Internal Styles & Resources

The Setting You are on day three of a 4-day rafting trip on the Rogue River in Oregon. The trip has been incredible so far. Great rapids, beautiful scenery, skies full of stars, and endless cups of hot cocoa. You’re almost to your campsite on day three, but have one more rapid to go.  At...

The Setting You are enjoying an amazing day of paddling on Prince William Sound in Alaska. The views have been incredible and you’ve spotted amazing wildlife on the shore. You and your buddies decide it’s time for a break, so you pull over to a nearby beach. One of your friends says she wants to...

Explore the gap year pros and cons of solo vs. group programs to find the right balance for you between independence and shared experiences.

In May of 2025, the Inaugural NOLS Alumni Greece Climbing Trip traveled to the Greek island of Kalymnos, one of the most famous climbing destinations in the world. Our small but mighty group of alumni and NOLS instructors climbed, swam, staged breathtaking photo shoots, practiced climbing skills, visited nearby islands, sampled the best spinach pies...

Discover the power of taking a gap year after high school—adventure, cultural immersion, and self-reflection highlight this transformative experience.

Photo by Eva Darron The setting  You’re on day 6 of a week-long backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail in New York. The last few days have been beautiful, and you’re so glad to be enjoying this time outside. You and your friends decide it’s time for a break, so you sit down to enjoy...