…Two National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) instructors recently guided an international group of high school students on a 16-day custom outdoor education program in the Alaskan wilderness. The teens, all of whom were enrolled in a youth leadership program in South Korea, got their first introduction to Alaska’s glaciers, jagged mountain ranges,…

…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,…

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…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…

…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…

…Oftentimes after a successful outdoor adventure, at least one smiling student comes up to me and says, “Man, I wish I had your job.” Well, of course you do. As far as you know, I’m getting a paycheck for camping, climbing, paddling and exploring in some of the most beautiful spots on earth. That part’s true….

Allie handles student and custom group registration, tracks progress, and leads our support and service efforts….

…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…

Remote glaciers, cold-mountain streams, wide-open tundra: explore the beauty of faraway Alaskan terrain….

Discover Patagonia, the land of extremes, from snow-capped volcanoes to whitewater rivers and breathtaking vistas….

The health pandemic has had an enormous impact on the outdoor education and adventure programming industries, not to mention those who thrive on If you’re an outdoor industry professional, check out the 2022 outdoor industry conferences and summits highlighted in this post. %…

…Thinking of an adventure-based vacation? NCOAE’s outdoor education courses offer backcountry travel and outdoor opportunities. Read more now….

…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…

…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…

Situated in the breathtaking landscapes of Idaho, NCOAE’s Satellite Camp offers a unique opportunity for individuals seeking to become certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) through our Hybrid EMT Training program….

…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…

…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…

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…

…If you’re interested in advancing your career in outdoor and adventure-based experiential education, you really should attend one of AEE’s 2014 regional conferences. AEE (which stands for Association for Experiential Education) is a professional membership association with roots in adventure education that’s committed to the development, practice, and evaluation of experiential learning in all settings….