantages: No long lines at the entries to your favorite spots. No lotteries or camping permits in many locations. No bugs! No bears! Practically everything you dislike, or fear, is asleep in the dead of winter. No campgrounds full of novice campers and their loud “toys. ” No caravans of raucous “juerguista” (party animals). No huge Ram Charger trucks parking four inches from your campfire. There’s no need to head off to an unknown destination. Your favorite spot — when seen in the winter months — can be a totally new experience. Where there are normally meadows surrounded by lush green trees, you might find yourself ankle deep in snow, accented by lacelike bare branches covered with powder. Fact is, you just might arrive at your favorite spot and find far fewer — or possibly no other — visitors at all. Talk about remote. It’s just you and the environment. Wildlife a la Carte With fewer bipeds on the scene, the chances of spotting wildlife increase substantially. Have you ever looked up and spotted a wolf staring down at you from a rock? Ever been paced by a coyote? Or see owls land on a tree over your campfire? If not, it’s probably because there have always been too many people in the area. In other words, the old becomes the new. We call that shoshin — a word from Zen Buddhism meaning (more... ) --- - Published: 2019-11-04 - Modified: 2023-08-17 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/ncoae-recommends-outdoor-films-for-thanksgiving-consumption/ For this year, Halloween is history, Thanksgiving looms in the near future, and Christmas is still far enough away that it doesn’t feel like Christmastime — unless you’ve visited the decorated and well-lighted malls and outlet stores over the last month or so. Fortunately, when you tire of planning for family visits and turkey dinner with all of the trimmings, you can always set aside an hour or so to get psyched for your next outdoor adventure. And an excellent way to do that is to check out the list below of outdoor themed films that come highly recommended by our own staff here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education. These films are guaranteed to provide some respite — and inspiration — for your next human-powered outdoor recreation adventure. Because, while we love and cherish our friends and families, we have an unconditional love affair with everything backcountry and wilderness related. We even argue with our friends about how much more we love the outdoors that they do. So, we suggest you take a break during the hectic holiday hassle, maybe get together with a few of those above-mentioned friends, and watch one or more of these recommended films. Because there’s just something to be said about outdoor films — the beauty, camaraderie, the suffering, and the humor. (more... ) --- - Published: 2019-10-17 - Modified: 2019-10-17 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/shoulder-season-doesnt-mean-youre-doomed-to-binge-watching-netflix/ The outdoor industry uses the term “shoulder season” to indicate times of the year when we’re less busy. With the exception of the snow sport sector of the industry, for many companies and outdoor outfits, that time starts in October and can stretch all the way to May or early June. The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) has diligently devised, implemented, and executed programs over the years in order to reduce the economic effects of the shoulder season. For us, this means employing many of our staff members year-round. That means our participants have the opportunity to experience adventure-based recreation and personal growth & development programs throughout the year. That’s because we offer opportunities that fit our client’s “shoulder season” schedules. And by expanding our season, we can travel to more diverse locations around the U. S. and abroad. Instructor Course If you work in the outdoor industry and want to expand your knowledge and depth of instruction, we offer our Instructor Course in many locations. These courses alternate between (more... ) --- - Published: 2019-09-28 - Modified: 2019-09-28 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/recommended-reads-turning-the-page-on-adventure/ As another summer draws to a close, your adventures may have come, gone, or never materialized. No matter which one of these is part of your Summer 2019 your story, it’s always nice to stay in the adventure mindset. That’s why we here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education decided to put together a list of books intended to keep you in a wild and adventurous state of mind. This list is not your average adventure book list. It includes fiction, nonfiction, and some that bend and distort the lines of each genre. Each book selection features its own element of protagonists — ordinary people finding themselves in wild landscapes for joy, escape, and the quest to push into the unknown. You can read these outdoor-oriented titles on the couch, off the trail, or wherever you find yourself. These adventures are portable, capable of being picked up and read during a break at work, in a snug sleeping bag, or wherever you find yourself with a free minute set aside for adventurous thought. Here then are a half dozen or so of our favorite adventurous titles for your perusal: (more... ) --- - Published: 2019-09-10 - Modified: 2019-09-10 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/as-traditional-recycling-programs-disappear-ncoae-seeks-alternatives/ It’s only been a year and a half since China put a halt to accepting the world’s recyclable waste products, yet the effects are being felt in many countries — and in turn, local municipalities — that are scrambling with the challenge of dealing with their own recyclables, including cans, plastics, papers, and glass. When laws mandating curbside recycling began sprouting up across the United States in the early 1980s, many Americans balked at the idea of being forced to sort their trash. Decades later, it’s embraced by residents in cities and towns throughout the country. In fact, the entire recycling movement has become as second nature to most folks as breathing. But in January of last year, China quit importing most foreign recyclables, stating it wanted to address its nation’s own pollution issues. So, when you consider that the United States alone used to send 4,000 shipping containers of recycled goods to China each day, you can see the effect this might have on our recycling habits, especially in locations absent of recycling centers and recycling mills of their own. As a result, the co-founder and director of operations here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), Celine Adair, is offering insight and some advice on what each of us can do to curtail the impact of this global event in our personal lives. Specifically, Celine is exploring how the nation’s outdoor, experiential, and adventure-based educators and guides can manage — and thrive — in this new era in the evolution of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. But first some additional background into the severity of the problem. China’s decision has the potential to (more... ) --- - Published: 2019-08-13 - Modified: 2019-08-13 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/when-wildlife-interferes-with-our-love-of-the-wild-life/ Even if you’ve never participated in scouting, you probably know that “Be Prepared” is the Boy Scout Motto. It’s a maxim that still holds true for today’s outdoor enthusiasts — perhaps more so than back in 1908 when founder Robert Baden-Powell adopted it for the scouting movement. Baden-Powell wrote that Boy Scouts in the field should consider beforehand, “any situation that might occur, so that you know the right thing to do at the right moment and are willing to do it. ” He also oddly mentioned that the motto was founded on his initials (BP), but that’s neither here nor there. The point is this. It has been estimated that more than 8 billion people visit protected “wild places” each year — areas that encompass national parks, national forests, and wildlife areas in the United States and around the world. What that means is more people are heading outdoors, which results in more people coming into direct contact with wildlife. And that’s not always a good thing. As the signs illustrating this post show, more and more of us are introduced to the backcountry and wild places with posted warnings concerning the “fulltime residents” of these remote and natural areas. On Cape Cod beaches, for example, there are (more... ) --- - Published: 2019-07-23 - Modified: 2024-08-15 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/2019-outdoor-industry-conferences-and-summits/ There’s a paradox in this outdoor education industry of ours, and that seeming contradiction is this: Sometimes you have to go indoors in order to continue to enjoy the outdoors. Think back to the last time you opened your eyes under a canopy of trees, or glided across a lake on a kayak, or looked up and visually plotted out a course for a complex climb. For the outdoors enthusiast — and especially for those of us who work in the outdoor industry — this is our life. We’re outside, showing others how to appreciate themselves and the backcountry. But our line of work is often a complex blend of gregarious solitude. We spend our days giving our students the best of who we are. While we’re concentrating on the experience for the benefit of the novice as well as the experienced adventurers under our charge, we’re missing out on valuable time set aside to connect with our peers on a deeper level — outside of work. (Image courtesy Association for Experiential Education) The outdoor season ends, and many of us return home or follow the seasons to continue this work. In many instances, we pass up the opportunity to learn what’s new in the industry. The solution? Look for outdoor industry conferences, trade shows, and summits you can attend. Traditionally, conferences are those large, more formal events that feature industry speakers, time in lecture halls and breakout rooms, and good dose of PowerPoint presentations. At the larger such gatherings, there’s usually a convention exhibit hall featuring industry vendors. Summits, especially in the outdoor industry, on the other hand have a looser feel, with industry pioneers and luminaries speaking and offering demos, opportunities to meet with fellow outdoor pros during hands-on adventure-based activities, and the chance to participate in both formally led and informally organized discussions and salons. Summits often incorporate more interplay, with the opportunity to socialize with industry pros, designers and leaders taking precedence over formal education. Below, we’ve listed some upcoming outdoor industry gatherings for those times when you’ve stepped off the trail and find yourself with some time to delve into what makes our industry tick. These outdoor industry summits, conferences, and trade shows are an excellent opportunity to (more... ) --- - Published: 2019-07-06 - Modified: 2019-07-06 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/meet-the-student-gordon-harrison-iii/ If Gordon Harrison’s name sounds familiar to you, that likely means one of two things: You either know him personally or you’re a fan of the water sport known as wakeboarding. David “Gordon” Harrison (the third) recently graduated from one of our 19-Day ‘Intensive’ EMT-Basic training courses. And as you probably figured out by now, this native of Caroline County, Va. (who now calls Melbourne Beach, Fla. his home), holds the distinction of being the only professional athlete to enroll in that course — or any course for that matter here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education. Harrison started wakeboarding as a child and become good enough in high school to be invited by the World Wake Association to join the Jr. Pro Wakeboard Tour. Suffice to say, he’s never looked backward since. For the uninitiated, wakeboarding is a water-based sport in which the athlete — standing on a short board with foot bindings known as a wakeboard— is towed behind a motorboat across its wake, allowing the athlete to crest the wake for aerial maneuvers. In Harrison’s case, he’s so proficient at wakeboarding that he’s only one of a handful of people on the planet capable of making a living as a professional wakeboarder. So, what possesses someone living the life of a pro athlete to drop everything and spend 19 days with us in North Carolina preparing to sit to for the NREMT (National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians) exam? That’s what we wanted to know. Here’s what Harrison had to say, in his own words: (more... ) --- - Published: 2019-06-21 - Modified: 2019-06-21 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/sleeping-out-from-cowboy-camping-to-luxury-tents-the-choice-is-yours/ Few things on Earth can match the unsurpassed contentment of sleeping outdoors. “If people sat outside and looked at the stars each night,” Bill Watterson once wrote, “I bet they’d live a lot differently. ” Amen to that! The stars above, the clouds floating by like sailing vessels, the trees whispering in the breeze. And, of course, there’s the mosquitos, the rain, the crawling critters, and Mother Nature. Like I said, nothing better, with the only caveat being what comes next. If you want to sleep under the stars, you’re going to need a plan. And coming up with that plan entails understanding what types of shelters are out there and what fits your personal or group shelter profile. During this tour of common shelters, we look at the most basic/minimal shelters and work our way up to more complete shelters. Let’s hit the trail! Cowboy Style Here’s how this one works: You get tired, you make a fire, and you fall asleep under the stars. That’s it. Welcome to ‘cowboy camping. ’ Why cowboy? You wanted an experience in nature. This style of camping places you cheek-to-cheek with (more... ) --- - Published: 2019-05-31 - Modified: 2019-05-31 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/at-ncoae-we-dont-cut-cookies-we-plan-dreams/ “The world is a book, and those who do not travel, read only a page. ” ~ Saint Augustine On those many occasions when schools, clubs, organizations, or companies ask us to come up with an adventure/education excursion for their group, we don’t reach into a cabinet and pull out a cookie-cutter version of a wilderness outing. Instead, we break out topographical maps, weather charts, time-tested notes from adventures past, permits for numerous routes, and we add a lot of imagination to the occasion. The sole purpose within our Custom Programs Division is to make sure your organization experiences an adventure that meets and then exceeds your most specific objectives. And we start out by using our ears. We carefully listen to what it is you want to achieve, and then we begin planning that experience from the ground up. No matter the size of your group, we’re here to present an experience of a lifetime for each of your organization’s guests, students, or employees. Our objective is for our participants to come home safe and tell stories to their friends and acquaintances that sound more like fiction. Really good fiction! The only difference is you’ll have the photos to back up your stories. You dream of an experience, and we dream too! Need proof? Take a look at (more... ) --- - Published: 2019-05-14 - Modified: 2019-05-14 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/fire-it-up-how-to-plan-for-and-make-a-campfire-in-the-backcountry/ Most of us have caught at least an episode or two of “Survivor,” the original reality show that has cast members “outsmart, outlast and outwit” each other in order to win a million dollars at the end of 32 days in a wilderness environment. Inevitably on this popular TV show, two finalists are forced to build a fire, with the winner moving on and the loser going to the jury. And you’d think after 38 seasons, that all contestants would find it advisable to practice building a fire with flint and kindling BEFORE arriving on that season’s desert island or jungle outpost. But they don’t. What we’re going to do in this blog post, is show you how to plan for a campfire in the wilderness, what to bring, what to source onsite, and how to avoid setting your tents, sleeping bags — or the entire backcountry afire. Fueling the Flames Oh, and if you’ve never learned how to build a fire — or cooked over an open fire — you should. It’s an amazing, freeing experience. Here’s what you’ll need: (more... ) --- - Published: 2019-04-23 - Modified: 2019-04-23 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/lighten-up-dont-carry-all-that-weight-into-the-backcountry/ Secure in my shelter and listening as the rain dances on my tarp, I pull out my alcohol stove and relax, waiting for the water to boil. Twenty-seven miles of hiking in one day — a personal distance record. It’s been a good day. Reflecting back 20 years, I remember purchasing a first-edition copy of Ray Jardine’s “Beyond Backpacking,” a book that completely reshaped my thinking on how to pack for travel in the backcountry. It wasn’t that long ago that the philosophy of Wilderness travel was to get a big bag and fill it up. Since then, the mindset of “more is better” has changed. Packing ultra-light — once considered the mantra of wild-eyed survivalists — has now become firmly embedded as a philosophy among those in the multibillion-dollar human-powered outdoor recreation industry. In my own case, I have moved beyond packing light to achieve big miles, and more toward doing it just for the comfort. Carrying less weight is better on the body, mind — and pocketbook. That’s primarily because I now cover more ground in the backcountry, spend less money on costly gear, and I find it much easier to pack and unpack at the beginning and end of each day. First things first: Get thyself to a bookstore and pick up a copy of “Beyond Backpacking. ” Then read it. After that, break out your gear and (more... ) --- - Published: 2019-04-05 - Modified: 2023-08-17 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/state-offices-of-outdoor-recreation-are-now-a-thing/ Stereotyping is never a good thing — primarily because such finger-pointing prejudices are usually unsupported by fact. Take, for example, the 140 million Americans who either dabble in human-powered outdoor recreational activities to some extent or are fully immersed in everything related to the backcountry and Wilderness itself. That’s almost half the nation’s population, if my math skills are accurate. Yet whenever the beneficial goings-on of the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) are in the headlines, many local and state politicians conjure up a negative image in their heads. “Oh yeah, those deadbeat climbers, those slacker surfers, those burned-out mountaineers. ” These closed-minded politicians fail to recognize who their outdoor constituents really are, and what the outdoor recreation industry means to the economy. And that includes activities from the local and state level, all the way up to the top — the National Park Service. A report recently released by the Outdoor Industry Association estimates our industry produces $887 billion in annual revenues, and employs an estimated 7. 5 million people, both fulltime and seasonally. Let me repeat that — $887 billion, with a B! Statistics like these have local and state government officials beginning to sit up and take notice. And it’s got many of them thinking that maybe saving all these wilderness treasures might just be worth the expense. As a result, some forward-thinking states are creating offices of Outdoor Recreation with director-level positions. Take North Carolina for instance — which is home to (more... ) --- - Published: 2019-03-25 - Modified: 2023-08-17 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/living-outdoors-not-always-a-choice-but-laguna-beach-man-makes-it-work/ One of our vendors lives and works out of an ocean-view condo in Laguna Beach, California, where taking long walks throughout that quaint Southern California “Art Colony” is an added bonus for many of its residents. A far cry from our wooded headquarters of Wilmington, North Carolina, our vendor’s office is set squarely between reality and the Pacific Ocean. Laguna Beach, California During one such salt-air stroll, he came across an affable homeless man who sets up shop most days in front of Laguna’s historic movie theatre. Sporting a neatly trimmed grey beard and a big smile, the open-air entrepreneur sells colorful, custom-designed patches for application to denim jackets and trousers. As you can see from the image below, these unique patches are, as their creator says, “perfect for Deadheads. ” And anyone else with a taste for whimsy. The pair struck up a conversation and our vendor found Keith Sanderson to be a friendly, upbeat man who enjoys selling his patches and chatting up the locals — whom fondly refer to each other as “Lagunatics” — in that free-spirit community. He also caters to the hordes of tourists who frequent the town’s nearby boardwalk on any given day. During one such friendly exchange, our vendor noticed a new sign next to Keith’s patches that read, “Will work for a new backpack. ” Spotting his frayed and forlorn North Face backpack lying on the ground nearby, our vendor made a call to our North Carolina headquarters and asked if we might be interested in digging up a used pack from our gear shed and donating it to Keith. (more... ) --- - Published: 2019-03-06 - Modified: 2019-03-06 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/get-to-know-us-julius-mcadams-ems-program-director/ Back in December of last year, we asked key NCOAE administrative and field staff to share some of the things for which they were most grateful. Those gratitude’s, as they’ve become to be known around here, comprised our year-ending blog post for 2018. And if you read that post, you may recall that today’s featured staff member — NCOAE EMS Program Director Julius McAdams — thrives on teamwork and the quality of our students. Born and raised near our headquarters in Wilmington, North Carolina, Julius ascended to the role of Program Director in early-October of 2018, having previously served as one of our very capable and enthusiastic EMT Training Instructors. In his current position, Julius is responsible for coordinating and scheduling all of The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education’s emergency medical services-related trainings, as well as teaching some courses and helping prepare our students to pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam. As we do with our staff profiles and ‘get to know us’ posts, we asked Julius to tell us about his background, and here’s what he had to say: (more... ) --- - Published: 2019-01-29 - Modified: 2019-01-29 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/ncoae-now-has-a-basecamp-in-northern-patagonia/ It’s official. We’ve symbolically planted a National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) flag in the ground and established a basecamp for our South American operations in Southern Chile/Northern Patagonia. What does that mean to you? It means that — as of the final days of last year — we officially have a base of operations from which we can now run our future trainings and outdoor courses when in South America. Fittingly, the basecamp was established at the outset of one of our Patagonia-based 24-day Outdoor Educator courses, witnessed by a group of students we took down from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington. Located alongside a river, the basecamp offers unique accommodations that include a treehouse dormitory, hosteria (which is an inn-like facility), eco-friendly domes, a riverside group kitchen area, and quiet forested areas for camping. Among the highlights of the property is a treehouse dormitorio offering sleeping quarters nestled within the forest trees. Constructed over, around, and in between the forest, the result is a building that incorporates reliable cool summer breezes, an abundance of shade, and neighbors that include (more... ) --- - Published: 2018-12-31 - Modified: 2023-08-17 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/gratitude-is-an-action-word-for-ncoae-staff/ Gratitude is most often used as a noun, describing as it does, the feeling of being thankful. This warm and comforting word is often bandied about during the holidays, when we reflect upon all of the things for which we are grateful. But for some of us — and in particular, many of our staff members here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) — we treat the word gratitude as a verb. Great employees often live in gratitude by taking positive action. And that means being present for others, which includes listening to their issues or desires and connecting with them. It also means becoming the person that someone else is grateful for. Image © Simon Maage (sourced from Unsplash) Just before the holidays truly got underway, we asked some of our staff members to list just some of the things for which they were most grateful. We’re not the least bit surprised that some of their comments encompassed our students and fellow staffers. Here’s their take on gratitude, in their own words: (more... ) --- - Published: 2018-12-18 - Modified: 2018-12-18 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/now-hiring-part-time-emt-course-instructors/ The economy is booming and we here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) find ourselves in the position of seeking a few part-time instructors. Specifically, we're looking for instructors to supplement our expanding team of EMT professionals who teach courses at our North Carolina headquarters. Among the many courses we offer is an intensive 19-day EMT-Basic course that satisfies eligibility requirements for the National Registry and NC EMT certification. These classes meet Mondays through Fridays with an additional 24 hours of clinical and field practice on either Saturday or Sunday. If you know anything about us, you know we pride ourselves with employing some of the very best instructors in the industry, and that includes instructors who are also EMT-paramedics, firefighters, military operations specialists, and experts in critical care management. As an AEE accredited organization, we provide an exciting and one-of-a-kind teaching environment where teamwork is paramount — which means our EMT offerings stand out from most teaching institution’s. Our instructors provide (more... ) --- - Published: 2018-11-09 - Modified: 2018-11-09 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/get-to-know-us-ricardo-flores-ncoae-field-instructor/ The thing that makes Ricardo Flores exceedingly well qualified to serve as a National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education field instructor is his love of the outdoors and experience in group dynamics through his corporate management experience. Specifically, Ricardo formerly worked as a logistics manager and a project manager for Proctor & Gamble, which was No. 42 on the Fortune 500 list last year. That’s not too shabby. In addition, he is a former CEO of an adventure tourism company, and a field instructor for Outward Bound. In fact, Ricardo has been a wilderness aficionado since the age of 12, having spent 13 years in the Boy Scouts, plus, he’s amassed a boatload of summer camp, personal trip, and tour-guiding experiences. This Port Neches, Texas, native has professional certifications that include Project Management Professional (PMP), Leave No Trace (LNT) master educator, and Wilderness First Responder (WFR). We asked Ricardo to fill in some blanks in his resume and tell us more about his life. Here’s what he had to say: (more... ) --- - Published: 2018-10-24 - Modified: 2018-10-24 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/gourmet-cooking-on-the-trail-heres-what-youll-need-to-pack/ Some veteran backpackers claim the only time a heated can of Dinty Moore stew tastes delicious is when eaten outdoors, but today there are many quick and easy ways to pull together a gourmet meal from what you can grab out of your backpack. The trick is knowing what to pack! Truth is, we here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) are among the go-to experts when it comes to wilderness cooking for large and small groups that enjoy the backcountry. That’s because our veteran field instructors and leaders have had years to develop ways to transform mundane mountainside meals into Five Star (OK, maybe Four Star) dining experiences. The secret? It’s all in what you pack in your gear. And with some advance preparation and careful planning, you can spice up your backcountry cooking menus to taste just as delicious on your weekend trail trek as they do for us on, say, an Outdoor Educator Course in Patagonia. Real estate inside your backpack is always at a premium, but here are a few items that — come lunch or dinnertime — will make you glad you squirreled them away next to your clean socks and underwear: (more... ) --- - Published: 2018-10-09 - Modified: 2023-08-17 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/were-back-despite-a-lightning-bolt-barrage-on-our-beleaguered-campus/ Today, we can happily report that — following the trials and tribulations of last month’s bullseye hurricane confrontation on our Wilmington, N. C. campus — we here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) are back in action. In fact, just a week after our return from evacuating, everything was cleaned up and looking like Hurricane Florence had never visited our 17-acre outdoor education campus. But no matter how experienced you might be at preparing for, evacuating from, and recovering after a natural disaster, you can never fully anticipate what Mother Nature might toss your way as part of her standard repertoire of weather. And while today, with on-campus and field courses back in action, it certainly didn’t look that way on the morning of Friday, Sept. 28, when a thunderstorm completely unrelated to Hurricane Florence rumbled over our property. That’s when a massive bolt of lightning hit the window of our director of operations' office, sending a bolt of energy through her keyboard to her fingertips while she was working. A second bolt of lightning hit a tree adjacent to our gear shed, traveled down the tree, through its roots, blowing a hole through our property’s water line and sewer line, and cooking the conduit that houses our property’s power line. The central panel for our (more... ) --- - Published: 2018-09-11 - Modified: 2023-08-17 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/hurricane-florence-turns-ncoae-staff-into-storm-troopers/ Say what you will about global warming, climate change and other hemispheric anomalies, but there’s no question in anybody’s mind that a Category 4 hurricane is making a direct bullseye run at Wilmington, N. C. , and The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) headquarters facilities. The good news is that our staff have all become bona fide experts in matters related to risk management. Our co-founders Zac and Celine Adair — along with the rest of our hometown administrative team — are hard at work preparing our coastal headquarters for a direct hit from this latest storm which you can track online through the National Hurricane Center. Here on our campus, NCOAE staff has spent the last 36 hours preparing for the worst possible outcome — a direct hit. Buildings have been boarded up, all outdoor furniture and materials capable of being turned into life-threatening projectiles have been removed from the property, which ‘as the crow flies’ is located just a mile from the Carolina coastline. NCOAE vans have been packed up with a (more... ) --- - Published: 2018-09-04 - Modified: 2018-09-04 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/how-a-hotel-parking-could-lead-to-ncoae-establishing-a-pacific-northwest-location/ It’s not often that we derive inspiration while standing in the middle of an overcrowded parking lot, but for our co-founder and executive director Zac Adair, it was in just such an unlikely setting that the notion of opening a Pacific Northwest location for NCOAE took hold. (Image © by Edward Etojakovic via Wikipedia) This idea came to mind during a recent trip to Oregon, where Zac was checking out the outdoor recreation and education scene. Accompanied by a friend who also works in the human-powered outdoor recreation and adventure education space, the two men found themselves in the parking lot of the historic Timberline Lodge, situated about halfway up the 11,239-foot-high Mount Hood — undoubtedly the most majestic mountain in the state. Well known for more than a century for its outstanding outdoor recreational possibilities — available year-round and in every outdoor rec category imaginable — the Mount Hood area and the nearby Deschutes River are virtual meccas for wilderness enthusiasts of every outdoor sport persuasion. And as Zac and his friend were to witness in that hotel parking lot on that day last month, diversity is the key when it comes (more... ) --- - Published: 2018-08-17 - Modified: 2018-08-17 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/generous-gifts-from-island-women-funds-education-without-walls/ Over the past two summers, The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) has received a total of nearly $9,000 from Island Women, Inc. , a group of savvy, talented and passionate women who live in nearby Pleasure Island, N. C. Island Women is a not-for-profit organization that’s on a mission to enhance the quality of life on Pleasure Island, which is located just five minutes south of NCOAE’s headquarters facilities in Wilmington. The generous donation (totaling $8,874) was designated by the local group to be used in NCOAE’s not-for-profit subsidiary, Education Without Walls — an outdoor- and adventure-based program that provides academic and life skill guidance for high school kids living at or below the Federal Poverty Level. The end goal of our program is to motivate and support low-income students in identifying and achieving their potential. Among many other commitments, Island Women promotes education, cultural expression, and mentoring among women. In our case, Island Women’s members were interested in our Education Without Walls program after NCOAE Co-Founder Celine Adair was invited to address the organization in the summer of 2016. Celine described how the majority of (more... ) --- - Published: 2018-07-24 - Modified: 2023-08-17 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/uncw-students-can-earn-6-credits-while-on-winter-break-in-patagonia/ How would you like to spend three weeks in windswept Patagonia, summiting a 19,000-foot-high peak in the Andes, taking on Class III and IV rapids alongside a volcano — and picking up six college credits for adding this adventure to your academic experience? The University of North Carolina-Wilmington (UNCW) is offering this 24-day course (EVS 485/592) during the upcoming winter 2018 break, and the classroom is as described above — Patagonia, a nearly 300,000-square-mile area shared by Chile and Argentina that features the imposing Andes mountain range, deserts, plains, rocky coastlines and ice fields. This pristine real estate is enormous, yet only 5 percent of the populations of both countries live there. And it’s available to adventure-seeking Seahawks as the result of an academic partnership between UNCW and us — the Wilmington-based National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE). Our renowned center promotes critical thinking, environmental stewardship, and the acquisition of technical outdoor skills through accredited outdoor and adventure-based experiential education courses. (more... ) --- - Published: 2018-06-30 - Modified: 2024-08-15 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/upcoming-and-important-outdoor-industry-conferences/ As you’re probably aware, we here at The National Center for Outdoor Adventure & Education (NCOAE) do a lot more than just organize backcountry trips for teens, Outdoor Educator courses for outdoor education industry professionals, GAP Year Programs for college-age students, and wilderness medicine and EMT training for anyone desirous of such certifications. For certain, our wilderness outings and trainings are our bread and butter, focusing as they do on three-day to three-month adventures targeting everything from mountaineering to surfing and certification-granting trainings ranging from Emergency Medical Technician training to Leave No Trace ethics. But among our tasks — and admittedly it’s more of a rewarding commitment than a task — is giving back to the outdoor education and adventure recreation industry what was so freely given to us. Our aim has always been to serve as a clearinghouse for information related to our profession, and one of the ways we do that is promote and participate in select outdoor industry meetings, markets and conferences. And by promote, we mean we go the extra step to keep our industry peers up to date on happenings that affect our employees, our clients, our profession and of course, the environment. We want to get the word out about these upcoming and most important outdoor shows, seminars and confabs. Having said this, what we offer below is a list of upcoming outdoor industry conferences and events that you might consider attending. Here’s what the calendar looks like for the rest of 2018 and the beginning of 2019: (more... ) --- - Published: 2018-06-15 - Modified: 2018-06-15 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/get-to-know-us-chris-brooks-ncoaes-ems-program-director/ Growing up in a small town in the foothills of North Carolina, Chris Brooks claims his lifetime dream from the age of 5 was to become a paramedic. Today, he is the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Program Director here at The National Center for Outdoor and Adventure Education (NCOAE), where he teaches EMS courses in order to equip the next generation of emergency medical providers to become the best at what they do. Chris arrived here at NCOAE in the summer of 2015 when he was hired as a part-time EMS instructor. But long before that, Chris had his eyes set on rescuing others on the trail or in the wild. He attended a community college right out of high school, receiving an Associate of Science degree in EMS in 1997 and became a paramedic when he turned 19 years old. He later attended the Emergency Medical Care Bachelor of Science pre-med degree program at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N. C. , and continued to work as a paramedic until 2005 when he took a supervisory position at an EMS agency in upstate South Carolina. Four years later, he was hired on as an anatomy and physiology lab instructor at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, N. C. , soon becoming the anatomical laboratory director at that college’s Levine Campus. We asked Chris to fill us in on the rest of his life — particularly in regard to his work at NCOAE’s Wilmington campus and his lifelong career choice. Here’s what he had to say: (more... ) --- - Published: 2018-05-31 - Modified: 2024-01-04 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/when-it-comes-to-program-backpacks-ncoae-opts-for-osprey/ Here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) we’re not very big on endorsing products or brands. In fact, if you were to research our blog all the way back to the first entry at the end of 2013, you probably won’t find more than two or three posts chatting up products that we heartily support (most notably among them, our June 2014 endorsement of Banks Fry-Bake Pan). But NCOAE is a super big fan — and customer — of Osprey Packs, a company that has been making some of the best expedition-style backpacks available in the outdoor recreation marketplace for the past four and a half decades. In particular, we’ve been hugely pleased with the Escalante 75 +10 backpack and the Kiva 70 +5 backpack — both available for our outdoor programs only. As an Association for Experiential Education (AEE) accredited provider of guided outdoor trips and training in the realm of outdoor education and training, our organization qualifies for wholesale pricing for 100 or so manufacturers of expedition-style backpacks. But over the years, when it comes to program packs, we continue to work almost exclusively with Osprey. Why? (more... ) --- - Published: 2018-05-17 - Modified: 2018-05-17 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/free-range-mountain-bike-advocates-seek-access-to-wilderness-areas/ Strange and interesting things are afoot in the human-powered outdoor recreation community, and if you’ve been paying attention to issues surrounding the use of wilderness areas lately, what follows here might not come as a surprise. What has emerged is a growing division among outdoor enthusiasts as to whether or not mountain bikes should be allowed in designated wilderness areas. The question, which has turned controversial as of late, fosters fears that mountain bike organizations are beginning to align themselves with companies, organizations and politicians insisting on making their way into wilderness areas for resource exploration. Photo by Patrick Hendry | Sourced from Unsplash But first, a brief description of how the U. S government defines wilderness: “The Wilderness Act, signed into law in 1964, created the National Wilderness Preservation System and recognized wilderness as “an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain. ” The Act further defined wilderness as "an area of undeveloped federal land retaining its primeval character and influence without permanent improvements or human habitation, which is protected and managed so as to preserve its natural conditions. “ That description also specifies that (more... ) --- - Published: 2018-05-03 - Modified: 2024-01-18 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/for-emergencies-on-the-trail-who-you-gonna-call-and-with-what-device/ The ideal time to consider the best communications options for your backcountry trip is not after you’ve arrived at the trailhead, only to discover you can’t get a signal on your smartphone. Ensuring you have a reliable means of reaching the outside world — especially during a backcountry incident or emergency — is an item on your checklist that should come way before you’ve parked the car, struggled into your backpacks and are a half-mile down the trail. Cellphones with sketchy service might be acceptable for a quick four-hour hike within a populated area, but what are your choices should you be heading out on a multi-day adventure in a desolate wilderness area or a national park? Possessing a reliable device when you need to communicate with people outside the immediate group of hikers accompanying you is a must. Because when it becomes necessary to communicate with search and rescue professionals, things probably aren’t going as smoothly as you had hoped. And that’s when you want the best user-friendly device you can afford. Here at The National Center for Outdoor Adventure & Education (NCOAE), we recommend you become familiar with two or more communications systems you might want to carry with you into the backcountry. Below are several suggestions from which to choose, keeping in mind that the choices you make — especially in an emergency situation — can make a (more... ) --- - Published: 2018-04-10 - Modified: 2024-08-15 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/staff-profile-meg-young-director-of-admissions/ Meg Young joined the staff team here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education late last year as office manager and was swiftly promoted to director of admissions. She works closely with our students to ensure their registration and enrollment process goes as smoothly as possible — something she believes sets them up to succeed throughout our courses and trainings. Meg attended the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) for two separate degrees. She received her first degree in 2010, which was a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science. Four years later Meg went back to get her Master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA) with a concentration in Nonprofit Management, which she received in 2016. We recently sat down with Meg for an interview focusing on her path to NCOAE and a variety of other topics we’d thought you — the readers of the NCOAE Blog — would appreciate. Here’s what she had to say: NCOAE: Where did you grow up and what did the 7-year-old and 11-year-old Meg want to be when they grew up? Meg: I grew up in Richmond, Virginia. I'm not sure if I was quite 7 years old, but there is written evidence that my first career aspirations were to be a (more... ) --- - Published: 2018-03-27 - Modified: 2024-08-15 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/how-to-find-your-perfect-outdoor-partner/ It stands to reason that the success or failure of any non-solo outdoor adventure depends to a great degree on the person or people accompanying you. As a result, and long before you head out the door on your next adventure, you’ll want to ensure you don’t select a partner who can quickly turn either a day hike or week-long trek into a peacetime version of the Bataan death march. In addition to the hardships that accompany many human-powered outdoor recreation adventures, there are issues that should be cleared up before hitting the trail. For instance, there’s a thin line between picking a partner who is a good conversationalist and a motor mouth who is too self-important to pay attention to what’s really going on around the two of you. Photo © Dylan Siebel (sourced and used with permission from Unsplash) What we present here is a rundown of what leading outdoor industry publications and journalists have to say about finding the perfect outdoor partner or buddy. In each case, we’ve provided a link to the referring source. That way, you can (more... ) --- - Published: 2018-03-12 - Modified: 2018-03-12 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/making-sense-of-the-new-norm-in-outdoor-equipment/ When shopping for human-outdoor equipment, keeping up with the Joneses used to be the norm. New skis, boots, boards, kayaks, apparel, bikes, wetsuits and more. Whatever your sport or pursuit of choice, you had to have the latest technical outdoor gear, whether that be the freshest technology, the most wicked new design, or equipment that’s sleek and half the weight of last year’s model. Photo © by Lukas Robertson. | Used with permission - sourced from Unsplash. But that was then, and this is now. And good luck discovering what’s the norm in today’s adventure sports world. Stroll into your favorite outdoor store, surfshop, bicycle store or paddleboard purveyor and your head will spin at the options available to outdoor recreation enthusiasts today. And while the manufacturing side of the outdoor industry might try to sell us on the notion of a new norm, the participants themselves hold the upper hand. That’s because this is the best time to be an outdoor recreation enthusiast. The offerings are endless and the manufacturers in the field are treating us to new equipment that was unimaginable just a few (more... ) --- - Published: 2018-02-23 - Modified: 2023-08-17 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/meet-an-education-without-walls-graduate-joaly-canseco/ We here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) are very proud of the Education Without Walls program and its students! Education Without Walls is a wilderness-based outdoor education program that engages 13 to 18 year old students in a variety of adventure activities, including backpacking, rock climbing, surfing, kayaking, and camping. This non-profit program, established by the The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), provides scholarships for motivated students in financial need, to participate in outdoor adventure programming. By using Wilderness as a classroom, Education Without Walls offers an exceptional learning environment — one where instructors foster curiosity, students apply critical thinking, and memories are constructed and not soon forgotten. Instructors use NCOAE’s Core Curriculum to guide lesson planning and the facilitation of experiential education activities that focus on personal development, community building and the acquisition and mastery of technical outdoor skills. As a result, Education Without Walls students make close friends and learn incredible skills, all while having a blast on adventures of a lifetime. Joaly participating in an Education Without Walls trip in 2013. We’d like to introduce you to one of the many success stories that has come out of Education Without Walls — Joaly Canseco — and tell you a little about her background and thoughts about her own life-changing experience with Education Without Walls. Joaly, who is now 19 years old, first started participating in Education Without Walls back when she was 13. We sat her down for a brief Q&A, and here is what she had to say: (more... ) --- - Published: 2018-02-12 - Modified: 2018-02-12 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/jump-start-your-outdoor-education-or-emergency-medicine-career-with-emt-training/ For those of us who work in the fields of outdoor and adventure-based experiential education and/or emergency medicine, the importance of professional medical training cannot be dismissed as merely “class time. ” While it’s true EMT training and certification may not be a requirement for many backcountry jobs or outdoor education positions, possessing certification for EMT qualifications far outweighs the Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification, especially when it comes to landing your first or next job within this specialized field of ours. Our certified EMS instructors are among the best in the industry and include veteran wilderness guides, EMT paramedics, firefighters, military operations specialists, and experts in critical care management. These educators provide expert instruction and personalized training that can ensure your EMT training meets and exceeds the high expectations all employers have for someone carrying such a designation. Why You Should Consider the EMT Option With EMT credentials in hand, our graduates have (more... ) --- - Published: 2018-01-16 - Modified: 2023-08-17 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/staff-profile-liz-shirley-ncoaes-program-coordinator/ Here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), it’s not always necessary for employees to be front and center in order to be seen as a vital asset to our operations. Take Liz Shirley for example. Sure, this veteran outdoor program director can often be found leading our clients on a variety of backcountry trips and programs. And to be sure, hers is a friendly face around our North Carolina headquarters. But as our fulltime program coordinator, Liz most often can be found working behind the scenes — primarily on course logistics. This busy outdoor education industry executive is in charge of staff recruitment, training, and supervision; planning new course areas; and the always evolving processes we have in place for communicating with clients and students. She also oversees all of our trip logistics — an area of focus that includes course schedules, gear, food and transportation. In addition, Liz works with our founders to review and update our corporate policies and procedures when the need arises. Describing herself as an outdoor jack-of-all-trades, Liz was able to tear herself away from her responsibilities to answer a few personal questions about herself for this post. Here’s what she had to say: NCOAE: Where did you go to college, what year did you graduate and what did you study? Liz Shirley: I graduated in 2007 from Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a minor in Leisure Services. I knew by my junior year of college that I wanted to work as an outdoor professional, and I haven’t looked back. NCOAE: What was the gateway to your outdoor addiction? Liz: I’d have to say scouting. I began at the age of five, camping and exploring the outdoors with my troop. There was also a creek behind my house growing up, so I was often down there and in the woods tromping around — building forts, catching crawdads, etc. Then, when I was 15, my Girl Scout troop went on a five-day wilderness trip in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a 1m+-acre wilderness area within the Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota, and after that I was hooked on the backcountry experience. NCOAE: Who was it that most shaped your early outdoor experiences? Liz: My parents took my brother and I camping a lot when we were young. Our family vacations almost always consisted of a visit to a state park to camp or a stay in a cabin. The place we went most often was a tucked-away campsite in Oklahoma along the banks of the Illinois River. I vividly recall pulling up through the woods in the family Buick. We’d set up camp, then spend our days swimming, fishing, canoeing, and exploring along the river. We roasted hot dogs or sometimes a fish we’d caught for dinner. NCOAE: How have you been shaped by the outdoor places you’ve visited? Liz: Where to start! I can’t imagine who I’d be without outdoor experiences because... --- - Published: 2017-12-21 - Modified: 2017-12-21 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/the-three-es-of-breaking-into-outdoor-education/ For those interested in a career as an outdoor experiential educator, The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education wants to help you get onboard that particular ship. But as the late comedian Jonathan Winters suggested when he famously quipped “If your ship doesn’t come in, swim out to it,” that vessel isn’t necessarily going to snuggle up to the dock and pick you up. It’s up to you to do the basic footwork — or perhaps backstroke is a better analogy — in order to achieve your career objectives. (Photo: ©2013 Jaclyn E. Atkinson | Used with permission) Many people ask us if a formal education is necessary for a career in outdoor and adventure education and we answer that question by posing another: Does a piece of paper make for a master educator? Then we answer our own question by saying, “It depends. ” In the end, it’s you who must decide what role you want to play in the outdoor industry. If your objective is to spend a few years going “wild” as a fledgling field instructor, then just head out and apply for a job. Or let’s say you want to become a leader in a specific area of the outdoor experiential education field. In this case, gobble up some on-the-job experience and a fistful of certificates and get to work. However, if what you seek is a career as a lifelong experiential educator — with a comfortable salary and maybe some good health insurance — some formal education might be required. The secret is to find ways to get a good education without being (more... ) --- - Published: 2017-12-02 - Modified: 2022-05-12 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/academic-relationship-with-uncw-results-in-a-trio-of-field-courses/ The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) has forged an academic relationship with the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) that will see UNCW students earning up to six academic credits for participating in and completing educationally-focused backcountry expeditions thousands of miles from campus and lasting up to a month. Beginning next spring, UNCW students can study in magnificent outdoor classroom settings that include Chile, Patagonia or Alaska. As a result of this accord between the university and our North