FRIENDS SUPPORTING EXCELLENCE AT NOLS | A PUBLICATION OF THE NOLS DEVELOPMENT OFFICE | OCT 2020
NOLS HAS COURSES IN THE FIELD AGAIN: HERE’S HOW WE GOT THERE
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n late May, seven NOLS instructors spent three nights together in the Wind River Mountains, testing NOLS’ newly developed protocols for COVID-19—figuring out how to cook meals, hold classes, and build community while wearing masks and remaining 6 feet apart. The group hiked using trekking poles to maintain distance, set up hand washing stations in each camp (and used them frequently), and tested out individual sleeping arrangements using tarps and bug netting. Though many of the routines of the course were different than normal, by the end of the trip, the group showed it was possible to support the outcomes NOLS aims for on any expedition—that students learn to assume NOLS adopted and practiced COVID-19 protocols before returning to classrooms. Kirk Rasmussen leadership roles, care for themselves and others, and connect with natural spaces. Running that test course was just one and seek further medical advice 19 symptoms, frequently wash their step of many that led to NOLS’ decision to hands, and practice social distancing Thanks to hard work by the task force and run select field and classroom courses this for 2 weeks prior to the course stabilizing philanthropic support from friends summer. In order to develop protocols, we • Staging students at remote sites when and alumni, the first post-pandemic NOLS needed to fully understand the risks and how they arrive and depart from their courses, courses began on July 1. In accordance with to mitigate them, as with any risk we anticipate to prevent disease spread in the local our new protocols, students on expedition on an expedition. So, a dedicated task force community courses were housed and issued gear and spent months reviewing and revising our • While on course, conducting daily health rations at a property several miles from protocols, in close consultation with federal, checks, practicing social distancing, Lander—one of just two NOLS locations state, and local public health experts; peer wearing masks when social distancing that weren’t temporarily shuttered since organizations; medical advisors; and local isn’t practical, and sleeping in individual mid-March. Meanwhile, NOLS Wilderness governmental agencies. arrangements rather than shared tents Medicine’s residential WEMT program • If someone on the course experiences resumed on July 20 at the Wyss Wilderness Highlights of the new protocols include: symptoms, we have plans in place to Medicine Campus. • Managing risks before students arrive separate that individual from the group by requesting they monitor for COVIDCONTINUED ON BACK
“We leaned in. We leaned into uncertainty, minimizing COVID risk, and practicing what we teach in the field on an administrative level. With an outstanding, highly committed team, we were able to bring back the student-expedition experience, offering positive transformational opportunities to each of our students in the time of COVID.” —Jen Sall NOLS Rocky Mountain Director
FRIENDS IS FOR PEOPLE COMMITTED TO HELPING NOLS PROVIDE THE WORLD’S BEST EDUCATION IN WILDERNESS SKILLS AND LEADERSHIP. This newsletter aims to provide useful and interesting information on charitable gift planning and supporters of the school. NOLS is not engaged in rendering legal or tax advisory services. State laws govern wills, trusts, and many charitable gifts, and these laws vary from state to state. While NOLS welcomes and encourages inquiries about the material in this publication, individuals should consult with their professional advisors when planning their wills or deferred gifts.
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