National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education

NOW HIRING: Lead Guides for Backpacking & Paddling Trips!⛺️🚣

NCOAE has immediate openings for Field Instructors, to guide individually contracted wilderness trips for the 2026 season (July-Oct). See full job description and apply today at the link below:

https://www.coolworks.com/the-national-center-for-outdoor-and-adventure-education/highlighted-job/81652-wilderness-field-instructor-17

Wellfit Girls 8-Day Backpacking & Service Trip to Willamette / Deschutes National Forest & Warm Springs Reservation concluded on June 10th!

The hiking trails tested these girls' strength, but the real transformation happened within. They learned to trust themselves, lean on each other, push through discomfort (did someone say snow storm?😳), and discover just how capable they truly are! This was so much more than a backpacking trip. Blisters heal and sore muscles fade, but the confidence, courage, laughter, and life lessons gained out there on the trails will stay with them forever. ❤️🌲🏕

Are your kids already going stir crazy in the house this summer? NCOAE has you covered!

It's not too late to sign up for Camp L.E.A.D., our summer day camp in Wilmington, NC for ages 8-11. Limited spaces available for late June, July, and August - register now at https://ncoae.org/courses/camp-lead/ 🌞🌊😎

"We need to be better at scene safety and continued safety, and we must maintain better situational awareness both on scene and during transport. Your safety matters, and that’s what this blog post focuses on."

Read more in our latest blog!👇

Safety Should Always Come First During a Wilderness Medicine Scene Size-up - National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education Safety first! That short phrase has been a mantra in outdoor adventure and education for as long as I can remember. In wilderness medicine, safety is

Our new Oregon campus came with a friend and some soon to be new friends. 🐦

This Killdeer decided that NCOAE's parking lot was a perfect nesting place. We think she made a great choice and have put up a protection zone so mom, dad, and babies can stay safe until they hatch. 🐣

Fun fact: Killdeer are great actors! If a predator is too close to their nest they will fake a wing injury to lure them away. They will drag a wing, limp, and call loudly then once you are far enough away from their nest, they "miraculously recover" and fly away.

You may already follow us on Tiktok, but today follow us on our tick talk...

As we head into summer, tick bites are surging. Don't be afraid to get outdoors! Be smart and prepared before, during, and after your adventures.

Here's a list of tips from the US Forest Service for dealing with ticks this season: https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/ticks

Happy World Environmental Day! 🌎

Environmental stewardship is part of NCOAE’s DNA. As one of our four core educational principles, we empower students and staff to take responsibility for protecting and improving the environments we all share—locally and globally.

As our planet faces increasing challenges from climate change, developing a connection to and respect for the natural world is more important than ever. Through actions like practicing Leave No Trace principles, participating in trail work, or engaging in service projects, NCOAE students learn that even small actions can have a lasting impact.

By fostering environmental awareness and responsible outdoor leadership, we can help ensure that our natural world remains healthy, accessible, and inspiring for years to come.

Have you heard?! NCOAE's new Oregon campus is officially open!!🥳

We're kicking off the summer season with 16 students participating in our June EMT practical, while our outdoor team packs up and heads into the Deschutes Wilderness for an 8-day custom outdoor adventure program.

We can't wait for all the memories we're going to make here in Tygh Valley! 🏕😎

MAMA WE MADE IT! 🤩

Keep your eyes peeled if you're driving down Carolina Beach Road in Wilmington, you might see a new highway sign! 👀

Wilderness First Aid isn't always glamorous. This past weekend in Oregon involved bird 💩, pigs feet, and a whole lot of hands-on learning. 🐦🐷🏕🆘 Just another eventful weekend with NCOAE, preparing for real-world outdoor emergencies!