Carolina-based outdoor adventure organization, these adventure courses are now counted among the approved academic activities for the university’s Department of Environmental Sciences (EVS) students. The trio of field courses — timed to coincide with scheduled breaks during the University’s 2018/19 academic year — provide UNCW students with some serious hands-on outdoor activities and lessons that are pretty much guaranteed to (more... ) --- - Published: 2017-11-03 - Modified: 2022-08-18 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/leave-no-trace-figures-big-in-ncoaes-curriculum/ We're sure the good folks over at the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics know this, but tt was Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell, the father of Boy Scouting, who coined the phrase, “Try and leave this world a little better than you found it. ” This retired British Army officer and founder of the scouting movement was adamant about improving the environment back in 1910 — especially on the trail — and his rule was later revised to, “Always leave the campground cleaner than you found it. ” We here at The National Center for Outdoor Adventure & Education (NCOAE) are big fans of this “First Chief Scout,” who among many other wilderness rules, principles and musings, once said, “A week of camp life is worth six months of theoretical teaching in the meeting room. ” Figuratively speaking, that’s a page right out of our own curriculum. Experiencing the outdoors outside far surpasses any classroom study or indoor book reading on the topic of (more... ) --- - Published: 2017-10-13 - Modified: 2017-10-13 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/pivoting-on-climate-change/ Most libraries and bookstores offer up books in the science and nature section that address climate change, with titles that range from “Hot Hungry Planet” to “Climate of Hope. ” Many of these books focus on global warming, polar bears in the Arctic, flooding and other environmental crises on continents around the world. Photo by Andy Brunner on Unsplash However, for those of us working in the fields of outdoor education, adventure-based recreation, and summer camp, we don’t need books and photos from foreign lands to persuade us that changes are occurring on our planet — and happening at an alarmingly fast rate. We see these changes on the rivers we run, mountains we climb, trails we traverse, and camping sites we claim and reclaim for seasonal programs. For many of us who facilitate outdoor education programs, we’ve observed (more... ) --- - Published: 2017-09-22 - Modified: 2023-08-17 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/staff-profile-ncoae-fall-2017-intern-adam-parish/ North Carolina native Adam Parish hails from a coastal town called Newport that is located about 100 miles northeast of our headquarters in Wilmington. He attends the University of North Carolina in Wilmington, where he is majoring in recreation, sports leadership and tourism management — a degree he expects to pick up next spring. Prior to accepting an internship position here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), Adam was a marine science technician with the United States Coast Guard. Our newest intern says his favorite pastimes include surfing, hunting, kayaking, and exercising. As we often do on our blog, today we offer a brief and very informal synopsis of our newest NCOAE staffer. With that being said, and the only serious question posed at the outset of the interview, below are some winsome, hardly worthwhile queries we placed before our new intern. They’re included here mostly for our edification and entertainment, as well as for “look back material” that we can reference when Adam makes it to the big time in the field outdoor- and adventure-based experiential education: NCOAE: Why did you apply to be an NCOAE recreation intern, and what do you hope to gain from the experience? Adam Parish: I participated in one of NCOAE’s Wilderness First Aid courses and thought the staff as a whole was great. Individually, they were really knowledgeable, skillful and they created a fun learning atmosphere. I got to know more about the organization and its mission and I felt interning would be a great learning experience. Basically, I hope that by the end of the fall internship I will have expanded my technical wilderness skills and gained valuable hands-on experience in coordinating outdoor adventure education programs. NCOAE: If you had super power strength, what would it be and why? Adam: My superpower would be to have super speed. I just think it would be awesome. NCOAE: What was the last costume you wore? Adam: I don't remember the last costume I put on. But I’m old and losing my memory. NCOAE: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being weirdest, exactly how weird are you and how did you get that way? Adam: Probably a seven! Who knows how I got to be so weird, but being weird is fun. Besides, what constitutes normal these days? NCOAE: A penguin walks through the door at NCOAE Headquarters wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he there? Adam: He says he’s there to hang out with the awesome people who work here. NCOAE: What do you think about when you’re alone in the wilderness? Adam: I don’t think. I just kick back and relax! NCOAE: Finish this sentence: In 10 years from now, I will be... Adam: I’m planning on enjoying life to the fullest because life is short and that is the only way to live! --- - Published: 2017-09-06 - Modified: 2023-08-17 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/2-words-when-natural-disaster-threatens-your-outdoor-campus-be-prepared/ For those of us who work day in and day out at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education’s (NCOAE) headquarters in Wilmington, N. C. , tropical storms and hurricanes are part of our environment. Just last year, Hurricane Matthew paid our campus a visit — right in the middle of a three-week campus-based course. But just like the Boy Scouts, we place a great deal of stock in their motto: Be Prepared. By the time that hurricane came roaring through, we had battened down the hatches at our headquarters facilities and moved everyone enrolled in the three-week training to the Raleigh Durham area where they finished out their course. By communicating that potential change far enough in advance, no one was surprised. Our students finished their certification program on time and were safe in doing so. And now Hurricane Irma looms on the horizon, threatening to make landfall along our coastline sometime next week. According to the latest National Hurricane Center reports, Florida could face direct impacts, with potential paths for the storms including a move further east to encompass the Carolinas and the East Coast. Mandatory evacuations have already been ordered for the Florida Keys. Outdoor education programs — especially those accredited by the Association for Experiential Education (AEE) — are well versed on what to do in the case of a backcountry emergency or disaster. But how do you prepare for a natural disaster on your own property? Below are 14 tips that we undertake and suggest for other outdoor education programs facing a disaster that might affect their properties: (more... ) --- - Published: 2017-08-25 - Modified: 2017-08-25 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/schools-next-custom-outdoor-education-program-starts-soon/ You don’t have to look at a calendar to know summer is quickly drawing to a close. Look at the traffic in your hometown. Notice anything different? How about the roads leading to and from local or regional shopping malls and big box stores? With most kids and their parents hitting the stores — or the Internet — in order to get properly outfitted for the school year, the telltale signs of the fall semester are all readily available. What’s equally important as preparing for a new school year is planning ahead for personal end-of-year adventures that can keep you motivated over the next three-and-a-half months (or in the case of spring semester adventures — eight-and-a-half months) of textbooks, term papers, quizzes, and preparing for 45-minute lectures. With some wise planning and a vow to battle procrastination, you can have a pretty good notion as to how you’re going to spend your next holiday or seasonal break from the classroom. And by having all your ducks in a row way before the end of the year, you’ll be rewarded by having that much more time to daydream about the adventure ahead. As for group programs at the end of this coming academic semester or year, private schools and public school districts all across the nation have already designed and implemented (more... ) --- - Published: 2017-08-14 - Modified: 2023-08-17 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/education-shouldnt-stop-once-weve-returned-to-the-trailhead/ Outdoor and adventure-based education programs are designed to take students out of their home environment and place them in outdoor settings where they can experience adventures — adventures that highlight challenges, the need for having empathy for others, as well as the need to develop characteristics that can result in a new generation of community leaders and stewards of our environmental resources. A huge task to be sure, but one of the ideas behind everything we do here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), is that our students (and adult course participants) will walk out of the backcountry feeling stronger — both mentally and physically. Following an adventure-based experiential education experience, we tell those we teach and guide that they are now better-prepared to go out and apply what they have learned in order to protect the natural environment, improve their own communities, and accept the challenges and rigors associated with their own education. But what happens when high school seniors brush themselves off at the end of such an adventure and decide they want to make that move to enroll in a college or university, only to discover the doors are shut to them. What if the obstacles to their future success include (more... ) --- - Published: 2017-07-22 - Modified: 2017-07-22 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/a-photograph-is-seldom-worth-even-one-outdoor-education-experience/ Here’s an exchange that recently occurred between a tourist and myself: “What kind of camera do you use? ” “What? ” “What kind of camera do you use to show people what you’ve done? ” “I don’t,” I replied as I stepped onto the beach, board tucked under my arm, ready to paddle out to the surfline. The woman appeared a bit confused by my answer, possibly perplexed that I wasn’t carrying a GoPro or waterproof camera on my morning adventure. I recall as a kid we used to watch documentaries in school and read articles about cultures where the inhabitants refused to be photographed for fear it would steal their souls. We were amazed — and a little amused — that a primitive tribe or ancient community could believe that a small box that lets in light could actually snatch a soul. NCOAE student on a recent Education Without Walls course in Alaska Nobody’s stealing souls, we said. We all just seek memories. Something to show others where we’ve been and what we’ve accomplished, uncovered or learned. And, while flipping through magazines, that’s what we saw. Other people’s adventures. But today, things are becoming a little more like the tribes fearing the loss of their souls. Whether in the surf, on the trail or gazing at the pristine surroundings from atop a mountain, we’re constantly surrounded by people actively (more... ) --- - Published: 2017-06-22 - Modified: 2023-08-17 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/summer-vacation-when-the-real-education-begins/ The final bell has rung and children at public and private schools across the nation have cleaned out their lockers and headed out the doors and hopefully, outdoors. Some of these children are departing schools that rarely allow their students to get down and dirty in the outside world — such as Polaris Charter Academy on Chicago’s West Side, where the school’s 450 students had been kept indoors due to fears associated with gun violence. In other parts of the country, fewer students get the opportunity to truly explore the world outside the playground or even lie down in the grass and point out the significance of cloud formations above. These same schools, for a variety of reasons, don’t take the time to schedule impromptu short excursions to neighboring parks and wilderness areas, teaching students the names of native birds, plants and trees, pointing out urban and suburban wildlife, or following a slow-moving creek to a larger, more rapid tributary. But just because most schools don’t fill that obligation doesn’t mean families can’t take over the job now that summer has arrived. The objective is to send these kids back to school in the fall — freshly cleaned up and rested — with heads full of new connections to the natural world. So how do our children and students truly benefit from outdoor and adventure education? Here’s a short list of the positive attributes of wilderness exploration: (more... ) --- - Published: 2017-06-06 - Modified: 2017-06-06 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/how-and-why-to-remove-junk-food-from-your-backpack/ “What’s fructose? What’s GMO? What do these words mean? These are some of the questions my 9-year-old daughter asked me last June as the family shopped for good snacks for a backpacking trip. By July, my daughter had vowed to stop eating food with “junk” in it. And to date, she has kept her word. Take a tour of your local grocery store, and peruse the list of ingredients on the back or side of the packaging of many of those so-called healthy snacks. You might be unpleasantly surprised to find that an abundance of these products tout themselves as containing all natural ingredients, when in actuality they contain just the opposite. It’s a bad habit, but often when we shop for those “in-between foods” (between meals), we’ll grab up what looks good or is easy to pack. Or we find ourselves purchasing items out of habit or convenience. But the truth is on the trail: Sugary, high-calorie snacks never translate into positive energy. Time for Change We’ve all experienced the benefits of using (more... ) --- - Published: 2017-05-12 - Modified: 2023-08-17 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/the-time-to-begin-preparing-for-summer-adventures-started-yesterday/ Here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) you can find us toiling year-round to bring our students and clients the very best in guided outdoor adventures with meaning. So, as far as our staff is concerned, we’re always in the “getting ready mode” for outings in the wilderness. But as we approach our busiest time of the year, we’d like to pose some questions for our seasonal participants: What are you doing to get ready? What does it mean to be ready? Can we ever really be ready? Let’s distill outdoor preparedness into three categories, Physical, Emotional and Gear. Physical: Lounging on the couch with a belly covered with unnaturally orange Cheetos dust while watching 180 Degrees South: Conquerors of the Useless for the 100th time might suggest it’s time to get busy getting fit before you head out on a course. Whether that entails short hikes with heavy bags, bike rides across town, hitting the gym or some distance running, it’s entirely up to you to decide what works. Just know this. Time’s ticking and the first summer excursions are less than the turn of a monthly calendar page away. Emotional: So you’ve been hiking, biking and swimming and you’re feeling like you’re getting your mojo back. Swell. Now it’s time to prepare mentally for what lies in store on the trail. Take a moment. Close your eyes and picture your favorite course area. It’s easy to recall the bucolic views, pristine settings, and warm campfires at night. But they say pain has no memory. Now think about an unrelenting sun beating down on you, or a trip that featured nothing but rain, day and night. Your gear and body are getting funky, you’re exhausted. And when you look around, you notice your fellow course mates appear to have been (more... ) --- - Published: 2017-04-14 - Modified: 2024-01-18 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/assessing-seasonal-gear-leads-to-a-trip-down-memory-lane/ Spring has sprung and it’s the beginning of another fine season of outdoor adventure, which means it’s time to start unpacking, inspecting, cleaning up and then repacking your gear. As you start pulling out the dusty Tupperware containers crammed with camping gear you’ve had since your first journey beyond the pavement, take some time to reflect. Revel in the moment as you remove each memory from the box. Think about where that tool or boot or piece of canvas has taken you, and the gifts you in turn received by being able to use that equipment with confidence. Dig deep and you’re likely to find a piece of gear that appears — to the uninformed — to be broken and unusable. But to you, a broken cam that you’ve had for years has meaning to it. In fact, you’re pretty much convinced that, in the event of an emergency, you could set that passive piece to save your butt. As you’re reading this, one of you might be thinking about an unusual rock you and a buddy picked up on a particularly fantastic trip. It’s never left your bag. Maybe it reminds you of (more... ) --- - Published: 2017-03-15 - Modified: 2022-07-13 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/5-new-staff-and-instructors-join-the-ncoae-family/ Here at The National Center for Outdoor Education & Adventure Education (NCOAE), we recently welcomed three new field instructors, a climbing instructor and a program coordinator to our outstanding team of staff members. Earlier this year, these five candidates — two women and three men — successfully completed our Winter 2017 Instructor Candidate Training Program, becoming part of a staff treasure trove that annually attracts some of the best outdoor and experientially-based wilderness educators in the country. Much of the success of our Instructor Candidate education goes to our training program, where NCOAE instructors work directly with candidates who — on their own steam — are highly qualified outdoor educators. Many of these candidates have worked for top-drawer wilderness organizations, and our training serves as a means of taking their experience and fine-tuning it to fit NCOAE’s extremely comprehensive curriculum. Our candidates tell us that despite their prior instructor training and experience, an intensive week of training at our North Carolina headquarters only serves to ratchet up that experience, giving them something more meaningful when guiding and instructing in the field with NCOAE’s students and participants. But enough about us. Let’s meet these five new NCOAE staff members: (more... ) --- - Published: 2017-02-25 - Modified: 2023-08-17 - URL: https://ncoae.org/blog/ncoae-seeks-funds-to-send-10-students-to-alaska/ Thanks to a $25,000 grant from the National Park Service (NPS), 10 students enrolled in our Education Without Walls program will participate in a 21-day summer 2017 backcountry adventure in southeast Alaska. The funding for the trip, which is designated as an NPS Challenge Cost Share Program Grant, covers nearly all the costs associated with taking the students to our northernmost state for what amounts to the trip of their young lives. The only catch is, the five boys and five girls selected for this outdoor education and service learning adventure are still a bit shy of having enough funds to make the trip, which will be guided by a trio of National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) instructors, as well as two National Park Service archeologists. Specifically, each of the students pictured above will need about $1,000 to pay for round- trip commercial airfare from Wilmington, NC, and bush flights throughout the Alaskan interior. Once there, in addition to a rash of breathtaking day hikes and exploratory treks, the 10 students be working alongside a National Park Service archeologist to clear brush and debris within the Chititu Historic Mining Landscape. This historic area features more than 30 structures and features exemplifying a (more... ) --- --- ## Testimonials --- ## Galleries --- ## Course Expeditions - Published: 2023-07-26 - Modified: 2025-07-28 - URL: https://ncoae.org/courses/wilderness-first-responder-hybrid-oregon-ncoae/ NCOAE offers the industry-standard wilderness medicine course that provides hands-on medical training combined with skills in outdoor leadership and critical thinking for professionals in remote and wilderness settings. Request More Info Wilderness First Responder Request More Info Name(Required)Email(Required)Phone Number(Required)How Soon Do You Wish To Enroll? (Required)Within the Next Three MonthsWithin the Next Six MonthsWithin the Next YearNext Year Submit /* { mutations. forEach( ( mutation ) => { if ( mutation. type === 'attributes' && visibilityTestDiv. offsetParent ! == null ) { debouncedTriggerPostRender; observer. disconnect; } }); }); observer. observe( document. body, { attributes: true, childList: false, subtree: true, attributeFilter: , }); } else { triggerPostRender; } } );} ); /* ]]> */ --- - Published: 2022-02-03 - Modified: 2024-05-31 - URL: https://ncoae.org/courses/adult-leadership-expedition-patagonia-backpacking-whitewater/ A 14-day Patagonia backpacking & whitewater paddling expedition. https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=M5GYdZEUHvo Request More Info 14 Day ADULT LEADERSHIP EXPEDITION Name(Required)Email(Required)Phone Number(Required)How Soon Do You Wish To Enroll? (Required)Within the Next Three MonthsWithin the Next Six MonthsWithin the Next YearNext Year Submit /* { mutations. forEach( ( mutation ) => { if ( mutation. type === 'attributes' && visibilityTestDiv. offsetParent ! == null ) { debouncedTriggerPostRender; observer. disconnect; } }); }); observer. observe( document. body, { attributes: true, childList: false, subtree: true, attributeFilter: , }); } else { triggerPostRender; } } );} ); /* ]]> */ --- - Published: 2022-02-03 - Modified: 2025-01-17 - URL: https://ncoae.org/courses/gap-year-north-carolina-ecuador/ Develop essential wilderness knowledge and skills — while living and learning in wild, beautiful places throughout the world! Request More Info 60 Day GAP SEMESTER Name(Required)Email(Required)Phone Number(Required)How Soon Do You Wish To Enroll? (Required)Within the Next Three MonthsWithin the Next Six MonthsWithin the Next YearNext Year Submit /* { mutations. forEach( ( mutation ) => { if ( mutation. type === 'attributes' && visibilityTestDiv. offsetParent ! == null ) { debouncedTriggerPostRender; observer. disconnect; } }); }); observer. observe( document. body, { attributes: true, childList: false, subtree: true, attributeFilter: , }); } else { triggerPostRender; } } );} ); /* ]]> */ --- --- ## Course Trainings --- ## Team - Published: 2025-07-29 - Modified: 2025-07-29 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/callum-cunningham/ Callum Cunningham is a Field Instructor at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) in Wilmington, North Carolina, where he brings both professional experience and personal passion to the backcountry courses he leads. With a background in outdoor education and adventure leadership, Callum has spent the past few years teaching nature skills, environmental science, and outdoor recreation to youth across the country. Originally from Berkley, Massachusetts, Callum has held instructor roles with Mass Audubon (Lincoln, MA) and Deep Portage Learning Center (Cass County, MN), guiding students through hands-on lessons in environmental awareness and outdoor living skills. He’s also worked as a tour captain with Rail Explorers in Rhode Island and Nevada, where he led guided bicycling experiences that blend history, fitness, and fun. Callum earned his associate degree in Outdoor Leadership & Entrepreneurship from Snow College (Ephraim, UT), where he focused on skills such as backpacking, kayaking, paddleboarding, and climbing. His academic work, combined with personal trips and outdoor experiences, prepared him to step confidently into the world of expedition education. A certified Wilderness First Responder and Leave No Trace Trainer, Callum values communication, community-building, and curiosity. He especially enjoys teaching effective communication techniques and watching groups grow stronger together in the outdoors. Outside of work, Callum participates in birding, plays guitar, cooks, attends local events, and is now diving into anime and manga. His role model is a close friend, Haruka, a passionate and level-headed climber who inspired Callum’s approach to adventure and leadership. If he had a superpower, Callum says he’d love to walk and sleep at the same time, effortlessly arriving where he needs to be — “just like Jack Skellington. ” --- - Published: 2025-07-29 - Modified: 2025-07-29 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/raven-delhanty/ Raven Delhanty is a backpacking guide at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) in Wilmington, North Carolina, where she brings a strong background in emergency medicine and expedition leadership to the backcountry programs she leads. With years of hands-on experience in remote wilderness settings, Raven is passionate about creating outdoor experiences that leave lasting impressions on course participants. Originally from Saint Johns, Arizona, Raven spent multiple summers leading multi-day expeditions with Alaska Mountain Guides (Haines, AK), where she was responsible for everything from route planning and food packing to leading backcountry groups through Alaska’s rugged terrain. Her attention to detail, risk management skills, and calm presence in dynamic environments make her an exceptional field guide. Raven is a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and EMT Instructor, as well as a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) provider. She’s equally comfortable leading remote trips as she is training others in emergency medical care. At NCOAE, Raven is part of a team that values education, exploration, and proactively guiding course participants through facilitated hands-on wilderness experiences. Her leadership style reflects a blend of practical skill, personal warmth, and a deep appreciation for the power of nature. When she’s not in the field, Raven enjoys rafting, rock climbing, sea kayaking, yoga, and reading. Her biggest inspiration is Nels Niemi — the rafting guide who first taught her to love the water and live life with intention. --- - Published: 2025-07-29 - Modified: 2025-07-29 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/kristen-cook/ Kirsten Cook is a Lead Instructor at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) in Wilmington, North Carolina, where she brings a rare blend of outdoor leadership, scientific fieldwork, and multilingual education experience to her role. She has more than a decade of guiding, instructing, and environmental teaching experience to her credit. Born and raised in Los Gatos, California, Kirsten’s professional journey spans remote wildlife studies, bilingual outdoor programs, and grassroots educational outreach. She has served in roles with the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Center, Livestock and Range Research Laboratory; the Smithsonian’s Conservation Ecology Center; and numerous outdoor organizations including YMCA’s Bold & Gold (Seattle, WA), Showdown Montana Ski Area (Neihart, MT), and UC Santa Barbara Adventure Programs. Whether she’s collecting prairie dog data for research, leading Spanish-language backpacking trips, or training new instructors, Kirsten thrives in environments that