…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…

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…

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…

…Embark on a transformative journey with NCOAE and earn accredited continuing education credits through the Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE). Our immersive Wilderness Medicine courses not only empower you with life-saving skills but also grant you official recognition that sets you apart. …

…Jena Honeyman was born to teach, but not in the public school system where standardization appears to have removed hope of educating the individual. That’s why Honeyman — a native of Washington State who was raised in the Adirondack Mountains of New York — is a perfect fit for the staff here at The National…

…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…

…Our wilderness medicine instructors teach courses that result in their students completing coursework to receive outdoor medical certifications….

…Working in remote settings has its challenges. From the lack of a quality connection to the Internet and having to find alternate ways to ‘go to the bathroom,’ to not being able to find a doctor precisely when you may need one, working remotely takes on all new meaning when you’re outdoor educator or backcountry…

…There’s an unspoken rule in the blogosphere that says we’re obligated to post a “welcome to our blog” entry, so we’ll play along (we wouldn’t want to upset the balance of the interweb by not playing by such geeky rules)….

…The W-EMT curriculum includes the essential medical foundation combined with required skills for accessing and managing medical issues….

North Carolina’s breathtaking backcountry provides the perfect backdrop as you expand your technical outdoor skills and grow as a leader….

…If you have a deep passion for education and the outdoors and take immense pride in your work—apply to become an NCOAE instructor!…

…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…

…NCOAE is proud to have been recognized as a 2023 Organizational Member of the Year by the Association for Experiential Education (AEE)!…

…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,…

…Camp LEAD brings experiential leadership to Brunswick County youth on beaches, rivers, and coastal forests—building communication, resilience, and teamwork….

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:…

…Our industry-standard wilderness medicine course provides hands-on medical training combined with skills in outdoor leadership and critical thinking….

…Instructors and educators are responsible for managing the safety of trips while facilitating multi-day adventure education courses….

…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…