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…
How Winning the Iditarod on Foot Started with NOLS
I had no idea I was going to work toward this masterpiece of a race, where I’d blend skills I'd spent years working on for 1,000 miles in the winter with a sled. But now I look back and I see it all come together, and NOLS was the conduit, the peephole.
Creating Space: Why All-Women’s Expeditions Matter
In many ways, an all-women's course is just another NOLS course. But it's also something more.
How Outdoor Adventures Set Teens up for Life Success
Mistakes aren't fun. But they might be just what teens need to succeed! NOLS courses offer an opportunity to make mistakes productively and learn key leadership skills.
Stepping into Action: First Aid on the Appalachian Trail
NOLS grad Kimberly Blazzard unexpectedly put her wilderness medicine skills into practice on a solo trip on the Appalachian Trail.
NOLS Grad Wins Nonprofit Business Professional Award in Boone, North Carolina
NOLS semester grad Andy Hill received one of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2019 4 Under 40 awards in the nonprofit business professional category.
NOLS Wilderness Medicine Course Well-Received at UNC
In March 2019, NOLS Wilderness Medicine and Landmark Learning partnered to hold a Wilderness First Aid course at UNC-Greensboro.
New Zealand Semester Grad & Gap Year Student Excels at Oberlin College
After taking a NOLS Semester in New Zealand as part of her gap year, Claire Tiedemann headed off to Oberlin College, where she was recently recognized for her outstanding 2019 performance on the track and field team.
NOLS Advisory Council Member Recognized for Community Service
Retired Rear Admiral Gretchen Herbert, a NOLS grad and Advisory Council member, was recognized for her commitment to STEM advocacy and community service in Transylvania County, North Carolina, in April 2019.
National Geographic Recognizes NOLS Grad for “Biggest Free Solo of the Year”
National Geographic recognizes NOLS grad and WEMT Jim Reynolds for his unprecedented free solo climb up and down Patagonia’s Cerro Fitz Roy in March 2019.
Popular Science Looks to NOLS Wilderness Medicine for First Aid Tips
NOLS Wilderness Medicine Curriculum Director and Senior Instructor Tod Schimelpfenig shares first aid tips with Popular Science magazine.
Adaptive Biotechnologies CEO Credits NOLS with Leadership Success
Adaptive Biotechnologies CEO and NOLS grad Chad Robins says his leadership style is based on the lessons he learned during his Spring Semester in the Rockies.