combine technical skill with human connection. A fluent Spanish speaker, she has worked extensively in bilingual settings both in the U. S. and abroad, including immersive study in Chile. She is a certified Wilderness First Responder, Leave No Trace Instructor, and an Avalanche-trained Alpine Instructor with a strong foundation in safety, communication, and community-building. At NCOAE, Kirsten leads field courses that foster leadership, ecological literacy, and resilience. Her background of trekking thousands of miles in the backcountry — including a solo journey across 1,500 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail — and her countless hours teaching students from kindergarten to college in both classroom and wilderness settings, make her the ideal team member at NCOAE. Outside of work, Kirsten enjoys reading science fiction and fantasy, exploring ethnobotany, and spending time with her extended family, including her niece, nephew, and godson. --- - Published: 2025-07-03 - Modified: 2025-07-29 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/jessica-prescott/ Jessica Prescott is a Field Instructor at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) in Wilmington, North Carolina, where she combines her love for experiential education and the natural world to create meaningful outdoor experiences for our students. With a background in youth engagement and environmental learning, Jessica believes deeply in the power of nature to build confidence, connection, and healing. Originally from Fort Mill, South Carolina, Jessica has held instructional and leadership roles across several outdoor programs and organizations. She served as a Lead Teacher for outdoor after-school care at Anne Springs Close Greenway (Charlotte, NC) and worked as an Outdoor Adventures Counselor with Kidder Creek Camps (Mount Hermon, CA). At Eagle Lake Camps (Colorado Springs, CO), she led backpacking trips for groups of 5–12 students, taught Leave No Trace principles, instructed rock climbing, and guided participants through high-risk adventure activities. Most recently, she worked as a Naturalist at Mount Hermon Outdoor Science School, leading weekly science-based lessons through immersive experiences in the California redwoods. Jessica holds a degree in English with a minor in Education from Winthrop University ((Rock Hill, SC). She is certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR and is a member of the Association for Experiential Education (AEE). Known for her ability to make people feel seen and heard, Jessica prioritizes creating safe, inclusive spaces in the outdoors. She’s passionate about helping students discover their strengths and develop a sense of environmental stewardship. When she’s not on the trail, Jessica enjoys crocheting, yoga, reading, and spending time with her beloved niece. Her role model is her close friend Kinsey, whose empathy, service, and friendship have had a lasting impact on her life. If she could have any superpower, Jessica would choose to speak every language fluently, which would be a reflection of her sincere desire to connect with and understand people from all walks of life. --- - Published: 2025-07-03 - Modified: 2025-07-29 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/emily-elkins/ Emily Elkins is a Field Instructor at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) in Wilmington, North Carolina, where she brings over seven years of experience guiding and teaching in the outdoors. A certified interpretive guide, she is passionate about helping students connect more deeply with the natural world and themselves through immersive wilderness experiences. Originally from New Glarus, Wisconsin, Emily has worked in outdoor education roles across the U. S. Her resume includes serving as a Lead Instructor for Voyageur Outward Bound School (St. Paul, MN), a Wilderness Adventure Guide for Rippleffect (Portland, ME), a teacher at Sprouts Nature School (Madison, WI), and a guide and media intern for GOAT (Greenville, SC). Across all these roles, she has honed the skills to create safe, welcoming, and meaningful outdoor experiences for participants of all ages. Emily holds a bachelor’s degree in Outdoor Recreation Leadership and Management from Northern Michigan University (Marquette, MI). She’s certified as a Wilderness First Responder, with additional certifications in Wilderness Water Safety, and Interpretive Guiding, and CPR. At NCOAE, Emily is excited to be part of a team of passionate educators from across the country, united in their mission to lead transformative trips for youth and adults alike. She thrives on creating space for personal growth and environmental awareness and loves helping expedition participants build confidence in wild settings. When she’s not instructing, you’ll likely find Emily rock climbing, painting, practicing yoga, or capturing the beauty of the outdoors through her camera lens. Her biggest role model is her dad, who Emily says has the type of resilience, curiosity, and adventurous spirit that continues to inspire her. --- - Published: 2025-07-03 - Modified: 2025-07-29 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/roni-dekard/ Roni Deckard is a Field Instructor at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) in Wilmington, North Carolina, where she brings a passion for environmental connection and years of hands-on experience in outdoor leadership. With a background that spans coast to coast, Roni has worked with a range of organizations focused on adventure education and student development. Originally from Missoula, Montana, Roni has served as a Program Coordinator for Northwest Youth Corps (Eugene, OR) and taught experiential learning with Missoula Outdoor Learning Adventures (Missoula). Her guiding experience includes river expeditions with AAM's Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Trail Tours (Durango, CO), cross-country service trips as a Trip Leader for Bike and Build (Philadelphia, PA) and instructing for Boston University’s Outdoor Programs. Roni, who earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Boston University and is certified as a Wilderness EMT. She is a member of the Association for Experiential Education (AEE), is known for creating inclusive, motivating environments that help students build personal confidence while fostering a deeper connection with the natural world. Whether paddling a river or hiking a ridge, she loves sparking curiosity and a sense of environmental stewardship in every group she leads. Outside field work and guiding, Roni enjoys trail running, biking, whitewater rafting, playing the banjo, and knitting. She often travels with their trusty adventure pup, Stella, and dreams of having wings to fly between family, friends, and the next great trail. Her biggest role model? Her mom — a woman Ronia says works hard, laughs often, and leads with kindness. --- - Published: 2025-07-03 - Modified: 2025-07-29 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/bryon-cain/ Bryon Cain is a Field Instructor at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) in Wilmington, North Carolina, where he brings more than two decades of military and survival training to the field outdoor education and adventure programming. A retired U. S. Navy veteran with 22 years of service, Bryon draws on his deep background in navigation, wilderness survival, and instruction to guide students with purpose, precision, and heart. Based in nearby Hampstead, NC, Bryon has held multiple roles in the Navy, including Aviation Electronics Technician, Ship Navigator, and Navy SEAL. He also served as a Riverine Jet Boat Instructor and Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Instructor for the Marine Forces Special Operations Command. An Outward Bound alum (Class of 1988), Bryon’s roots in the outdoors run deep. He believes strongly in the power of nature to teach discipline, self-reliance, and connection. At NCOAE, he’s excited for new challenges and values the opportunity to teach and learn alongside fellow instructors and students. Bryon earned a bachelor’s degree in business and communication from Liberty University (Lynchburg, VA) in 2015 and is certified as a Wilderness First Responder (WFR). He is a proud member of the Association for Experiential Education (AEE). Outside of work, Bryon enjoys spending time with his wife, Patti, and their two adult sons, Tucker and Travis. He can often be found with his service dog, Stella, exploring the woods, hunting, fishing, or practicing meditation and yoga. His personal interests also include plant identification and survival skills. Bryon’s role models are his father and stepfather, who taught him to live with honor, respect women, and uphold integrity in every interaction. If he had a superpower, he’d choose to be a Grey Jedi — walking the line between light and dark to bring balance and good to the world, without dogma. --- - Published: 2025-07-03 - Modified: 2025-07-29 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/sarina-maki/ Sarina Maki is a Field Instructor at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) in Wilmington, North Carolina. She leads custom group expeditions, including multi-day backpacking trips through North Carolina’s Pisgah National Forest, which are designed to build participant’s confidence, connection, and a love for the natural world. Originally from Ishpeming, Michigan, Sarina has worked across the Midwest in a range of outdoor education roles. She has led outdoor orientation trips and community-building expeditions through the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute at Northland College (Ashland, Wisconsin) and served as a camp counselor and program staff member at both Camp Michigamme (WI) and Camp Henry (Newaygo, MI). At Hiawatha Scout Camp (Munising, MI), she taught ecological lessons as a certified Ecology Merit Badge Counselor. Sarina’s leadership experience is grounded in both formal education and deep personal commitment. Currently pursuing a degree in Outdoor Education, Environmental Education, and Outdoor Leadership, she has completed a 60-day expedition that refined her skills in backcountry navigation, outdoor living, group facilitation, and multiple adventure disciplines, including climbing, sailing, bikepacking, and canoeing. These experiences, paired with curriculum planning and conflict resolution training, have prepared her to lead with empathy, insight, and adaptability. What excites Sarina most about working at NCOAE is the chance to form meaningful connections outdoors and witness the growth that happens when trip and course participants step outside their comfort zones. She believes in the transformative power of nature and loves guiding students as they discover new strengths and perspectives. When she’s not in the backcountry, you’ll find Sarina journaling, collaging, or diving into the waters of Lake Superior, no matter the season. Her role model is Erica Thomas, a former camp director whose warmth, generosity, and love for the outdoors continue to inspire Sarina’s approach to leadership and life. Sarina received the Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service’s 2023 Young Adult Civic Engagement Award. When asked what superpower she’d choose to use for good, she said she would shine sunlight on herself and others — bringing warmth, joy, and a little extra brightness to even the darkest of days. --- - Published: 2025-07-03 - Modified: 2025-07-03 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/j-t-schexnayder-iii/ As the Outdoor Program Coordinator at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) in Wilmington, North Carolina, J. T. Schexnayder brings a rare blend of classroom teaching and outdoor leadership experience to every trip he plans and participates in. With a foundation in science education and a passion for the outdoors, J. T. helps NCOAE create transformative experiences that inspire growth, confidence, and connection. Before joining the team at NCOAE, J. T. served as Coordinator for Outdoor Recreation at the University of Georgia, where he spent four years organizing and leading student expeditions. Prior to that, he taught middle school science in South Carolina and Wyoming, bringing energy and curiosity into classrooms and nature alike. His summers were spent as Adventure Camp Director at Highlands Presbyterian Camp and Retreat Center (Allenspark, CO), where he spent time guiding youth through climbing, hiking, and outdoor leadership programs. Originally from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, J. T. holds a bachelor’s degree in American History from Washington and Lee University and recently completed a master’s degree in Forestry and Natural Resources from the University of Georgia (Athens, GA). In 2025, he co-presented a workshop titled “The Impact of Smartphone Use on Goal Attainment in Outdoor Recreation” at the 47th Annual Southeast Recreation Research Conference — the longest-running outdoor recreation-focused conference in the U. S. Known for his ability to connect with students of all ages, J. T. is passionate about introducing others to the power of learning through outdoor education. He has led trips focused on backpacking, caving, paddling, climbing, and skiing, and believes guided outdoor adventures can be life-changing when done with intention and care. Outside of work, J. T. enjoys cooking, dancing, hiking, and reading. He lives with his wife, two cats, and a spirited cocker spaniel. If he could have any superpower, it would be snapping his fingers to clean the kitchen (a small wish from a dedicated cook who’d rather be outside than scrubbing dishes). His biggest inspiration? His grandfather, who first introduced him to the wonders of the outdoors and set him on a lifelong path of exploration and stewardship. --- - Published: 2025-07-01 - Modified: 2025-07-03 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/yolanda-arzola/ Yolanda Arzola is the Admissions Assistant at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) in Wilmington, North Carolina, where she combines her passion for structure, community, and creativity to guide new students through their enrollment. Her professional journey began in the U. S. Army, where she served nine years, rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant. Her military career included roles as a Military Police Officer, Investigator, and Recruiter. After leaving the military, Yolanda took on the role of Outreach Coordinator at Tu Casa Latina (Reno, NV), a nonprofit supporting undocumented and underserved populations in the Sierra Nevada region. She remains deeply involved in advocacy work, volunteering across youth programs and leading mental health awareness initiatives, including sneaker-painting workshops for tribal youth. Born in Hartford, Connecticut, and raised between Florida and Puerto Rico, Yolanda brings a vibrant cultural background and a fluent command of Spanish to her work. At NCOAE, Yolanda enjoys being close to the ocean and helping create a welcoming environment that inspires students to grow. She believes in empowering others to chase their dreams, often saying, “When your sole glows, nothing can stop you from following your dreams. ” When she’s not working, Yolanda enjoys designing custom sneakers and purses, dancing, and swimming with her three dogs: Simbah, Max, and Gio Papi. Her role model is music icon Benito Ocasio Martinez (Bad Bunny), for boldly bringing Puerto Rican culture to the global stage with authenticity and heart. --- - Published: 2024-10-09 - Modified: 2024-10-09 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/matthew-mcpherson/ Matthew McPherson joined the team at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) in 2024 as an EMT Instructor, bringing nearly eight years of experience in emergency medical services. Originally from Wilmington, North Carolina, Matthew has served as a paramedic with Novant Health New Hanover Emergency Medical Services in Wilmington and Mecklenburg EMS in Charlotte, NC. In addition to his fieldwork, he has spent the last three years instructing EMS courses at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, where he honed his teaching skills. Matthew’s professional credentials include a North Carolina Paramedic certification and EMT Basic Level 1 Instructor certification. His background in both EMS and EMS education qualify Matthew to be a guide and mentor to future emergency healthcare service providers. Outside of work, Matthew enjoys spending time fishing, kayaking, and rock climbing. He and his wife have twin daughters, and he looks forward to teaching them to scuba dive one day, as he loves sharing his hobbies with his family. Matthew credits his father as a key role model, teaching him to pursue happiness and be the man he aspires to be. When asked about a superpower, Matthew would choose the ability to breathe underwater, enabling him to explore the ocean — a fitting wish for someone who enjoys water-based adventures. --- - Published: 2024-10-09 - Modified: 2024-10-09 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/alison-alie-peterson/ Alie Peterson serves as Clinical Coordinator at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), where she plays a pivotal role in supporting students as they navigate new environments and develop essential clinical skills during EMT training. Originally from Carolina Beach, North Carolina, Alie has an extensive background in healthcare. In addition to her role at NCOAE, she works a Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, NC, where she helps care for the most vulnerable patients and their families. In addition to her medical career, Alie has explored her entrepreneurial side as the publisher of SaltyCB. com, a local online resource providing insights on events and activities in the Carolina Beach and Kure Beach communities. Alie holds an Associate of Science in Registered Nursing from Cape Fear Community College (Wilmington) and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics & Business from Agnes Scott College (Decatur, GA). Her combination of clinical expertise and business acumen makes her a valuable asset to NCOAE. Outside of work, Alie is deeply engaged in her community. She is a coach for Girls on the Run International, inspiring young girls to be healthy and confident, and has volunteered with Ocean Cure, a nonprofit providing beach accessibility and surfing programs, and the Pleasure Island Sea Turtle Project, focused on sea turtle conservation. As a proud resident of Carolina Beach since 2017, Alie is passionate about the ocean, the town, and its vibrant community. She enjoys spending time with her two children, ages 9 and 11, and continues to volunteer and contribute to the causes close to her heart. --- - Published: 2024-10-09 - Modified: 2024-10-09 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/clifton-bannerman/ With extensive field experience in emergency medical services, Clifton Bannerman serves as an EMT Instructor at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE). Clifton, who was born and raised in Wilmington, North Carolina, brings a wealth of experience to his role. From working as a paramedic with Novant Health New Hanover Emergency Medical Services, Brunswick County EMS, and Leland Fire/Rescue, to his prior work as an ocean rescue lifeguard at Carolina Beach, Clifton’s career has consistently demonstrated a dedication to public safety and service. His strong interpersonal skills, combined with a drive to help others improve their healthcare knowledge, make Clifton well-suited for his role as an NCOAE EMT instructor. Clifton earned a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medical Care from Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC, and studied at Cape Fear Community College (Wilmington). Outside of work, he enjoys farming, fishing, and surfing. Clifton is married and credits his father as a significant role model, shaping his character and values. --- - Published: 2024-10-09 - Modified: 2024-10-09 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/john-del-percio/ John Del Percio is an EMT Instructor at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), where he brings a number of unique professional experiences to his role. With a background that spans from high-volume suburban 911 systems to the remote and harsh environments of McMurdo Station, Antarctica, John’s career reflects a commitment to emergency medical care in all its forms. Originally from Youngstown, Ohio, and currently residing in the Pacific Northwest where NCOAE offers a number of trainings and courses, John’s field experience includes leading medical teams during the COVID-19 pandemic, managing acute care clinics for Afghan refugees, and overseeing EMS operations in both urban and rural settings. His skills extend to industrial firefighting, technical rescue operations, and providing prolonged casualty care in resource-limited situations. John is a certified and nationally registered paramedic, Wilderness EMT, and Firefighter (Level Two). His passion for emergency medical services and education is fueled by his experience as a travel paramedic working across multiple systems and environments worldwide. Outside of his professional life, John enjoys long-distance thru-hiking, international travel, and off-roading. He is inspired by the late chef, Anthony Bourdain for his incredible storytelling and unflinching honesty about life’s challenges. --- - Published: 2024-10-09 - Modified: 2024-10-09 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/paige-shogi/ Paige Shogi is an EMT Instructor at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), where she a unique blend of medical and educational experience to the team. Hailing from Hickory, North Carolina, Paige is also full-time paramedic in New Hanover County, NC. She previously worked as an EMT in Hickory, NC, where she built a strong foundation in emergency medicine. Paige holds a Bachelor of Arts in K-12 Education with a minor in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) from Appalachian State University. Her passion for teaching took her to Guadalajara, Mexico, where she taught English before transitioning back into the EMS field. Paige is certified as a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic (NREMT-P) and at NCOAE is dedicated to passing on her knowledge to the next generation of emergency medical professionals. She enjoys seeing her students absorb and apply the skills they learn, and her broad teaching experience allows her to adapt to different learning styles and strategies with ease. In her free time, Paige enjoys spending time with her family at the beach, collecting shark teeth, and reading. She is married with a daughter and cites her father, a retired paramedic, as her role model. His influence and encouragement inspired her to pursue a career in emergency medical services. --- - Published: 2024-10-09 - Modified: 2024-10-09 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/rodney-covault/ Rodney Covault serves as an EMT Instructor at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), bringing a rich and diverse background in emergency services, law enforcement, and education to his role. Originally from Lake Forest, California, Rodney has more than 15 years of experience spanning several fields. In addition to his role at NCOAE, he works as a paramedic with Novant Health New Hanover Emergency Medical Services in Wilmington, North Carolina, and previously served as a paramedic with Pender EMS/Fire in Burgaw, NC, for three years, as well as a patient transport professional for two years. Prior to his paramedic career, Rodney spent a decade as a police officer, gaining valuable insight into public safety and crisis management. Rodney’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Administration of Criminal Justice from the University of Phoenix, along with studies at Irvine Valley Community College (Irvina, CA), Golden West Community College (Huntington Beach, CA), College of Eastern Idaho (Idaho Falls, ID), and Cape Fear Community College (Wilmington). His professional certifications include paramedic, police officer, and network administrator, and he is a certified instructor for Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). At NCOAE, Rodney enjoys teaching and mentoring motivated learners, as well as sharing his passion for helping others develop new skills. His teaching philosophy is inspired by his grandfather, who instilled in him a lifelong love of learning and patience in guiding others. Outside of work, Rodney enjoys fishing and spending time with his family. He is married with three children. --- - Published: 2024-10-09 - Modified: 2024-10-09 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/david-bullard/ With more than a quarter of a century of Fire EMS and Public Safety experience, David Bullard serves as the EMT Training Program Director at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE). Born and raised in Elizabethtown, North Carolina, David’s experience ranges from being a firefighter and paramedic, to posts as fire captain and battalion chief, college instructor, Tactical Combat Casualty Care instructor, and a stint as a Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) instructor. His certifications and designations include NREMT critical care paramedic, Level II paramedic instructor, Firefighter Level 2 instructor, Technical Rescuer instructor, and Basic Life Support (BLS) instructor. David is also certified in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Advanced Medical Life Support (AMLS), Prehospital Trauma Life Support, Basic Life Support, and CPR. At NCOAE, David facilitates in-person and virtual classes, manages instructor scheduling, supports the updating of policies and programming methods, and assists in re-credentialing staff and instructors. David received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology/Exercise and Sport Science from East Carolina University (Greenville, N. C. ) in 1998 and graduated as a registered nurse (ASN Nursing RN) from Carteret Community College in Moorhead City, N. C. in 2011. --- - Published: 2024-06-26 - Modified: 2024-06-26 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/samantha-edwards-ncoae-field-instructor-raft-guide/ A native of Grants Pass, Oregon, Samantha Edwards has been leading river trips for theNational Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) since 2020. When she’snot guiding NCOAE adventurers, Samantha works as an interventionist at Oregon Health& Science University’s (OHSU) Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland, where sheprovides full-spectrum pediatric care. Before joining NCOAE as a field instructor / raft guide, Samantha was a para-educator atthe Pioneer Special School Program for Portland Public Schools, a youth behavioral leadcounselor for Youth Villages, and a raft guide, trip leader, and challenge coursefacilitator at Oregon State University’s Adventure Leadership Institute in Corvallis. Additionally, she served as supervisor of operations for the Outdoor RecreationDepartment at Oregon State University. Samantha holds a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Lewis & ClarkCollege (Portland, OR), a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, and a Bachelor ofArts in Liberal Studies from Oregon State University, with a focus on Life Coaching. A lover of water and all wild places, Samantha’s family includes her partner, Chaley, twodogs (Juniper and Yarrow), and three cats (Jasper, Quincy, and Jaxon). --- - Published: 2024-01-30 - Modified: 2024-01-30 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/celia-parr/ Hailing from Bethesda, Maryland, Celia Parr is a field instructor at The National Center for Outdoor and Adventure Education (NCOAE) in Wilmington, North Carolina. Previously, she was an adventure instructor at Avid4Adventure in Boulder, Colorado. , and head counselor at Camp Merrie-Woode — a nonprofit residential camp for girls ages 7 to 17 in the western hills of North Carolina.   