Katonah Resident Completes Wilderness Expedition

The following is a press release sent by Kim Freitas--

Lander, Wyo. — Danielle Schoen, 20 of Katonah, N.Y. recently completed a semester-long wilderness expedition traveling in the Southwest with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS).

On Jan. 19, Schoen and 13 other students traveled to NOLS Southwest outside of Tuscon, Ariz. for a multi-activity expedition during which the students did not have access to modern conveniences and were challenged each day to banish their self-doubts and step outside their comfort zones. A NOLS education stresses leadership can be learned and is based on the belief that the outdoors is a challenging environment where students will learn hard skills and about themselves.

The NOLS Spring Semester in the Southwest was split into four sections hiking, canoeing, climbing and an independent student expedition; two to four instructors who are experts in the field accompanied students on each section.

This semester also included a Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course. This 20-hour backcountry first aid course was taught by the NOLS Wilderness Medicine Institute. This course provided students with the tools to make basic medical decisions in the backcountry.

After gearing up and packing their backpacks, Schoen and her 13 coursemates set out to explore the Galiuro and Santa Teresa mountain ranges. For 24 days, the students traversed these mountains on foot, carrying all their belongings on their backs and learning basic skills of backcountry travel. During this first section, the students learned to develop risk management and grew as leaders. During the first ration period, instructors modeled expectations of a leader. After a reration was brought in to the students, they took turns operating as leaders in teams of three. Finally for the third ration period, students planned the hiking route and hiked independently of the instructor team. Overall, the group traveled 95 miles on and off trail while encountering bushwhacking, steep terrain and wading through pools of water.

Transitioning from the hiking section, Schoen and her coursemates had a cultural experience visiting a border patrol station and public radio station in Marfa, Texas. Then the group went to Redford, Texas where they heard from a local border historian and learned to make a traditional Mexican dinner. The group camped in Big Bend State Park for a night, then entered into Big Bend National Park. For their final cultural experience, the group met with the park geologist, who gave an overview of the formations and fossils found in the park. After these cultural adventures, the group embarked on a 14 day, 120-mile canoe expedition. On this section, curriculum focused on team leadership, pre-historic human history, water issues, conservation and border issues.

Next, Schoen and her coursemates spent 19 days rock climbing. During the first ration period, the group focused on learning foundational climbing skills on the East Side of the Cochise Stronghold. Students began learning to build their own anchors with natural and artificial protection and repelling to the cliff base. Students enjoyed lots of top rope climbing at Rattlesnake Cove and Zappa Dome. For the remaining two ration periods, students hiked over to the West Side of the Stronghold, installed camp and continued to build upon their foundational climbing skills.  Students stretched their own personal expectations, perusing personal goals such as multi-pitch climbing, top rope site management and lead climbing. Nights on this section were spent enjoying meetings and classes at Council Rocks Site and having campfires.

The culminating section of Semester in the Southwest was the independent student expedition. This section focused on backpacking again, starting with a tour of the Gila Cliff Dwellings. The independent student expedition was split into two ration periods, going through designated wilderness areas, covering 61.5 miles and gaining 4,550 feet of elevation. During the first ration, Schoen and her coursemates focused on refreshing their navigation skills, risk management and first-aid knowledge. Then, the second ration period focused on independent student travel and the independent student expedition. The group met up to spend their last day together before they were picked up at the Diamond Creek trailhead.

This expedition began three months ago, and students on the course graduated competent and confident leaders and outdoor travelers. Those who completed this expedition join the NOLS alumni network of over 221,000 graduates. 

About NOLS - The National Outdoor Leadership School

Since legendary mountaineer Paul Petzoldt founded the school in 1965, more than 230,000 students have graduated from the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), the leader in wilderness education. Whether through field-based courses offered in some of the most awe-inspiring locations in the world or classroom-based courses, the school provides transformative educational experiences to students of all ages. Graduates emerge as active leaders with lifelong environmental ethics and outdoor skills. To discover the NOLS experience or to bring a course to your business or organization, call (800) 710-NOLS (6657) or visit www.nols.edu.

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