…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…

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….

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…

…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…

…Our mission is to design and deliver handcrafted outdoor and adventure education experiences that promote personal growth….

…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…

…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…

…Liz Shirley joined the NCOAE family full-time in the spring of 2017 as a Program Director, responsible for directing field operations and staff training….

…There was a time, not so long ago, that when it came out outdoor recreation gear, apparel and accessories, women were told one size fits all. “You there, young lady! I understand you need a backpack for a serious wilderness expedition? No problem. See that one over there that Jonathan is trying on? That’s the…

…Some lucky eighth- and ninth-graders are heading out for a three-day expedition to the remote and undeveloped Masonboro Island near Myrtle Grove, N.C., this weekend, joined by a pair of instructors and a course director from here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education. The eight youngsters are from the Wilmington, N.C., area…

Those of us who work here at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) are taking some time off for the holidays this week and next, and we’re also taking this last-chance of-the-year opportunity to seek donations, gifts and volunteer time from our partners and friends. First, we want to tell you about…

…North Carolina’s more than 40 state parks are sharing a centennial anniversary with the National Park system this year, all offering an enormous amount of biodiversity and geographical features to explore. The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education’s (NCOAE’s) world headquarters and home campus is located in Eastern North Carolina, which has amazing biodiversity…

…It’s the end of a long day trekking through the backcountry. Tents are being set up, water is being collected and brought to the campsite and everyone is tired and hungry. A conversation ensues: Student: The stove won’t light. Instructor: Okay. Student:  Should we fix it? Instructor: Do you need it to cook dinner? Student:…

…During our latest Instructor Candidate (IC) course, I had the opportunity to witness one of the most beautiful shifts in group dynamics I’ve seen in a long, long time. Our instructor candidates had just finished two days of challenging climbs — made all the more difficult by torrential rains, equipment challenges and late — very,…

…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…

…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…

…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…

…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…

…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…