Celia boasts a remarkable history of employment with prestigious organizations in the outdoor education sector of the outdoor industry. Her current and prior roles have included working as a contract instructor for the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) in Lander, Wyoming; serving as an experiential education teaching fellow at Albuquerque Academy in Albuquerque, New Mexico; working as a wilderness orientation student instructor at Prescott College in Prescott, Arizona; and holding a position as a part-time program director at Discover Link, a before and after school program in the Denver Public School District in Colorado. In addition to teaching outdoors, where she focused on giving young people the best hands-on outdoor education experience of their lives, her hobbies include embroidery, hiking, and baking. --- - Published: 2024-01-30 - Modified: 2024-01-30 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/carrie-kraft/ Carrie Kraft is a field instructor and rafting guide at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE). With more than 15 years of experience of leading trips and guiding activities within the outdoor education sector of the outdoor industry, Carrie admits to having an enormous passion for sharing her love of wilderness with others. A raft guide and field instructor for NCOAE since 2018, Carrie has worked for a number of outdoor education and adventuring programming organizations as a field guide, field instructor, ropes course instructor, and even as a primary therapist and wilderness-based therapist. Organizations for which she has worked include Alaska Crossings (St, Wrangell, AK), Camp Tamarack Outdoor School (Jefferson County, Oregon), Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp (Rhododendron, OR), Cascade Crest Transitions (Bend, Oregon), and New Vision Wilderness (Medford, WI). Carrie’s bachelor’s degree in outdoor leadership and education, and her master’s in clinical mental health from Oregon State University give her considerable knowledge and insights into explorations of the wilderness and the mind. This Bend, Oregon, native holds memberships in the American Canoe Association (ACA) and Association for Experiential Education (AEE). And, given her vocation, it’s no wonder she shares her love of boating, skiing, backpacking and hiking with her partner and son.   --- - Published: 2024-01-30 - Modified: 2024-01-30 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/mandy-goff/ Mandy Goff is a field instructor for The National Center for Outdoor and Adventure Education (NCOAE). Previously, Mandy worked for NCOAE’s sister organization — Education Without Walls. She is also currently the program director at Cedarkirk Camp and Conference Center in Lithia, FL, and before that, was the program director and assistant director at Johnsonburg Camp and Retreat Center (Frelinghuysen Township, NJ). Originally from Illinois, Mandy currently lives outside of Tampa, Fla. , where she enjoys riding her bike, hiking and traveling. She says a favorite part of working for NCOAE is meeting and getting to know the variety of staff members on any given trip. Mandy holds memberships in a number of outdoor education-focused organizations, including the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT), the American Camp Association (ACA) and the Association for Experiential Education (AEE). She is passionate about all things outdoors and has seen first-hand the difference that outdoor experiences and the communities formed there can make in a person’s life. Citing her grandfather as the cornerstone of the family because he was always around when needed, Mandy said she intends to stay in outdoor education and recreation far into the future because helping others is also her passion. --- - Published: 2024-01-30 - Modified: 2024-01-30 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/aly-topscher/ Aly Topscher has been a field instructor at The National Center for Outdoor and Adventure Education (NCOAE) since 2021. Previously, she worked as a naturalist/outdoor educator for Naturalists at Large in Ventura, California. Before that, Aly was a rental technician at Big Bear Ski Resort at Big Bear Lake, CA.   It was while working for Naturalists at Large that Aly met her role model — a member of the office staff who occasionally led backcountry trips. Aly said it was that woman’s honest feedback that helped shape her into a naturalist. Aly is a member of the Association for Experiential Education (AEE) and enjoys a variety of human-powered outdoor activities including hiking, backpacking, skiing, longboarding, flatwater kayaking, surfing, and rock climbing. Her proficiency in these and other adventure-based pursuits has enabled her to guide children and teens on backcountry excursions, fostering in them an enthusiasm for learning and a deep appreciation for the outdoors. A native of Bel Air, MD, who received her Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Science from the University of South Carolina (Columbia, SC), Aly is often expanding her knowledge of the flora and fauna in the southern United States. Like all NCOAE field instructors, Aly is committed to teaching about the environment and sustainability. She believes that this work is not only important but also gives her a profound sense of purpose. --- - Published: 2024-01-29 - Modified: 2024-01-29 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/watson-goh/ Watson Goh has been a National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) field instructor since 2021. Prior to joining Team NCOAE, Watson was a trip leader and guide for the Outdoor Adventures program at Duke University (Durham, North Carolina), and an analyst for Cornerstone Research. Watson maintains an active membership in the Association for Experiential Education (AEE), received training as a Wilderness First Responder (WFR), and is CPR certified. Those qualifications, plus a love of climbing, hiking, camping, backpacking and skiing led to working with Duke University’s outdoor program, specializing in trip planning and logistics. Watson was attracted to NCOAE because of our like-minded staff that places educating the public about the wonders of the wilderness. Born in Malaysia, Watson received his Bachelor of Science degree in economics and mathematics in 2020 from Duke University. While at the university, Watson said he was impressed with Chris Hendricks, the manager of Duke’s Outdoor Adventures program. Specifically, he said he was drawn to Hendricks’ insistence that outdoor educators place an emphasis on inspiring their students to become more involved in the backcountry. --- - Published: 2024-01-29 - Modified: 2024-01-29 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/jasmin-gonzalez/ Jasmin Gonzalez is a Field Instructor at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), where she guides groups on backcountry expeditions and teaches young people how important it is to protect our planet. And like all NCOAE field instructors, she has the skills and experience to provide the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts with the tools needed to handle the challenges our planet faces.   Jasmin’s first NCOAE came in 2021 when she took our Instructor Course. Two years later, she was leading wilderness adventures for us. She loves meeting new people and using her experience and skills to support them on the trail, making it a positive and fun time. She also enjoys facilitating group learning and watching what she terms “the lightbulb moments” for students when they try something for the first time. Jasmin has an impressive resume of academic, environmental, outdoor and scientific job experience prior to joining us here at NCOAE, including as an outdoor and environmental educator for AmeriCorps. Other instructor posts include teaching at Adventures Cross Country, NatureBridge, Visions Service Adventures and Ecology Project International. She was also a Fulbright Program English Teaching Assistant, a food and environment program outreach assistant for the Union of Concerned Scientists, and a program leader and global communications coordinator for Rustic Pathways. Jasmine earned her Bachelor of Arts in Global Environmental Change & Sustainability and her Master's Degree in Environmental Science & Policy, both from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. Born in Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, Jasmin enjoys hiking, traveling, running, camping, paddling, diving, reading and learning other languages. She has two sisters, a set of wonderful parents, along with cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. When she thinks of the future, Jasmin sees herself still actively exploring the outdoors and continuing to bring that opportunity and passion to others. Jasmin wants life to continue to feel authentic to her and what she believes she can do to make the world a better place, all the while continuing to maintain balance and taking care of herself in order to sustain the work. --- - Published: 2024-01-26 - Modified: 2024-02-05 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/kenneth-hippie/ Kenneth Hippe, WFR, is Field Instructor at The National Center for Outdoor &Adventure Education (NCOAE). A self-employed options trader by day, Kenneth is muchmore comfortable in the backcountry than working with futures and figures. Hailing from Oakton, Virginia, Kenneth is a 2018 graduate of James Madison University(Harrisonburg, VA) where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in quantitativefinance. But he discovered that working with the staff at NCOAE, especially with theleaders of our Outdoor Education Dept. , made him feel right at home — in thewilderness. This should come as no surprise to anyone who knows Kenneth, who is himself an avidhiker, backpacker, camper, and kayak and canoeing enthusiast. In addition, he hasalways enjoyed sharing the tips and tricks he is learning about the basics of backcountryexploration. Adding to his outdoor expertise, Kenneth attained the pinnacle of scouting with an EagleScout designation and was a crew leader at Philmont Scout Ranch (Cimarron NM), notedfor its 35 staffed camps and 55 trail camps that offer seven- to 12-day adventures. Kenneth is certified in Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR and holds membership in theAssociation for Experiential Education (AEE). Among his role models is Fred Marks, his Northern Tier Canoe guide in 2010, duringKenneth’s first exposure to the great outdoors and the backcountry. While on that trip,Kenneth noticed that Marks was writing a book about a canoe expedition he completedalong a traditional fur-trading route a year earlier. Six men set off, with four droppingout during the grueling 45-day trip. Kenneth said Marks’ book, “Far Distant Echo,” wasan inspiration to him, and an expedition he hopes to replicate in the future. In fact, his dreams for the future include guiding trips in Denali, Wrangell St. EliasMountains, Yosemite, Rocky Mountains, the Grand Canyon, and maybe east in theAppalachians. He’s pretty certain it will fulfill his life, especially when compared tojuggling financial papers in an office. Whenever he’s in the field with NCOAE students, Kenneth says he’s constantlyencouraging them to avoid hiking with their heads down, asking them instead to scanfor wildlife, observe the rocks and geology around them, and attempt to identify plantsand flora just off the trail. --- - Published: 2024-01-26 - Modified: 2024-01-26 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/kevin-hoffheins/ Kevin Hoffheins has been a raft guide and field instructor for The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education since 2018, cramming in stints at a half dozen outdoor organization over the last seven years. That goes a long way in explaining his primary goal in life, which he describes as a passion for teaching and leading groups in the outdoors. While attending Oregon State University, Kevin became assistant program coordinator for the Corvallis Outdoor Program, working there until his graduation in 2017. He has been a wilderness medicine instructor at Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities (SOLO) for the last five years or so, and also still serves as an indoor course provider for the Professional Climbing Instructor Association (PCIA). Other positions Kevin’s held range from assistant director of Texas Tech University’s Outdoor Pursuits program in Lubbock, Texas, to adjunct administrator of outdoor adventures for Grand Valley State University in Greater Grand Rapids, Mich. Sandwiched between those two posts was a two-and-a-half-year assignment as adult and outdoor programs manager for Bend Rock Gym. In fact, Kevin’s hometown is Bend, Oregon. Kevin’s professional certifications and designations include Wilderness EMT, single pitch instructor, paddle raft guide, and swiftwater rescue technician. This Bend, Oregon native lists music, tabletop games and time with his pets as his hobbies. --- - Published: 2024-01-26 - Modified: 2024-01-26 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/lydia-showalter/ Lydia Showalter is a field instructor at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE). Like many of our field instructors, Lydia has plenty of experience as an outdoor educator — much of which was acquired well before her arrival at NCOAE. For instance, she wore many hats while working with Avid4Adventure in Boulder, Colorado, including positions as a whitewater specialist and backpacking specialist. While at Avid4, she was also an adventure multisport residential and day camp instructor. At Mountain Trail Outdoor School in Hendersonville, North Carolina, Lydia served as an instructor, facilitating various environmental and adventure education classes. She has also been a field instructor for the Academy at SOAR (Waynesville, NC), gaining experience while leading a group of young people through front country and back country expeditions. Lydia says it was her personal and professional background in experiential education that provided her with a solid foundation of skills to guide her as an instructor for NCOAE. Her priorities for the job? She has three: Risk management, the power of empathy, and having fun. In addition to being surrounded by exceptional mentors and role models during her career in sustainability and the experiential education fields, Lydia highlights a former Avid4Adventure employee named Alli, who served as the company’s Director of Happiness. According to Lydia, Alli built authentic relationships, created joy at every turn, and stayed fully present in each moment. She said her leadership skills were grounding, her boldness was purposeful, and her energy was inspiring. And she strives to model her own personal leadership style to mirror that of Alli. Born in Wytheville, Virginia, Lydia finds joy and peace off the job by reading, thrifting, kayaking, finding cool plants, and being outside. She is inspired by her parents and three older sisters. As for those moments alone in the wilderness, Lydia says she, “finds herself able to fully experience the world as it is and truly just exist in the moment, listening to the birds, feeling the earth beneath me, and seeing the natural world in action. ” --- - Published: 2024-01-26 - Modified: 2024-01-26 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/caleb-oconnor-genereaux/ Caleb O’Connor-Genereaux is a National Center for Outdoor & Educational Education(NCOAE) field instructor. Caleb has a decade of experience working in the outdooreducation industry, connecting with students and facilitating their learning through hishis love of nature and the environment. This native of Ryegate, Vermont, was formerly a teaching coordinator for Tracker’sEarth, which offers summer camps for kids and teens, as well as wilderness survival andhomesteading programs for all ages. Caleb was also program coordinator and a leadinstructor for Roots School, a handicraft school located in Corinth Vermont. And he wasa business owner, program instructor, and lead instructor for Nunivak Outdoors. Caleb is a Leave No Trace (LNT) master educator, a member of the Association forExperiential Education, and is a graduate of the NOLS Recreation Avalanche 1 program. He is also a Wilderness First Responder and is certified for CPR. When he’s not guiding youth and adult wilderness trips, he’s building custom backpacksfor his friends or creating wood carvings. Like his backpacks and carvings, Caleb believeseverything around him is intricately interwoven in ways he will never be able to fathom. And from the perspective of the trees, he sees himself as a fleeting presence movingbeneath their arching branches. When asked about future plans, say 10 years from now, Caleb says he believes he’ll stillbe a happy individual because his youth will have been well spent outdoors. --- - Published: 2023-06-23 - Modified: 2023-06-23 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/jacob-bernthal/ Jacob Bernthal is a distinguished graduate of the NCOAE's Instructor Course, embodying the expertise and values we seek in our field instructors. Prior to joining our team, Jacob excelled as a sailing trip leader at Camp Don Lee in Arapahoe, N. C. , and showcased his versatility as a retail associate and fly-fishing guide at Great Outdoors Provision Company, also in North Carolina. Hailing from New Bern, N. C. , Jacob holds a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental science and conservation from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington. His dedication to professional development is evident through his possession of certifications such as Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and CPR. Additionally, he is an active member of the Association for Experiential Education (AEE), which is something that serves as a testament to his commitment to fostering experiential learning in all settings. Beyond his professional achievements, Jacob finds solace and fulfillment in fly-fishing and sailing during his leisure time. His background and training in safety protocols and risk management enable him to guide NCOAE students and others according to our strict standards. Since joining NCOAE, Jacob has quickly assimilated into our close-knit community. He appreciates the shared passion for outdoor education and adventure programming that resonates within our staff, and he eagerly anticipates imparting these transformative experiences to students who have yet to explore the remarkable destinations from which NCOAE programs are launched. As he envisions the future, Jacob aspires to contribute to awe-inspiring documentaries akin to the Discovery Channel's acclaimed series, such as "Planet Earth. " Alternatively, he envisions himself crafting captivating fly-fishing videos alongside his loyal canine companion, based out of a cozy mountain cabin. Jacob's profound dedication to his craft and his boundless enthusiasm make him an invaluable asset to our organization, empowering others to explore and connect with the natural world. --- - Published: 2023-06-21 - Modified: 2023-06-21 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/max-chandler/ Max Chandler, WFR, is a Lead Field Instructor at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE). Prior to joining the team at NCOAE, Max worked as a field instructor for the American Camp Association-accredited Adventure Treks in Flat Rock, NC. Born in Mount Vernon, Ohio, Max amassed a mountain of outdoor experience at the Snowbird Ski Resort in Utah for the 2019, 2020 and 2021 seasons. Prior to that he was the Outdoor Experiential Education Coordinator at the Science Adventure School at West Virginia University, and before that, served as a zipline canopy tour guide for the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve. When your human-powered outside activities include rock climbing, skiing, mountaineering, and whitewater kayaking and canoeing, the idea of working in outdoor and adventure education was always within the realm of possibilities for this young man. So, Max began to expand his education, both inside and outside of the classroom, becoming a Wilderness First Responder, a Leave No Trace Master Educator, an ACA Swiftwater Rescue professional and a Level 1 American Avalanche Institute master. Armed with his extensive experience in leadership training programs and his personal passion for the outdoors, Max says he remains steadfast in his enthusiasm for sharing outdoor adventures with novice and experienced enthusiasts. And, he says, his position at NCOAE enables him to learn new things from both his peers and his students. And when asked to look a decade into the future, Max is pretty certain he’ll still be active in leading canoeing, skiing, and climbing wilderness trips with friends and his community. --- - Published: 2023-04-12 - Modified: 2024-11-14 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/cameron-francisco/ Cameron “Cam” Francisco spent 19 years as an independent school educator andadministrator prior to joining the team at The National Center for Outdoor & AdventureEducation in 2022 as Associate Director of Outdoor Education. Cam began his educationcareer as a middle school social studies teacher in 2003, moving into administrationseven years later as a middle school division director. Over a nearly 20-year career atFriends School of Wilmington (N. C. ), he also served as the school’s CurriculumCoordinator, Director of Student & Academic Life, and most recently Director ofCommunications. The Kingsport, Tenn. , native served on the board of Panacea Adventures prior to itsmerging with the Adventure Education Institute and rebranding as NCOAE, and then onthe board of directors at Education Without Walls when the organization restructuredas a non-profit spin-off from NCOAE. Cam attended the University of Tennessee inKnoxville, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree ineducation. An active member of the Association for Experiential Education (AEE), Cam is Red CrossCPR and Wilderness First Responder certified. His hobbies include fishing, soccer, skateboarding, hiking, and camping. As an independent school educator and administrator, Cam gained significantknowledge and experience in working with middle school students. In the area ofoutdoor education, he has led students on trips to the New River Gorge National Parkand Preserve (WV) for camping, rock-climbing, whitewater rafting, and caving, as well asactivities within Pisgah National Forest (NC), the Okefenokee Swamp and IchetuckneeSprings in Florida, and many other locations throughout the southeast. Cam was drawn to NCOAE by our close-knit team and its ability to help students grow asindividuals and learners through expeditionary education that’s intentionally loaded with unique and challenging hands-on experiences. That includes safely immersing themin what he refers to as their “learning zone. ” --- - Published: 2023-02-09 - Modified: 2023-02-09 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/erin-sasser/ A native of Wilmington, N. C. , Erin Sasser is a seven-year veteran of the Novant-NewHanover emergency medical services team, and an EMT instructor at The NationalCenter for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) since 2022. Erin joined NCOAE for the opportunity to teach emergency medicine to students fromall over the country. She is most interested in how these students plan to use theircertification when the course is complete. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology in 2011 from Appalachian StateUniversity, and her Associate of Science Degree in Emergency Medical Services fromAsheville-Buncombe Tech four years later. Erin also holds membership in the NationalRegistry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). She has been married to husband Phillip for the past three years, and the couple has aLabrador Retriever named Hazel and a cat named Prudence. Her hobbies include reading,vegetable gardening, and movie marathons — most involving Harry Potter and the Lordof the Rings. --- - Published: 2022-12-13 - Modified: 2023-06-28 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/zinnia-long/ Florida-based Zinnia Long, is a field instructor for our backpacking and canoe expeditions,where she sees leading people on outdoor adventures as a “win-win” in her book. Prior to joiningus here at NCOAE, Zinnia was a campus coordinator of student life at Eastern Florida StateCollege. A graduate of the University of Central Florida, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in humanresources and interpersonal-organizational communication. In addition to being a member ofthe Association for Experiential Education, Zinnia is certified as a Wilderness First Responder(WFR) and a Survival Instructor. This active mother of four is passionate about the great outdoors, healthy living, life-longlearning, the environment, and human rights. --- - Published: 2022-12-05 - Modified: 2022-12-05 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/alex-silberman/ With a background as an outdoor educator and a passion for providing life-changingexperiences for youth and adults in outdoor settings, Alex Silberman is a perfect fit atThe National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education as a field instructor. Originally from Cambridge, Mass. , Alex was an assistant instructor and logistics intern atPhiladelphia Outward Bound School, as well as an activity instructor and group leaderfor PGL Travel in the United Kingdom. And he was senior instructor for WingateWilderness Therapy in Kane County, Utah. Alex graduated with a bachelor’s degree in adventure education with a focus in marine-focused outdoor education and international studies for social justice from PrescottCollege (Ariz. ) in 2013. He holds membership in the Association for ExperientialEducation (AEE), and has designations as a dive master, paddlesport coach for theBritish Canoe Union, and a Wilderness First Responder (WRF). Alex is also a huge fan ofUltimate Frisbee. --- - Published: 2022-12-05 - Modified: 2022-12-05 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/priscilla-trimble/ Priscilla Trimble has an impressive resume working in outdoor education — where shehas excelled at facilitating and instructing backcountry expeditions. This Raleigh, N. C. ,native has worked for the city of Durham Parks and Recreation as an outdoor recreationspecialist, and the Raleigh’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources department as anoutdoor recreation instructor. She has also served as a rock climbing instructor for the Triangle Rock Club in NorthCarolina and an excursion program instructor for Eagle Lake Camp in Colorado Springs,Colo. In addition, Priscilla holds memberships in the Association for ExperientialEducation, and the Christian Camp and Conference Association. She received her master’s degree in Outdoor and Adventure Leadership from WheatonCollege (IL) in 2022. Previously, Priscilla received her Bachelor of Science degree year inKinesiology and Physical Education from the University of Maine. In addition, she is aWilderness First Responder, with designations in Wilderness CPR, First Aid, CPR, andAutomated External Defibrillator (AED). One of the highlights of working for NCOAE, according to this active outdoor enthusiast,is getting to know, learning from, and encouraging participants. Married with twin girls,Priscilla can most often be found rock climbing, mountain biking and hiking with herfamily. She said her 10-year plan includes becoming the director and founder of an outdoorministry, because she is most passionate about the outdoors and her faith. Her wish isto bring the two together. --- - Published: 2022-12-05 - Modified: 2022-12-05 