In simple terms, the NOLS goal is this: to teach you the skills necessary to survive in the wilderness — whether it’s kayaking in Alaska, mountain climbing in the Rockies, or backpacking in Africa — and to pass through that wilderness without leaving any trace of your having been there. Unlike Outward Bound, (previous item) NOLS is not into character development or proving yourself, except
perhaps for encouraging useful leadership qualities. Instead, it teaches only those skills directly related to the wilderness experience and cooperative group effort.
Both styles have their merits. The fundamental difference, I think, is between self-command and harmony. Me, I’ll take harmony.
