NOLS Blog
Case Study: Dental Emergency while Rafting
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…
Case Study: Sea Kayaking Slip
Oscar Manguy The Setting You are enjoying an amazing day of paddling on Prince William Sound in Alaska. ...
Gap Year Pros and Cons: Solo vs. Group
Taking a gap year can be a transformative experience that expands your horizons, fosters personal growth, and unlocks ...
Trip Report: Inaugural NOLS Alumni Climbing Trip In Greece
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…
Exploring the World and Finding Yourself: The Power of a Gap Year After High School
Discover the power of taking a gap year after high school—adventure, cultural immersion, and self-reflection highlight this transformative experience.
Case Study: Embedded Tick while Backpacking
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…
Instructor Spotlight: Caeden Greene
A NOLS experience can truly be a transformative experience for a young person’s life, and that was certainly the case for field instructor Caeden Greene. In high school, Caeden embarked on a 30-day Waddington Range Mountaineering Expedition (WAD), long known as one of NOLS’ most rigorous courses. The WAD expedition had such a profound effect…
Case Study: Jellyfish Sting in Paradise
Photo by Molly Hagbrand The setting You and your friend are enjoying some early morning sunshine and perfect waves while surfing on the Pacific Ocean. While waiting for the next break, you are sitting on your surfboard taking in the beautiful scenery when you hear your friend shriek. You ask what’s going on and they yell,…
Through the Diamond Heart of Brazil: Our Next Alumni Adventure!
Lush valleys, waterfalls, ancient ruins, and diamonds can all be found in Brazil’s Chapada Diamantina National Park, the backdrop for one of NOLS’ newest alumni trips. Murilo Bellese and Moaci Dantas, the trip’s primary architects, share a little more about the trip and what makes it special. Looking out over Chapada Diamantina National Park. Photo…
Case Study: Spinal Injuries from a Fall
Do you know the proper protocols for a patient with a suspected spine injury?
Students, Sustainability, and Showing Up
An open conversation with NOLS Instructor and Environmental Stewardship Coordinator Jonathan Williams.
Carbon Offsets: Making Outdoor Recreation More Sustainable
What if LNT also meant taking it a step further and trying to reduce your impact before you even set foot in the wilderness?
How to Make (Irresistible) Fudge No-Bake Cookies
Give these tasty no-bake cookies a whirl on your next backcountry trip (they also taste good at home...).
The Hurrier I Go: What This Winter Taught Me about Patience in the Mountains
Instructor Navarana reflects on what it means to practice patience and compassion in the face of adversity, using outdoor experiences to frame her learning.
Applying Wilderness Medicine Skills During the COVID-19 Pandemic
To reduce the strain on local health care facilities during a global crisis, you can step up and use your first aid training to treat some injuries at home.
What Can Spring Learn from Winter? Lessons for the Transition
Reflecting on seasonal transition, NOLS instructor Jonny Hepburn shares lessons learned during ski season and how they might apply to spring adventures.
Cowboy Tough Race: Team Wind River Country is On the Course!
Cowboy Tough Race: Team Wind River Country is On the Course!
Climbing Goddess Majka Burhardt Nominated for 2010 Epic Award
Climbing Goddess Majka Burhardt Nominated for 2010 Epic Award
Stepping Out of the Classroom: Diversity & Inclusion at NOLS Rocky Mountain
Stepping Out of the Classroom: Diversity & Inclusion at NOLS Rocky Mountain