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/bethany-smith/ Pennsylvania native Bethany Smith joined the team here at The National Center forOutdoor & Adventure Education in May of 2022, working as a field instructor in bothNorth Carolina and Oregon. As an NCOAE staffer, she has led a number of backpacking,inflatable kayaking and whitewater rafting trips, including several of our TeenLeadership Expeditions. Before joining us at NCOAE, Bethany was a river guide for Whitewater Challengers inCarbon Canyon, Pa. , and before that, worked as a coordinator and kayak instructor forL. L. Bean’s Outdoor Discovery School Program. Most recently, she was an ice hike guidefor Valley to Summit Guided Wilderness Adventures in Philadelphia. Bethany is a member of the National Outdoor Leadership School’s Alumni Network,Professional Association of Diving Instructors, and the Association for ExperientialEducation. In addition to being certified as a Wilderness First Responder, Bethany is aLeave No Trace trainer, swiftwater rescuer, and PADI rescue diver. She says she enjoys every moment spent in the great outdoors and believe this joytranslates to the students she facilitates and guides in the backcountry. Bethany’s manyyears of risk mitigation, leadership training, and guiding experience is due, to a largeextent, to her experiences in whitewater kayaking and hiking. Bethany describes NCOAE and its access to pristine areas of wilderness as a literalplayground for backcountry enthusiasts, adding that the opportunity to teach in theseoutdoors classrooms is a wonderful experience for all involved. --- - Published: 2022-01-31 - Modified: 2022-02-11 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/garry-pomerleau/ Born in Ontario, Canada, Garry — who has been a North Carolina resident for the past three decades — joined our staff here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education in the summer of 2014 as an EMT instructor. Garry is a North Carolina paramedic and a Level 1 EMS instructor for the state. He is also a paramedic preceptor and ergonomics safety officer for Orange County, N. C. , Emergency Services. Prior to NCOAE, Garry was an emergency medical technician for the Wake County EMS in Raleigh, N. C. , and worked at First Health of the Carolinas, Cary EMS. He attended Wake Technical Community College. A paramedic since 1991, Garry is a Level 1 EMS and CPR instructor, a Tactical Combat Casualty Care course participant from the Association of Emergency Medical Technicians and a Fit Responder trainer. In addition, he is a member of the North Carolina Tactical Medical Association (NCTMA). Garry is married and the father of two teen sons. His hobbies include running, CrossFit and watching hockey. --- - Published: 2022-01-31 - Modified: 2022-02-15 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/gabe-isaac/ Gabe Issac’s experience and passion for the outdoors and the environment led her to apply and receive an appointment as one of NCOAE’s field instructors. Her former job experience includes stints as a senior lead and guide/manager at Boulderline Adventure, an outdoor education instructor for YMCA of the Rockies, and an education intern for the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Born in Lake Lure, N. C. , Gabe holds certifications from the Red Cross for CPR/First Aid. In addition, she is an AED instructor and holds a Wilderness FirstResponder (WFR) certification. She studied marine biology at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in that major in 2016. Gabe counts climbing, rafting, hiking, running, writing and creating works of art among her favorite outdoor recreational-related pursuits. --- - Published: 2022-01-31 - Modified: 2022-02-15 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/rachelle-toth/ Rachelle Toth is an NCOAE field instructor who is sincerely interested in connecting first-time and returning students to the outdoors, which she describes as a gateway to open thinking and a release from the front country. This experienced outdoor enthusiast has been a sea kayak guide at Outside Hilton Head, an ACA paddleboard instructor, a youth educator at Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center, and a trip leader at Camp Green Cove. She is also a Wilderness First Responder (WFR), and is certified in First Aid and CPR. A 2016 graduate of the University of South Carolina Beaufort, Rachelle — who hails from Wadsworth, Ohio — received a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, and is active in kayaking, hiking, trail biking, cliff jumping, and learning about the ecology of the environments she teaches and travels through. --- - Published: 2022-01-31 - Modified: 2022-02-14 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/jessica-cramer/ In her lifelong quest to make the world laugh and instill her love of the great outdoors in others, Jessica Cramer finally arrived where she was meant to be all along — in North Carolina as Instructor for The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE). Her previous meanderings have prepared her well for this role. Hailing from Aberdeen, North Carolina, Jessica first headed west to study at Central Wyoming College, where she earned her Associate Arts degree in Outdoor Experiential Education & Leadership in 2011. She then returned east to study at Appalachian State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Recreation Management. Engaging in her own version of experiential education, Jessica has served as Lead Instructor for the Mountain Alliance, Co-Director of Health and Wellness and Community Outreach at Kalu Yala, and Kayak Guide at UMass Lowell. She is a certified Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and Wildland Firefighter and is an active member of the North Carolina Recreation & Park Association (NCRPA). A fun-loving soul, Jessica has a wide and peculiar (by some standards) assortment of hobbies that include roller derby, animal petting, running in odd places, barrel racing, and rain dancing. But regardless of what peaks her passions for any period of time, she always manages to return to the backcountry, where she feels most at home. --- - Published: 2022-01-31 - Modified: 2023-06-12 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/wesley-hawkins/ Wesley is NCOAE's Director of Course Management and Logistics. Growing up Alabama, Wes eventually landed in Georgia where he attended Georgia College and State University and majored in outdoor education with a minor in business administration. Wes joined NCOAE back in 2014 as an intern, eventually working his way up to his current position. Wes is responsible for managing all course-related needs, such as transportation, gear, and food, and he makes sure our staff and students are prepared before heading out on their expeditions. He also supervises and assists staff on our backcountry wilderness courses as needed. Wesley Hawkins can list tons of experience in backpacking, rock climbing, whitewater canoeing and camp craft. And those don’t even take into account his hobbies. For that, you’d also have to list surfing, fishing, mountain biking, basketball, flag football, softball — and Ultimate Frisbee. His professional certifications include, Wilderness First Responder, Leave No Trace Trainer, and American Red Cross CPS/First Aid/AED/Epinephrine. He’s affiliated with a number of professional organizations, including the American Canoe Association, the American Camp Association and Leave No Trace. --- - Published: 2022-01-31 - Modified: 2022-02-11 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/chris-vanbrenk/ Born and raised in Sacramento, Calif. , Chris vanBrenk is an emergency medical services (EMS) instructor here at NCOAE, where he oversees emergency room clinical rotations for our EMS students at several hospitals. In addition, Chris teaches students treatment skills, assessment techniques, and medical knowledge that is consistent with an EMT-B (Emergency Medical Technician-Basic) or AEMT (Advanced Emergency Medical Technician). And he loves training future outdoor emergency professionals, reminding his students that no one calls 911 on a good day. As a provider in the field, Chris says medical rescue personnel have a unique position to remain unforgettable in someone’s life forever. Prior to joining NCOAE, Chris served in the United States Army for nearly a decade. He served as an infantry platoon leader in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and in 2011, completed his training to become a Special Forces Operational Detachment Commander of a 12-person Special Forces team. Chris served in this capability in both Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Resolute Support as well as in North Africa as a member of a special activities’ unit. He is currently a member of the South Orange Rescue Squad's Technical Rescue Team in the Carrboro Chapel Hill area of Orange County, N. C. , which provides specialized SAR (Search and Rescue), High Angle Rescue, and Swift Water Rescue teams in support of current state operational needs. In his free time, Chris enjoys CrossFit, yoga, jiu jitsu, mountain biking and rock climbing. --- - Published: 2022-01-31 - Modified: 2022-02-11 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/kit-cosper/ Born in NCOAE’s hometown of Wilmington, N. C. , Kit Cosper is one of our EMT instructors, propelled in his daily work by an inherent love of learning and knowledge sharing. A 1995 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Kit has a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science. His professional certifications include Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT), and Basic Life Support (BLS). In addition, he is an instrument-rated private pilot. When he’s not working, Kit enjoys SCUBA diving, flying, backpacking, woodworking, and consuming craft beer. He and his wife Lourie have three adult children and one grandchild. --- - Published: 2022-01-31 - Modified: 2022-02-14 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/matt-evans/ Matt Evans is one of the veteran staff members here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), having started back in the day as our videographer. This year he became an assistant instructor, facilitating courses in the backcountry. In addition, he continues with his duties of documenting and assisting in the promotion and marketing of everything we have to offer here at NCOAE. He has a lot of experience at that. Matt was previously an instructor for Ocean Cure, a nonprofit surf school that offers free surf lessons to medically fragile and at risk youth and adults in Wilmington, N. C. , and a freelance videographer. Having been born and raised in Jacksonville, N. C. , Matt knows his way around our home state — mostly through his efforts to hone his skills in surfing, sailing, backpacking, filming and photography. And, of course, rock ’n’ roll. He was a member of the Delta Chi fraternity at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, graduating in 2010 with bachelor’s degrees in both film studies and business administration with a concentration on marketing. Matt cites his nonprofit and marketing background as his biggest attributes at NCOAE, as well as a genuine interest in sharing the backcountry and the great outdoors. --- - Published: 2022-01-31 - Modified: 2022-02-11 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/name/ North Carolina native Adam Parish hails from a coastal town called Newport that is located about 100 miles northeast of our headquarters in Wilmington. He began working here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education in August of 2017 as an intern while finishing up his studies at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. In 2018, Adam earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in recreation, sport leadership and tourism management, and we hired him on as a logistics coordinator. In this role, Adam assists instructors in the field with activities, lessons, and site management. He also helps with pre- and post-trip logistics and supports administrative and operational functions at headquarters. An active outdoor enthusiast, Adam has had extensive training in risk management, first aid and emergency response. Prior to joining us at NCOAE, Adam was a marine science technician with the United States Coast Guard. His favorite pastimes include surfing, hunting, kayaking, and exercising. --- - Published: 2022-01-28 - Modified: 2022-02-15 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/lilly-ade/ Lilly Ade brings a raft of experience in outdoor and wilderness education to her position as a field instructor for NCOAE. A lifeguard, American Camp Association member, and Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification holder, Lilly has been a trip leader at Wilderness Adventure at Eagles Landing in New Castle, Va. , and YMCA Camp Duncan’s Woods in Government Camp, Ore. In addition, she has served as an adventure and recreation specialist at D. A. Blodget St. Johns Home in Grand Rapids, Mich. , and has held positions at a number of other outdoor-focused organizations, including YMCA Camp Lincoln in Kingston, N. H. , the Pali Institute of California, 4-H Club at Camp Kidwell in Bloomingdale, Mich. , the Pretty Lake Adventure Center in Mattawan, Mich. , and Tamarack Camps in Bloomfield, Mich. Born in Hopkins, Mich. , Lilly attended Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, where she received a bachelor’s degree in recreation management in 2016. Her hobbies include biking, climbing, construction, farming, and scrapbooking. --- - Published: 2022-01-28 - Modified: 2022-02-16 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/shoshana-green/ Delaware native Shoshana Green is one of NCOAE’s field instructors, responsible for helping to coordinate and then guide multi-day adventure education courses for our diverse clientele. A 2018 graduate of the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), Shoshana majored in recreation, sports leadership and tourism management, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Recreation and Tourism Management. Past positions for this outdoor enthusiast include work as a hostel management and mountain guide intern for RedPoint Patagonia Expeditions; a seafood production manager for Perryman Farm and Seafood; and a lifeguard instructor, swim instructor, and lifeguard supervisor for UNCW. Her outdoor and adventure-based credentials include holding Wilderness First Responder (WFR), CPR/AED, and Lifeguard Instructor certifications. When she has free time, Shoshana enjoys climbing, backpacking, SCUBA diving, hiking, camping and just being outdoors with her partner. Shoshana loves using the outdoors and wilderness to teach about the environment and opportunities for personal growth and development. --- - Published: 2021-12-30 - Modified: 2024-10-10 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/todd-mullenix/ Todd Mullenix became The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education’s (NCOAE) Northwest EMS Program Director in August 2016 after a long and winding career path that started in 1990 with eight years of service in the U. S. Army as an Airborne Infantryman/Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Along the way, Todd served as a correctional officer with the North Carolina Department of Corrections, District Circulation Manager of the Asheville Citizen-Times, Adventure Coordinator and BLS Trainer for the YMCA, paramedic for McDowell County and Stokes County EMS, and instructor at the Wake Forest University Baptist Hospital. You can expect Todd to keep a cool head when situations heat up. When he wasn’t dangling from a rope on the side of a cliff, he served as Airborne Infantryman, where he participated directly in security and response for the Panama Canal and in security and observation during a six-month tour on the Sinai Peninsula. As a Combat Lifesaver and EMT-B, he responded to emergency medical situations. An experienced instructor, Todd has provided significant amounts of instruction to hospital staff including medical responders, EMTs, nurses, paramedics, and physicians and EMS education and training at all levels to students at numerous colleges. He is experienced in Wilderness Medicine Search and Rescue and has participated in numerous wilderness situations involving lost and injured subjects. Todd was born and raised in Bellingham, Washington, and graduated for the University of Phoenix with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Management. He earned his Paramedic Certification from McDowell Technical Community College and is an American Mountain Guides Association Certified Single Pitch Instructor/Apprentice Rock Guide. --- - Published: 2021-12-30 - Modified: 2024-10-10 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/kate-javes/ It’s always nice to have a former United States Marine Corps officer on the staff, and that’s exactly what we acquired when we hired Kate as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) instructor. We also inherited a seasoned paramedic and firefighter who likes to participate in dog rescue activities in her spare time. Kate was born and raised in Monkton, Md. , and has resided in eastern North Carolina for the past decade. She majored in math and computer science at Rutgers University where she also played varsity soccer and track and field. After two years, she transferred to the U. S. Naval Academy. That’s where Kate picked up a Bachelor of Science degree in math, and a second bachelor’s degree in history. Kate’s work history includes five years as a logistics officer in the Marine Corps, followed by three years as a firefighter and EMT at Camp Lejeune Fire and Emergency Services. She was also a firefighter and paramedic for the Antarctic Fire Department for a year, and is currently a paramedic with the New Hanover Regional EMS. This busy professional has a fistful of certificates and memberships, including North Carolina EMT-P, NREMT EMT-P, W-EMT, Firefighter Level I and II ARF, and a qualified HAZMAT technician. Kate, who is married and has a German shepherd and a Belgian Malinois, enjoys soccer, along with rugby, mountain biking, kayaking and Crossfit. --- - Published: 2021-12-30 - Modified: 2023-05-30 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/celine-adair/ Celine thrives at the intersection of people and nature. She is living her professional dreams by overseeing the operations of an organization which is dedicated to personal growth, education, and outdoor adventure. Celine Adair says her career enables her to enjoy her two favorite things — people and nature. As a professional backpacking and river guide, surf instructor and rock climber, Celine finds her niche at The National Center for Outdoor and Adventure Education (NCOAE) a perfect fit. As our co-founder and director of operations, she is responsible for training NCOAE instructors in the sensitive skills required to handle the range of human emotions often displayed by wilderness course participants while on a physically and demanding outdoor trek. Here, she offers guidance and training on small group dynamics, group facilitation and building community. In addition, as the person responsible for NCOAE’s curriculum development, Celine heads up the training of our instructors, ensuring they possess the human skills necessary to lead our courses and facilitate our curriculum. She provides coaching and assessments in order to increase the instructors’ skill set in delivering the NCOAE curriculum in a meaningful manner that can be easily “received” by students and course participants. And as administrative director, Celine manages course applications and stays in touch with parents of our youth participants to discuss the NCOAE process. Celine’s experience speaks volumes about her skills. In addition to spending the last four years at NCOAE in a variety of executive positions, she was a therapist at The Carousel Center Child, a clinical supervisor at Open House Youth Shelter, a counselor at Aloha House and an assistant director at Maui Surfer Girls. In addition, she was a lead wilderness guide with Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Expeditions, a lead instructor for Adventure Treks, and a camp counselor and mountaineering program leader at Camp Green Cove. Born and raised in Brewster, NY, Celine is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She majored in wilderness therapy and marriage and family therapy, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1999 from Prescott College and a Masters degree in marriage and family therapy in 2005 from Argosy University. Her husband is NCOAE Co-founder Zac Adair, and the couple has a son, Sawyer. --- - Published: 2021-12-30 - Modified: 2022-03-10 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/christopher-davis-md/ Dr. Christopher Davis, MD, FAAEM, FAEMS, FAWM is our medical director. He is responsible for all medical curriculum and clearances for The National Center Outdoor & Adventure Education’s educational courses and medical trainings, including wilderness medicine and EMS training programs, outdoor educator and adventure-based courses, and custom program offerings. Raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, Davis began his career working for Duke Outdoor Adventures while enrolled as an undergraduate at Duke University in Durham, N. C. There, he guided and taught during whitewater kayaking, rock-climbing, and backpacking trips. After college, he served in a variety of outdoor guiding roles, was a paramedic and firefighter in Durham, and taught wilderness medicine training courses. Dr. Davis earned his medical degree (MD) from the Medical University of South Carolina (in Charleston, S. C. ), and trained at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in Salem, N. C. He is currently on the faculty at Wake Forest University, where he serves an assistant professor in Emergency Medicine, specializing in integrating high-quality EMS care into wilderness settings. Dr. Davis is Board Certified in Emergency Medicine by the American Board of Emergency Medicine, and fellowship trained in wilderness medicine. In addition to his MD, Dr. Davis is a Fellow of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine (FAAEM), a Fellow of the Academy of Emergency Medical Services (FAEMS), and a Fellow of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine (FAWM). He is also an AMGA Single Pitch instructor and American Canoe Association Level 4 Swiftwater Rescue instructor. Dr. Davis is married to his wife Jen, and the couple has two dogs. --- - Published: 2021-12-30 - Modified: 2024-10-10 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/stephen-mullaney/ When you’re the lead instructor, trainer and educator for both the staff and the clients of the National Center for Outdoor and Adventure Education (NCOAE), it helps to have a lot of knowledge and experience about the great outdoors. And Stephen Mullaney has plenty of both. Despite being born in New Jersey, Stephen has spent the majority of his life climbing cliffs and mountains, hiking wilderness areas, biking, kayaking and surfing. That’s the experience part. As for knowledge, Stephen received his undergraduate degree in English from Framingham State University, and an independent, alternative Masters in Education. That’s the knowledge part. On top of that, he is a certified teacher with a license in EC, ESL, AIG and Classroom Education. And he is a certified Wilderness First Responder (WFR). Stephen is also a member of the North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) and has taught children within the Durham, N. C. , public school system. And he has served as an educational consultant for several local and national outdoor schools. Stephen has worked in education for more than 15 years. His consulting duties have included designing innovative education programs for public, charter and private schools that are creative and successful. He says his philosophy revolves around the development of positive working and learning environments. That thinking helps the companies and organizations for which he works define their mission through group and self-reflection. This wilderness expert has been associated with NCOAE since January of 2012, training our staff in wilderness skills as well as training our guides about the best instructional practices in the field. --- - Published: 2021-12-30 - Modified: 2022-03-10 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/liz-shirley/ Liz Shirley, a native of Bixby, Okla. , joined the NCOAE family full-time in the spring of 2017 as a Program Director, responsible for directing field operations and staff training. She also oversees the safety, quality and educational effectiveness of NCOAE’s field courses and leads NCOAE outdoor adventure expeditions. Liz brings 17 years of youth development and outdoor education experience to NCOAE — much of it with the Girl Scouts. She began her career in the outdoors as a camp counselor, most recently working as a program coordinator for Sea Turtle Camp. In between, Liz has worked with many nonprofit organizations across the country — most notably as camp director for the Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast and assistant director for The AnBryce Foundation. Other positions have included working as a program director, trip and travel director, environmental educator, field teacher, wilderness canoe guide and primary trip leader. Her passion with the outdoors began as a teenager when she participated in a five-day wilderness trip in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. As a result of this and many additional backcountry experiences, Liz has developed an enthusiasm for using intentional, experiential outdoor programming to create life-changing experiences for youth and adults. Liz graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and minor in Leisure Service Management. She is a member of the Association for Experiential Education & American Camp Association, where she volunteers as an Accreditation Visitor. Liz also volunteers locally with the Girl Scouts of North Carolina Coastal Pines. She is a certified Wilderness First Responder (WFR). When not planning field courses, Liz can be found cooking, reading, trail running, rock climbing. In addition, she enjoys exploring Eastern North Carolina by foot, pack, and paddle. --- - Published: 2021-12-30 - Modified: 2025-07-03 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/allie-hilbruner/ Allie Hilbruner is The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education’s (NCOAE) Admissions Coordinator. Prior to working at NCOAE, she was a family law paralegal, where along with the attorneys she worked for, Allie worked behind the scenes, guiding clients through the legal process and court system. Here at NCOAE, Allie continues to work behind the scenes for the benefit of others — only in this case, she’s assisting our students and custom group clients with inquiries while guiding them through the enrollment process for outdoor education courses and expeditions, as well as wilderness medicine and EMT training programs. Specifically, Allie handles student and custom group registration, tracks student and group progress, leads our support and service efforts both online and over the phone, and assists our program directors with anything they might require. Born in Agawam, Mass. , and raised in seven different states, Allie received her Associate of Applied Science degree from Northern Virginia Community College, where she concentrated on paralegal studies. She developed strong time management, organization, and relationship skills while working in family law, and now loves guiding new and returning students through the NCOAE admissions process. In her free time, Allie pretty much enjoys what NCOAE students enjoy: going to the beach, long boarding, paddle boarding, and