NOLS

national outdoor leadership school

NOLS is a mission-driven institution which strives to teach wilderness values and environmental ethics through experience and mentorship from expert educators in the wilderness.

 
 

Age Range:

Rising Juniors

Location:

Paul Smith’s, New York

Trip Duration:

14 Days

Dates:

TBD

ID Needed:

NY REAL ID

visit the NOLS website

participation requirements

  • Summer Search will enroll you in the correct course. You simply need to start working on the required paperwork ASAP! Once we have completed your registration, you will receive an email to access your account dashboard, however you should ignore this. You should not access your dashboard yourself.

  • Required paperwork for this summer experience can be found here and includes:

    • Student Agreement (Hay una version de espanol)

    • Self-Reporting Health Form (Hay una version de espanol)

    • Student Dietary Questionnaire

    • Insurance Form

    You will need to print, manually complete, and scan each page of these documents to your mentor. Even if a section did not apply to you and/or you left items blank, you must include a scan of every page in the final, signed version you send to your mentor. Your mentor and the Summer Team will submit these forms to NOLS.

  • There are no required orientations or workshops prior to attending this Summer Experience. Just make sure to attend your Goodbye Group to receive your equipment and travel itinerary, and to meet the other Summer Searchers who will be traveling with the same program!

apply now

About the Program

Summer Search Hike and Canoe Leadership Expedition

This course is designed to equip you with technical wilderness skills and interpersonal leadership abilities, setting you up for success in the backcountry and beyond. Throughout the 14-day adventure, you’ll gain practical skills and confidence in key areas, including: backpacking techniques, navigation skills, wilderness first aid, leave no trace principles, and leadership & teamwork. These skills will empower you to lead with confidence and navigate any challenges that come your way.

  • Embark on a backpacking and canoeing journey, starting with low-elevation hikes/waters and gradually increasing in difficulty. You’ll focus on mastering essential outdoor skills, with time for leadership practice, group discussions, and team building exercises. Engage in leadership activities and hone your problem-solving skills by leading sections of the trip — this will help you foster confidence and learn to balance group and individual needs.

    Other relevant links:

  • This is a camping trip — you will be sleeping in tents, and you will not have access to a bathroom. Don’t worry! Summer Search will provide any equipment you’ll need (including biodegradable soap) and the program staff will teach you how to feel at home in the outdoors.

  • This program will be NYC Summer Searchers only. It’s a great opportunity for you to meet and get to know other students in our program!

  • You will not be able to use your phones or any electronic device that connects to the internet once you arrive at Basecamp with program leaders. However, limited communication with family/friends back home is available.

    You will be able to receive mail before and after your course, but you might not receive or be able to send out mail while you are in the field. Inform your family/friends that letters and packages sent to you must include your course code: YSXE 8/3/25.

    For packages shipped via UPS or FedEx, please use the following address:

    Student Name

    c/o NOLS (YSXE 8/03/25)

    Paul Smith's College, Clinton Hall 

    7777 NY-30

    Paul Smith's, NY 12970


    For letters and/ or United States Postal Service mail, please use the following address:

    Student Name

    c/o NOLS Northeast (YSXE 8/3/25)

    P.O. Box 411

    Gabriels, NY 12939

    Please contact the NOLS Admissions Office with any questions:

    Amy Tillotson
    amy.tillotson@nols.edu
    Call: 800-710-6657 x2    258

    Admission Office Hours
    Monday thru Friday:
    8:00 a.m. - 5:0    0 p.m. (Mountain Time)

    Parents and Guardians are always able and welcome to call Summer Search if necessary — leaders always have working cell phones and service, and we can reach out on your behalf in case of emergency.

    In case of emergency, please use our 24/7 hotline - Summer on Call. Learn more about this service here.

  • No spending money is necessary for this program, but you may keep cash or credit cards on you if you’d like — you may want to buy snacks along the way!

  • Click here to view the NOLS x Summer Search packing list. A guide to the equipment we provide can be found on our FAQs + Resources page, along with other helpful links and info — check it out!

apply now
“There wasn’t instant gratification, we actually had to work for it — and getting the goal achieved was more rewarding; it grew connection or, like, a trust between one another...going through that difficult time together made our bond stronger among the whole group.”
— Summer Search Student

Summer Search provides a variety of resources to support you in preparing for your Summer Experience. From travel tips to what to expect from outdoor activities to live events, we got you!

Remember that your mentor is always your best resource! Reach out if you have any questions or need help with your application.

Need to schedule office hours with the Summer Team? Create a Calendly appointment here!

summer experience checklist
faqs & resources
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Events