kayaking. Anything outdoors that she can do with her dogs and family. --- - Published: 2021-12-30 - Modified: 2023-06-05 - URL: https://ncoae.org/team/liz-smith/ Liz Smith brings plenty of outdoor leadership experience to her position as a field instructor for NCOAE, including her current dual role as on-site camp director for Sea Turtle Camp & WB Surf Camp based in Topsail, NC. Previously, Liz worked as a project coordinator for the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. In her university position, Liz managed a grant that brings STEM programming to under-served communities in Southeast N. C. In addition, she taught engineering, agriculture, science, and technology to eighth grade students as well as educators. Some of her additional prior outdoor gigs include positions as camp director for Emagination Tech Camps, aquatics director for Gwynn Valley Summer Camp, and trip leader for the Green River Preserve. She received a Master of Science degree from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in environmental sciences in 2017. Born in Sandwich, Ill. , Liz is a member of the National Association for Interpretation, the North Carolina Environmental Educators, and Girl Scouts USA. She is certified as a Wilderness First Responder (WFR), and holds certifications for CPR, First Aid, AED, Lifeguarding and has experience in lifeguard management and Youth Mental Health First Aid. Liz is also an LNT Master Educator, North Carolina environmental educator, a certified interpretive guide, and is certified in Sustainability Education Concepts and Teaching Methods. In addition, she is a SCUBA rescue diver, and conducts emergency oxygen administration and on-site neurological assessment for divers. Married, with two dogs and three cats, Liz counts sewing, reading, hiking, and greyhound rescue among her spare time activities. --- --- ## Careers - Published: 2022-01-31 - Modified: 2024-01-16 - URL: https://ncoae.org/career/part-time-emt-instructor/ OVERVIEW The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) is seeking part-time instructors to supplement our team of emergency medicine educators. Our EMT instructors from across the country include EMTs, Advanced EMTs, paramedics, search and rescue professionals, professional outdoor guides and leaders, nurses, firefighters, military operations specialists, and others with a passion for teaching the next generation of emergency medicine professionals. Offered through both live in-person and online classes, our “Intensive” 21-day EMT-Basic course satisfies eligibility requirements for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) and EMT credentialing requirements in all 50 states via reciprocity process. Our "Intensive" 21-day program provides a unique and exciting teaching environment that is team focused and different from most traditional teaching institutions. Students have two options — the first option is a fully in-person 21-day program where all training and practical sessions take place at either our North Carolina or Oregon locations. For the second option, students can choose a hybrid format featuring 10 days of live virtual, instructor-led training delivered on our world-class learning management system, along with 11-days of hands-on, practical skills training at our Wilmington, N. C. , or Tygh Valley, O. R. , campus. Our EMT instructors provide theory and skills instruction in compliance with approved curricula and industry standards. Along the way, instructors are expected to ensure that students have a learning experience that reflects current practices required for their career. --- - Published: 2022-01-31 - Modified: 2024-04-03 - URL: https://ncoae.org/career/part-time-wilderness-medicine-instructor/ OVERVIEW If you’ve participated in a wilderness medicine training program and wondered to yourself, Maybe I could teach that course, then perhaps the information on this page is for you. Our wilderness medicine instructors are qualified to teach courses that result in their students successfully completing coursework required to receive certification in Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and as a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and a Wilderness EMT (W-EMT). And while being chosen to teach one or more of these courses isn’t a given, it is possible for someone with the drive, experience, and skills required to make a difference in the lives of those we teach. What you need to know about working for NCOAE as a wilderness medicine instructor: NCOAE wilderness medicine instructors are educators first, wilderness medicine professionals second. While the line between the two is razor-thin, we’re more interested in the educator within you than we are in your prowess as a wilderness medicine practitioner. NCOAE is a mission-driven organization. That means we’re focused on designing and delivering handcrafted outdoor and adventure-based educational experiences that promote personal growth, professional development, and stewardship in ourselves, our communities, and the natural environment. If our mission aligns with yours, we might be a great match. NCOAE is an experiential education-based organization. Accredited by the Association for Experiential Education (AEE) and Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE), our standards are set intentionally high — both for instructors and students alike. Instructing at NCOAE requires exceptional classroom skills and heightened supervisory skills for those parts of our curriculum that are hands-on, and practicum based. NCOAE instructors have administrative responsibilities. As the point person for the course(s) they instruct, our wilderness medicine instructors are expected to remain on top of a variety of administrative duties. From logging equipment and communicating with students prior to the start of their course, to maintaining accurate student records and files and coordinating schedules, our instructors are required to wear many different hats. POSITION REQUIREMENTS NCOAE wilderness medicine instructors are required to have the following prerequisites:Two years teaching in outdoor education and/or guiding experienceLead wilderness medicine instructors are required to have current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certificationsAssistant instructors are required to have current WFR certificationsNCOAE instructors must apply for and complete Wilderness Medicine Instructor Training. Wilderness medicine instructor training serves two distinct purposes: 1) Instructor training allows us to cover how to teach according to our curriculum and standards, and 2) affords both you and us the opportunity to see if we’re a great match for one another. APPLY NOW Start your application for wilderness medicine instructor training by completing and submitting the secure form. Once we receive your application, someone from our office will be in touch to discuss your future at NCOAE. Name(Required) First Last Address(Required) Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code AfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBonaire, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCabo VerdeCambodiaCameroonCanadaCayman IslandsCentral... --- - Published: 2022-01-26 - Modified: 2025-07-23 - URL: https://ncoae.org/career/field-instructors-lead-field-instructors/ OVERVIEW Field Instructors & Outdoor Educators are responsible for managing the safety of trip participants while co-facilitating multi-day adventure education courses in the field, including kayaking, backpacking, rock climbing, glacier trekking, whitewater rafting, and mountaineering. Instructors manage risks and assure effective courses, while serving as an educator and role model. Instructors must be able to teach and facilitate NCOAE’s curriculum to teens and adults, complete documentation in an accurate and timely manner, and participate in pre and post-trip meetings. Additional duties include facilitating a meaningful group process and setting an emotionally and physically safe, fun, and engaging tone. NCOAE’s hands-on, experiential core curriculum emphasizes teamwork, environmental stewardship and the acquisition of technical skills. Through these lessons, NCOAE Instructors help course participants improve their self-confidence and interpersonal relationships. Experiential education is merged with good, old-fashioned fun to offer an unrivaled path to insight, joy and drive. NCOAE is proud to be an AEE (Association for Experiential Education) accredited organization. --- - Published: 2022-01-26 - Modified: 2022-05-11 - URL: https://ncoae.org/career/raft-guides/ OVERVIEW NCOAE is seeking energetic, positive and ambitious individuals to join our team. We are currently hiring both experienced and first year raft guides for our upcoming whitewater rafting season on the Deschutes River. We focus on providing the highest level of safety, professionalism and customer satisfaction. Guides with previous commercial rafting experience are given preference for hiring. All first year raft guides must complete training runs on each section of the Deschutes River and skills proficiency must be demonstrated before guides may take clients down the river. River guides are expected to have up to date certifications in First Aid and CPR. Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, and Swiftwater Rescue Training certifications are a plus. Typical river guide duties include, but are not limited to: Guide clients safely down (Class II, III & IV) sections of the Deschutes River. Fit clients with gear and PFDs and assist as needed. Conduct a safety orientation talk for clients about to embark on a raft trip. Rig boats with appropriate gear for the trip type. Converse with clients about the climate, history, wildlife, geology, and plants of the area. Treat all clients with courtesy. Maintain friendly, positive attitude towards clients and coworkers. Assist in the maintenance of equipment, e. g, wash equipments, etc. Lift and stack heavy boats onto trailers; unload and launch boats. Safely drive shuttle vans pulling trailers loaded with rafts. Be a team player. Display good judgment. Be dependable, punctual. Be willing to assist management with the repair and maintenance of all equipment. Other duties as assigned. NCOAE is proud to be an AEE (Association for Experiential Education) accredited organization. --- --- ## News - Published: 2025-06-13 - Modified: 2025-06-13 - URL: https://ncoae.org/news/ncoae-profiled-in-the-greater-wilmington-business-journal/ Laura Moore @ GWBJ. | June 16, 2025 By Laura Moore Not all educational programs are alike. The core philosophies and values vary from organization to organization. But the Wilmington-based National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education is in a class by itself. Tucked away within a haven of live oak trees off River Road near Snow’s Cut, NCOAE offers educational opportunities built upon a framework of core values, community and culture. Zac and Celine Adair founded the organization to empower people through unique educational experiences. Since 2009, they have worked to provide opportunities that go beyond the traditional classroom to foster personal growth and professional development through adventure-based educational experiences. NCOAE offers four separate programs: the NCOAE High School Semester for 10th- and 11th-graders, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training, the Wilderness Medicine First Aid/First Responder programs and summer outdoor leadership expeditions for teenagers. The outdoor adventure and education provider partners with schools, kindergarten through12th grade, as well as colleges and universities, to provide outdoor leadership programs, both locally and across the country. The Adairs said NCOAE is committed to ... --- - Published: 2025-05-13 - Modified: 2025-05-13 - URL: https://ncoae.org/news/wilmington-based-outdoor-and-adventure-education-center-earns-accreditation/ By Staff Reports The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) has been awarded full accreditation by Cognia, a nonprofit organization recognized globally for its commitment to continuous improvement and educational excellence, according to a news release. Based in Wilmington, NCOAE launched its first courses in Pisgah National Forest in 2009. The organization creates and facilitates wilderness-based experiences that aim to foster personal growth, professional development and the acquisition of technical outdoor and wilderness medicine skills, the release stated. The accreditation is given by the Cognia Global Commission and its regional bodies, which include the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, the Northwest Accreditation Commission and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement. --- - Published: 2025-04-22 - Modified: 2025-04-22 - URL: https://ncoae.org/news/the-national-center-for-outdoor-adventure-education-ncoae-earns-prestigious-cognia-accreditation/ National recognition empowers NCOAE students to earn and transfer high school credit nationwide. Wilmington, N. C. – April 22, 2025: The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) is proud to announce that it has been awarded full accreditation by Cognia®, a nonprofit organization recognized globally for its commitment to continuous improvement andeducational excellence. The accreditation is conferred by the Cognia Global Commission and its regional bodies, which include the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI), the Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC), and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI). The endorsement represents a significant milestone for NCOAE, further validating its place as a leader in outdoor, experiential, and adventure-based education. “Earning Cognia accreditation is a powerful affirmation of the quality and impact of our programs,” said Zac Adair, co-founder and executive director of NCOAE. “It tells our students, families, educational partners, and the communities in which we operate that what we offer is more than just outdoor adventure. It’s accredited, meaningful education that builds character, confidence, and transferable academic achievement. We’ve always held ourselves to the highest standards, and Cognia’s rigorous process has helped us raise the bar even higher. ” To achieve accreditation, NCOAE underwent an intensive multi-stage evaluation process, including a candidacy review and final site evaluation, during which Cognia assessed organizational effectiveness, instructional quality, and alignment with performance standards. The process, which began in April of 2024, confirmed NCOAE’s capacity to deliver accredited high school-level coursework, including its new High School Summer Semester. That 32-day transformative experience is designed for 10th- and 11th-grade students seeking a unique blend of academic rigor, leadership development, and adventure in the great outdoors. Cognia accredits more than 36,000 institutions in over 90 countries, providing global recognition for organizations committed to excellence and continuous improvement. Schools accredited by Cognia meet demanding criteria that assess learning environments, resource allocation, and leadership effectiveness. “Cognia Accreditation is a rigorous process that focuses the entire institution and its community on the goal of ensuring all students can flourish in engaging and equitable learning environments,” said Dr. Mark A. Elgart, president and CEO of Cognia. “We commend The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education for meeting these high standards and for making progress on key indicators that impact student learning. ” About The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE)Since launching its first courses in North Carolina’s Pisgah National Forest in 2009, NCOAE has grown into a global leader in outdoor education and adventure-based programming. Based in Wilmington, N. C. , NCOAE is committed to creating and facilitating wilderness-based experiences that foster personal growth, professional development, and the acquisition of technical outdoor and wilderness medicine skills. Accredited by Cognia, the Association for Experiential Education (AEE), and the Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE), NCOAE provides courses and training across the United States and internationally, including in Patagonia and other global destinations. Learn more at www. ncoae. org. About CogniaCognia... --- - Published: 2024-07-09 - Modified: 2024-07-09 - URL: https://ncoae.org/news/zac-celine-adair-featured-in-episode-of-aees-its-in-the-experience-podcast/ Zac and Celine, co-founders of NCOAE, are featured in Episode 15 of the “It’s In the Experience” podcast, presented by the Association for Experiential Education (AEE) and hosted by Sherry Bagley, AEE's executive director. This 45-minute episode, titled "Overcoming Challenges: Creating Positive Experiences in Experiential Education," can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podcast App, or your preferred podcast platform.  To listen now, click on the audio file below: --- - Published: 2023-11-01 - Modified: 2023-11-01 - URL: https://ncoae.org/news/the-national-center-for-outdoor-adventure-education-ncoae-named-2023-organizational-member-of-the-year-by-the-association-for-experiential-education-aee/ Award is the highest level of recognition for companies in the outdoor education and adventure programming sectors of the outdoor industry. WILMINGTON, N. C. , Nov. 1, 2023: A rising star in the outdoor industry whose commitment to the Association for Experiential Education (AEE) includes earning the organization’s designation as an accredited provider of outdoor education and adventure-based programs, is AEE’s Organizational Member of the Year for 2023. Wilmington, NC-based The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) joins 23 other organizations — including Deer Hill Expeditions (2019), Thompson Island Outward Bound (2016), Prescott College (2012), and Project Adventure (1997) — in being recognized by AEE since its founding nearly 50 years ago. “The AEE community supports, shares, and provides inspiration to each other, including examples of best practices, exemplary participant experiences, creative ideas, and so much more,” said Sherry Bagley, AEE’s Executive Director. “NCOAE has built and sustained a phenomenal experiential educational program. As AEE's Organizational Member of the Year, NCOAE is recognized as a leader in maintaining innovative programming at continuously high standards, demonstrating commitment to and support for the work of AEE, and has exemplified high ethical standards in its operations and programming. " Founded by Zac and Celine Adair, both of whom graduated from Prescott College’s internationally-acclaimed graduate program featuring coursework in adventure programming and outdoor education, NCOAE has grown into a world-wide leader in the development and delivery of outdoor education and urban and wilderness medical training. Since running its first courses in Pisgah National Forest, the organization now offers outdoor education and wilderness medical training in Alaska, North Carolina, the Pacific Northwest, Ecuador, and Patagonia, as well as custom outdoor education courses across the globe. “Never in our wildest dreams did we think NCOAE would receive this sort of recognition,” said Zac Adair, NCOAE’s Co-founder & Executive Director. “We were founded on the belief that operating in a vacuum was not only bad for us but bad for our industry. Joining AEE, seeking and maintaining their standards of accreditation, and participating in their world-class networking and professional development is directly tied to our success. We both humbled and honored by this award and will continue to champion the power of experiential education while advocating for best practices in the industry. ” NCOAE and other award winners will be recognized at AEE’s 51st Annual International Conference at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Madison, WI, November 2-5, 2023. ### About The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) Since launching its first courses in Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina in 2009, NCOAE has grown into a global leader in outdoor education and adventure-based programming. The Wilmington, NC-based organization is committed to creating and facilitating wilderness-based experiences that foster personal growth, professional development, and acquisition or improvement of technical outdoor and urban or wilderness medicine skills. Accredited by the Association for Experiential Education (AEE) and the Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE), NCOAE provides courses and training throughout the United States and... --- - Published: 2023-09-12 - Modified: 2023-09-12 - URL: https://ncoae.org/news/enhancing-emergency-medical-training-in-the-pacific-northwest-columbia-gorge-community-college-partners-with-the-national-center-for-outdoor-adventure-education-to-provide-intensive-emt-training-prog/ The Dalles, Oregon, 9/8/2023. Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC), with locations in The Dalles and Hood River, Oregon, announced today a partnership with a worldwide leader in outdoor education and urban and wilderness medicine training, the National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE). This is one of the newest partnerships developed by CGCC to provide high-quality education beyond the walls of traditional classrooms. It will provide the delivery of NCOAE’s groundbreaking 21-day intensive EMT training course in the Pacific Northwest. The inaugural course delivered under the agreement—a hybrid program comprised of 10 days of virtual instructor-led training and eleven days of hands-on, practical skills training—is now concluding in Tygh Valley in Wasco County, Oregon. “The announcement of this partnership strengthens our leadership and accelerates our growth,” said Zac Adair, co-founder and executive director of NCOAE. “We are proud to have successfully navigated the process of qualifying our training for delivery in the State of Oregon and now look forward to helping people coast to coast prepare for and pass their National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam. ” --- - Published: 2023-08-22 - Modified: 2023-08-22 - URL: https://ncoae.org/news/zac-adair-five-things-i-wish-someone-told-me/ By Ben Ari - Authority Magazine Taking the risk to start a company is a feat few are fully equipped for. Any business owner knows that the first few years in business are anything but glamorous. Building a successful business takes time, lessons learned, and most importantly, enormous growth as a business owner. What works and what doesn’t when one starts a new business? What are the valuable lessons learned from the “University of Adversity”? As part of this interview series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Zac Adair. Zac Adair is the founder and executive director of The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), He ensures the proper feeding and caring of the growing outdoor and adventure education Industry. He accomplishes this by possessing more than two decades of outdoor industry experience. --- - Published: 2018-04-23 - Modified: 2022-02-16 - URL: https://ncoae.org/news/beyond-the-classroom/ The National Center for Outdoor and Adventure Education uses the Education Without Walls program to give chronically homeless students from North Carolina experiences like camping trips and kayaking adventures. Watch the video to learn more: https://vimeo. com/263993052? embedded=true&source=vimeo_logo&owner=15441960 Video by by Robert Kinlaw and Alex Granados --- - Published: 2018-04-16 - Modified: 2022-02-16 - URL: https://ncoae.org/news/uncw-offers-wilderness-courses-in-alaska-south-america/ Students will learn wilderness first aid and environmental science. WILMINGTON — There are some new classrooms at the University of North Carolina Wilmington: the glaciers of Alaska, the mountains of Chile and the rivers of Patagonia. Launching this summer, a partnership between UNCW’s environmental sciences department and the National Center for Outdoor and Adventure Education (NCOAE) will give students course credit for two- to three-week wilderness trips. On top of six credit hours in environmental science, students will get certified in wilderness first aid. --- - Published: 2018-04-03 - Modified: 2022-02-11 - URL: https://ncoae.org/news/the-national-center-for-outdoor-adventure-education-ncoae-and-the-university-of-north-carolina-wilmington-form-academic-relationship/ Wilmington, N. C. , April 3, 2018 –The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) — a Wilmington-based organization that promotes critical thinking, environmental stewardship, and the acquisition of technical outdoor skills through accredited outdoor and adventure-based experiential education courses — today announced an academic relationship with the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW). Beginning summer of 2018, UNCW students will have the opportunity to earn up to six (6) academic credit hours by participating in and successfully completing one of three NCOAE Outdoor Educator courses in Alaska, Patagonia, or Chile. --- - Published: 2018-02-10 - Modified: 2022-02-16 - URL: https://ncoae.org/news/what-he-sees/ I am setting up fences around the magic carpets, so I don’t see the family come in, nor book a group lesson. Mom would have led the way, hand on her husband as they navigated through the stiles to the desk and on to the rental equipment area. the son, Sawyer, would have followed, giddy with anticipation. He’d be holding his dad’s hand, pulling him toward the base of the chairlift to meet the children’s school class I’m teaching. That’s when I see the father’s orange vest. --- - Published: 2017-10-05 - Modified: 2022-02-11 - URL: https://ncoae.org/news/venus-flytraps-in-danger-of-being-loved-to-death/ CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) — The Carolina Beach State Park is a popular place for visitors and locals to enjoy. However, some species living in the park, like Venus Flytraps, are in danger. “In some regards, people are loving them to death,” Carolina Beach State Park Superintendent, Chris Helms said. With nearly 750. 000 people from across the country visiting the park, the plant is becoming more and more vulnerable. “They get trampled on occasion, they get stomped. We have on occasion poaching,” Helms said. That is why the park, along with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, and Wilmington’s National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education, are hosting several events this weekend. All to raise awareness about the park and vulnerable species like the Venus Flytrap. --- - Published: 2017-09-25 - Modified: 2022-02-11 - URL: https://ncoae.org/news/are-750k-annual-visitors-loving-carolina-beach-state-park-to-death/ Park Earns “Hot Spot” Status Bringing National Outdoor Enthusiasts to Enlighten Public on Unintended Impact and “Leave No Trace” Skills Free Events October 6 – 9 to Train Outdoor Enthusiasts How to Diminish Their Impact on Natural Surroundings September 25, 2017 — The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and its Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers team are partnering with Carolina Beach State Park, in collaboration with Wilmington’s National Center for Outdoor & AdventureEducation. They will be hosting several events that are free and open to thepublic October 6 – 9 to help raise awareness on how to preserve and protect Carolina Beach State Park, particularly its Venus Flytrap habitat. The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is a national organization that protects the outdoors by teaching and inspiring people to enjoy it respnsibly. The Center accomplishes this mission by delivering cutting-edge education and research to millions of people across the country every year. Leave No Trace selected Carolina Beach State Park as a ‘Hot Spot’ in the nation to help raise awareness among local visitors about outdoor recreation ethics in natural areas. The park was nominated for Hot Spot status by Wilmington’s National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education. --- - Published: 2017-09-06 - Modified: 2023-05-23 - URL: https://ncoae.org/news/4500-miles-from-home/ A change in circumstance, environment or routine can create apprehension in the most fearless of individuals. And that’s especially true for the nine North Carolina teenagers raised in low-income families who recently participated in an intense, three-week wilderness-based, service-learning program, 4,500 miles from home. Before heading off for the Alaskan backcountry this past summer, the teenagers—several chronically homeless and impoverished according to Federal guidelines—were asked to describe fears they had regarding the upcoming outdoor adventure. Before heading off for the Alaskan backcountry this past summer, the teenagers were asked to describe fears they had regarding the upcoming outdoor adventure. Each of these youngsters has been enrolled in a years-long North Carolina-based experiential education program called Education Without Walls. Which means they all have some experience in pitching a tent, building a campfire and keeping food out of the reach of bears. Embracing Dark Thoughts But the thought of trekking hundreds of miles deep in the wilds of Alaska did present some concerns. In an on-camera interview before the trip, one participant said he was afraid he might wake up some morning and find himself sharing his sleeping bag with a snake. Another mentally explored the specter of darkness on the trail. Pitch-black, wilderness darkness. An “I’ve a feeling we’re not in North Carolina anymore” kind of darkness. Quenton Bowman, a 16-year-old student at New Hanover High School in Wilmington, N. C. , faced the camera lens wearing shorts, a hoodie and a brave smile. “What I fear is not coming back a changed man,” Quenton said. --- - Published: 2017-08-20 - Modified: 2022-08-18 - URL: https://ncoae.org/news/bears-moose-and-chest-deep-mud-homeless-wilmington-teens-venture-to-alaska/ WILMINGTON — Nine Wilmington-area teens from chronically homeless families just spent three weeks calling Alaska home. The trip was organized by the National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), a Wilmington-based non-profit in the same vein of NOLS or Outward Bound. Largely funded by a $25,000 Challenge Cost Share Program Grant from the National Park Service, the trip combined service work and outdoor adventures. For most of the participants, ranging in age from 14-18, it was their first time on an airplane, but none of them were strangers to the great outdoors. All nine have been involved with the NCOAE’s Education Without Walls (EWW) program for years. --- - Published: 2017-08-07 - Modified: 2022-02-11 - URL: https://ncoae.org/news/communique-education-without-walls-develops-academic-leadership-skills-in-the-wilderness/ The headquarters of the National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) is right here in Wilmington, North Carolina. There are various programs and courses available for people who want to experience the wilderness – including Education Without Walls for chronically homeless / impoverished youth. Support for the program comes through volunteers, gifts-in-kind, and underwriting of courses. I spoke with the founder and Executive Director of NCOAE. Listen above and see the transcript below. Gina: Zac Adair is an outdoorist. Student Jack (L) and Executive Director Zac Adair Zac: A rock climber, mountaineer, back country ski. I was a raft guide, a paddle instructor, backpacker, surfer. That was my life for many years lived out of the back of my Toyota Tacoma for six years traveling from the West Coast to the east coast leaving to go to Panama to Mexico to Costa Rica, chasing the seasons and adventures --- - Published: 2017-06-01 - Modified: 2022-08-18 - URL: https://ncoae.org/news/high-school-students-prepare-for-alaskan-adventure/ WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) Ten local high school students returned after spending three weeks on a backcountry adventure in Alaska. The students, whose families live at or below the Federal Poverty Level, were awarded a $25,000 Challenge Cost Share Program Grant by the National Park Service. The funding supported the local non-profit group National Center for Outdoor and Adventure Education’s (NCOAE) 2017 Education without Walls (EWW) trip to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. The grant covered nearly all costs associated with the backcountry adventure. While in Alaska, the students worked alongside a National Park Service archaeologist to clear brush and woody debris within the Chititu Historic Mining Landscape, where structures have been degraded by the encroaching forest and harsh weather. The students’ mentor and leader Zac Adair, who was blinded in a car accident 12 years ago. --- - Published: 2017-06-01 - Modified: 2022-02-11 - URL: https://ncoae.org/news/the-adventure-of-an-education/ This summer, ten local teens will fly to Alaska, take a small plane into the back country, and spend three weeks hiking and clearing trails. These days, many young people go on similar organized wilderness adventures, but these Wilmington teens are not typical participants. They all have either been identified as “chronically homeless” or they live below the poverty level, and all of them are dedicated and motivated for change. Each of them earned this trip — which is funded, in part, through a $25,000 grant from the National Park Service — by excelling at a program called Education Without Walls. “These kids deserve to be the next astronauts or doctors or lawyers,” says Zac Adair, executive director of the nonprofit National Center of Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), which runs Education Without Walls. “We want to give them that chance. ” I’m having lunch with Zac at Gulfstream Restaurant, only a mile or so from NCOAE’s 17-acre campus in Carolina Beach. Zac, at 42, is a former adventure guide himself, and I can easily imagine him communicating both confidence and reassurance to these teens — 80 percent “You can do it! ” and 20 percent “We’ll help you if you falter. ” --- - Published: 2017-05-16 - Modified: 2022-02-11 - URL: https://ncoae.org/news/adventure-education-a-love-of-being-outdoors-and-doing-adventure-sports-leads-to-a-nationally-accredited-education-center/ When Zac Adair began racing BMX bikes at the age of seven, he’d never considered that some people study and make a living in adventure education. Over the next two decades, as he participated in football, baseball, rock climbing, surfing, white water rafting, and snow skiing, it still didn’t enter his mind. Yet, in the mid 1990s, while working as a guide on the river, he encountered a man wearing a Prescott College shirt, and asked him about it. That man had studied adventure education at Prescott. “I was like ‘You can get a degree in this? ! Holy smokes! ’” After doing some research, Adair applied to the Arizona school’s adventure education program. “It just so happened that was the same year my now wife had applied to go,” he added. He, however, didn’t go. He was accepted, and ready to move when a friend called about a big swell in Costa Rica. He and his surfboard hopped a plane and rode the waves for several weeks. It would be 2010, many jobs and many towns later, before Adair completed his master’s degree in adventure education at Prescott. His thesis for that degree was the 290 page policies and procedures manual for the National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education, the nonprofit center he and his wife Celine built on seventeen acres off River Road near Carolina Beach. --- - Published: 2017-05-05 - Modified: 2022-02-11 - URL: https://ncoae.org/news/ncoaes-celine-adair-awarded-women-of-achievement-honors/ Celine Adair, our own co-founder and director of operations, has been recognized with a Women of Achievement Award for her work in social justice, presented earlier this week by the YWCA Lower Cape Fear. The award ceremony — held each year since 1985 — is the YWCA’s signature fundraiser to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of women and young leaders in southeastern North Carolina. Celine joins more than 300 other women leaders who have achieved this status over the past three-plus decades. The YWCA organization’s programs and services promote racial justice and gender equity for thousands of women, children and their families in the Lower Cape Fear region, which is home to The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education’s world headquarters. This year, 56 nominees demonstrated excellence and commitment in their careers, schools and communities, with the adult women nominees separated into nine categories. The group determined that Celine’s background and accomplishments make her the perfect model and mentor to represent social justice for women — and especially young people — in that particular category. This lifelong enthusiasm for working with women, children and teens began immediately after high school, when Celine discovered a love for backpacking and rock climbing that came as the result of a North Carolina camp program that particular summer. In fact, the young Celine said she knew her life’s work would be in outdoor and experiential education well before she returned home and unpacked her knapsack. Later, Celine discovered she could use the transformative power of the outdoors to assist young people challenge themselves to overcome self-doubt and loss. With that at the top of her mind, this young outdoorswoman earned a bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Uses of the Wilderness Experience from Prescott College, and later, a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Argosy University. With her newfound therapeutic training and an enthusiasm for working with children and teens, Celine rose through the ranks to become the clinical supervisor of a homeless shelter for displaced children and youth. Supervising a residential staff of 15, she provided individual and family therapy for shelter residents and their families and responded to crises that often arise in such an environment. Fast-forward two decades and Celine — along with husband Zac Adair — became co-founders of NCOAE. Our Education Without Walls program, which falls under Celine’s purview, serves hundreds of local students and their families who live in poverty and suffer from the impact of homelessness. It is through this program that Celine was able to help a single mom whose child was in our outdoor program by finding her full-time employment. She also connected another student to free tutoring, which enabled him graduate from high school on time. In addition, Celine has facilitated countless meetings for families both at NCOAE and in her previous positions at other local nonprofits that resulted in kids who are now better prepared for adulthood and families that are stronger and more cohesive. In between such personal projects, Celine took... --- - Published: 2017-04-21 - Modified: 2023-08-17 - URL: https://ncoae.org/news/ncoaes-zac-adair-featured-in-extraordinary-people-segment/ A North Carolina television news station has run a colorful three-minute segment called “Extraordinary People,” that highlights our very own co-founder and executive director, Zac Adair (video footage from the segment appears at the end of today's post). Daniel Seamans, evening anchor correspondent for WWAY TV3, put the cameras on Zac and The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education in the Extraordinary Person of the Week portion of the network affiliate’s evening news. WWAY TV3 is the ABC, CBS and CW-affiliated television station in Wilmington, owned by Morris Network, Inc. Entitled “Blind Ambition,” the veteran correspondent interviewed Zac as well as a half-dozen students in our Education Without Walls (EWW) program, NCOAE's year-round adventure education program for highly motivated and ambitious youth who have significant financial needs. The news station called the segment ‘Blind Ambition” because Zac lost the majority of his sight when the bicycle he was riding was struck by a car back in 2003. The accident did little to slow this veteran surfer, whitewater rafting guide, rock climber, and outdoor program visionary and business manager. Today he is totally blind in one eye and has less than 2 percent vision remaining in his other eye. Nonetheless, on a near-daily basis, you can find Zac in the (more... ) --- - Published: 2017-04-20 - Modified: 2022-02-11 - URL: https://ncoae.org/news/extraordinary-people-blind-inspiration/ WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — What happens when a man who can’t see uses his passion for the outdoors to teach local young men and women life skills? You get Blind Inspiration! WWAY’s Daniel Seamans introduces you to our Extraordinary Person of the Week. “It’s made me want to strive for what I can be,” Que Bowman told Daniel Seamans. “I’ve moved a lot,” Cameron Nau added. “I’ve learned how to survive in the wilderness and also how to talk to people,” Shaianne Bowman said of her time with The National Center for Outdoor Adventure and Education. --- - Published: 2017-01-28 - Modified: 2022-02-11 - URL: https://ncoae.org/news/10-wilmington-students-are-alaska-bound-thanks-to-adventure-education-group/ Wilmington’s National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education teaches young people leadership, self-reliance. SNOWS CUT — Bouncing between homes for much of his childhood, 16-year-old Quenton Bowman used to have a hard time trusting people. Then he went outside. Bowman is one of 800 New Hanover County students served over the past decade by the National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE), a Wilmington nonprofit that gets young people to heed the call of the wild. “When I was little, I was always taught that sharing feelings was a sign of weakness. And once I came to this program they started to crack the shell that I was in,” he said. “This organization also gave me second family to go to. ” Thanks to a $25,000 grant from the National Parks Service, Bowman is also one of 10 NCOAE students who will take a three-week adventure in July to Alaska’s Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve. These local teens will trek across glaciers, climb mountains and even help an archaeologist clear brush from a century-old gold and copper mine. --- - Published: 2017-01-25 - Modified: 2022-02-11 - URL: https://ncoae.org/news/national-park-services-grant-sends-students-to-alaska/ Ten Wilmington high-school students are preparing for a three-week Alaskan wilderness adventure as part of a program that introduces outdoor excursions for students with financial needs. Serving as ambassadors for the National Center for Outdoor and Adventure Education’s program Education Without Walls (EWW), the students will climb, hike and camp on glaciers in the remote mountains of Alaska at no personal cost over 21 days this July. “Circumstances arise in all of our lives where we find ourselves in financial need,” said Zac Adair, cofounder of the center. The group uses outdoor adventure to help its students overcome challenges they face in daily life. EWW specifically aims to encourage highly motivated students in academic and personal development. Each Alaska-bound teenager has participated in EWW excursions throughout his or her middle- and high-school years. “I was always too scared to go out in the woods before this,” said Shaianne Bowman, a junior at New Hanover High School. “It’s helped me learn how to communicate, too. I’m an introvert but I’ve started to learn about how to talk about my problems. ” --- - Published: 2017-01-10 - Modified: 2022-02-11 - URL: https://ncoae.org/news/outdoor-retailer-and-adidas-outdoor-announce-2017-outdoor-inspiration-awards-finalists/ Outdoor Retailer and Adidas Outdoor are pleased to announce the finalists for the seventh annual Outdoor Inspiration Awards, presented by Adidas Outdoor. The Outdoor Inspiration Awards recognize those whose efforts go above and beyond in inspiring others to engage in outdoor activities. The event will take place during Outdoor Retailer Winter Market at the Salt Palace Convention Center, MR 250 on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at 6 p. m. , the second night of Outdoor Retailer. General and sponsored category nominations gathered from the outdoor retailer community include Individual, Retailer, Non-Profit, Manufacturer sponsored by JanSport and Youth sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America. Finalists include: Individual: Zac Adair, Chris Enlow, Peter MetcalfRetailer: Evo, Next Adventure, Tahoe Mountain SportsNon- Profit: Conservation Alliance, Leave No Trace for Outdoor Ethics, Veterans ExpeditionsJanSport Manufacturer: Hippy Tree, Keen, United by BlueBoy Scouts of America Youth: Christian Branch, Lillian Rose Weihert, Trevor Burke --- - Published: 2016-03-21 - Modified: 2022-02-11 - URL: https://ncoae.org/news/whole-foods-5-percent-day-to-benefit-impoverished-youth-program/ Two organizations in Wilmington will partner Wednesday for Whole Foods Market’s Community Day to benefit local youth. According to a news release, five percent of all sales at Whole Foods on Oleander will go to the National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education, which is a Wilmington-based non-profit that promotes critical thinking, improved interpersonal relationships and environmental responsibility. The Community Day, also known as Five Percent Day, goes from 8 a. m. to 9 p. m. NCOAE’s Education Without Walls program, which is the flagship program for youth living at or below the federal poverty line, will be the main beneficiary of five percent of Whole Foods sales Wednesday. “This is a wonderful opportunity for members of the local community to learn about the good work we’re doing right here in Wilmington and the surrounding region,” said Zac Adair, executive director of The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education. “While we’re known nationally for planning and guiding adventures around the globe, we’re also highly focused on making a difference right here in our hometown of Wilmington. ” --- - Published: 2015-12-10 - Modified: 2022-02-16 - URL: https://ncoae.org/news/celine-adair-interview-on-outdoor-industry-association-oia-audio-outdoorist/ Dig deep into the issues facing outdoor brands and retailers, from domestic vs. international manufacturing to brick-and-mortar vs. online commerce. Conversations with CEOs, VPs, supply chain reps, retail clerks, marketing gurus and an occasional celebrity outdoorist offer valuable insights and entertainment about the business of playing outdoors. In this collection of episodes, we’re talking to shop owners and other retail experts about everything from marketing to HR to liability insurance. The information, insights and best practices shared here will help speciality brick-and-mortar merchants in and outside the outdoor industry navigate an increasingly challenging retail landscape. --- - Published: 2014-12-28 - Modified: 2022-02-11 - URL: https://ncoae.org/news/great-outdoor-provisions-co-taps-ncoae-campfire-conversations/ It must have been about a year ago that we first wondered aloud if it’d be possible to put our backcountry knowledge and experiences on display for the benefit of the folks in our local community. As a national organization, we tend to think and operate big (visit our website and you’ll find NCOAE courses being offered in destinations like Hawaii, Wyoming and Oregon — all of which are thousands of miles from our world headquarters in Wilmington, N. C. ). And the programs we do offer locally... well, they’re expensive and not the type of thing someone just signs up for out of the blue or on a moment’s notice. Interested though in giving back to the community that has been so great for our nonprofit, we recently approached the good folks over at the Great Outdoor Provisions Co. to see if they’d be interested in having our founders, guides and instructors offer free workshops to their customers at their Wilmington store. After a few conversations about topics, dates and logistics, we got it all worked out. Starting in January, NCOAE will be presenting the following monthly “Campfire Conversations” — free workshops and talks — at the Great Outdoor Provisions Co. store in Wilmington: January 5, 2015 (6-8pm)— Understanding Leave No Trace: The Leave No Trace Awareness Workshop February 2, 2015 (6-8pm)— One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Everything you need to know about choosing women’s outdoor gear March 9, 2015 (6-8pm) — Cooking In The Backcountry: Tips, tricks and warnings for beginners to sous-chefs April 6, 2015 (6-8pm) — Backpacking With Kids: How to prepare and pull off a great backcountry experience with your kids May 2015 (date & time TBA) — Your Weekend Adventure Awaits: Three-day trips that are local, affordable and well within your reach June 2015 (date & time TBD)— Wilderness Medicine: What you need to know to be safe, confident and helpful in emergency situations in the backcountry (more... ) --- - Published: 2014-05-10 - Modified: 2022-02-11 - URL: https://ncoae.org/news/take-5-reasons-i-go-back-to-nature/ CELINE ADAIR, co-owner of the National Center for Outdoor and Adventure Education in Wilmington, was in her teens when she first started spending a lot of time outdoors, tackling activities such as back-packing, surfing, rafting, and rock climbing. Twenty years later, she’s inspiring others to do the same and managing the roles of wife, mother, and business owner, but her reasons for seeking wild places remain the same. First and foremost, connection. The way I connect with people in the wild is less rushed, more focused, and specialized. Hiking and talking seems to fuel the best conversations. Adventure keeps me focused. For a very long time climbing was my thing. As an easily distractible person, I can really appreciate when I have one main objective. When I put on my harness and tie into a rope, I become empowered with super human focus. --- - Published: 2012-06-08 - Modified: 2022-02-14 - URL: https://ncoae.org/news/an-adventurous-spirit/ With the approach of summer comes camp season, a time when young people get to feel as if they are out on their own, while parents are given some alone time. But rather than two weeks of ballet, tennis or swimming, what about an adventure that goes up mountains, down rivers and across state lines? Emphasizing the motto “educate, empower, engage,” Panacea Adventures is a locally run nonprofit organization that takes youth ages 12-18 on wilderness expeditions designed to teach interpersonal skills in a challenging yet fun environment. Husband and wife Zac and Celine Adair founded Panacea together in 2008 after having both worked in the outdoor industry for a combined 30 years-plus. Their philosophy at Panacea is based on the value of experiential education — essentially learning by doing. “We are not a touring company,” Zac Adair emphasized. “We are using wilderness experience to create life-long learners and instill leadership skills. ” --- - Published: 2011-05-29 - Modified: 2022-02-14 - URL: https://ncoae.org/news/cheap-seat-adairs-panacea-keep-expanding-their-vision/ Zac Adair is terrible at lining up the bumper stickers for the back of his wife’s car. He’ll occasionally stub a toe on a random bag of dog food in the middle of the kitchen floor. These are the blurry-eyed perils of life when your sightlines are about the size of the opening for a pinhole camera. The legally blind Adair shrugs them off as just another set of hurdles for the day. Then you get the Wilmington resident talking about Panacea Adventures, the local non-profit he runs to help area special-needs students through wilderness therapy. The ideas are crystal clear, his 20-20 vision for the future as wide as a mountain horizon. --- - Published: 2011-04-20 - Modified: 2022-02-14 - URL: https://ncoae.org/news/paddleboarding-event-to-help-fund-treks/ Panacea Adventures will host its first Panacea Paddle, a daylong festival with paddling competitions that will raise money June 4. In June, Panacea Adventures sent 15 homeless students on an eight-day trek through the mountains, giving them an enduring lesson in self reliance. Panacea Adventures is a Wilmington organization that develops and leads outdoor adventure therapy programs for children and adults who are facing physical, mental or emotional challenges. Curricula and activities are tailored to the participants. Each adventure is led by one or several licensed certified adventure educators. The result of every trip, regardless of the needs of participants, is always the same: improved self confidence, enhanced coping techniques, valuable personal insight and refined leadership and decision-making skills. Some of the success of Panacea Adventures is attributable to one of its founders, Zac Adair. Just completing his masters in adventure programming from Prescott College in Arizona, Adair is a hearty embodiment of the individual empowerment and improved quality of life that outdoor adventure fosters. --- - Published: 2009-05-02 - Modified: 2022-02-14 - URL: https://ncoae.org/news/surfing-in-the-dark-zac-adair-keeps-the-light-on-within/ Imagine this: going to sleep with 20/20 vision and waking up the next morning in complete darkness. This is what happened to Zac Adair on the morning of May 7, 2004, about a month after his 29th birthday. While riding his bike home one evening, Zac, an avid surfer from North Carolina, was hit from behind by a drunk driver. On life support for a week with his cervical spine broken in four places, Zac woke up without paralysis, and all bodily functions in tack. Six months after leaving the hospital, his optic nerve collapsed and Zac woke up without his vision. Thankfully this story doesn’t end as tragic as it began for Zac. Through courage and a strength that many of us might never have to dig deep for, Zac Adair is truly a comeback kid. He’s now back on his board, wearing a rash guard that reads, “Blind Surfer”. On the land, Zac’s guided by his seeing eye dog “Alfred”, a gorgeous white lab who’s as sharp as a GPS system. On the ocean, Zac’s guided by his fiancée Celine Russo, an avid surfer who’s ironically trained in Wilderness Therapy, a program at Prescott College that Zac is currently getting his Masters Degree from. (And of course all you MSGs out there know and love our one and only Celine! ) --- - Published: 2008-08-10 - Modified: 2022-02-14 - URL: https://ncoae.org/news/blind-man-makes-waves/ Zac Adair didn’t need anyone to tell him that Hurricane Bertha delivered something big last month. The roar of the surf could be heard well before he crossed the dune at Carolina Beach. But exactly how good Bertha’s waves were remained a blank for someone else to fill even as he stared at the ocean. Carolina Beach | Zac Adair didn’t need anyone to tell him that Hurricane Bertha delivered something big last month. The roar of the surf could be heard well before he crossed the dune at Carolina Beach. But exactly how good Bertha’s waves were remained a blank for someone else to fill even as he stared at the ocean. “It’s so pretty, Zac,” his girlfriend, Celine Russo, said as they carried their boards onto the sand. “And glassy. ” “Is it? ” he said. “And it’s barreling,” she said. “Barreling? ” For a passer-by, the conversation would have been puzzling. Tanned and trim with tattooed waves down his shoulder, Adair looks like a surfer. He just no longer sees like one. A car accident five years ago means Adair peers at the world as if through a soda straw. --- ---