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…
NOLS Graduate and Instructor Jimmy Chin Receives Oscar for Free Solo
NOLS graduate and former instructor Jimmy Chin and his wife and co-director E. Chai Vasarhelyi won an Oscar for Free Solo, their film chronicling Alex Honnold's unprecedented climb of El Capitan without ropes or safety equipment.
NOLS Celebrates Landmark Federal Public Lands Victory
NOLS is celebrating the fact that local, grassroots conservation efforts can make a big difference in preserving the crown jewels of the United States' public lands.
NOLS Wilderness Medicine: A Genius Way to Use Your PTO
The RV rental company Outdoorsy recommends NOLS Wilderness Medicine training as one of their top five picks for using paid time off.
What You Learn from Living Outdoors for Three Months
Environmental journalist Sara Sneath reflects on the life-changing three months she spent in the Rockies on a NOLS outdoor educator semester in fall 2019.
Outside Magazine Recognizes NOLS Instructor Liza Howard for Ultrarunning Wins
In February 2019, Outside recognized NOLS Wilderness Medicine instructor Liza Howard for her outstanding ultrarunning performances. She says balancing a busy schedule of work, running, and parenting is key to her success.
UC Santa Cruz Students Recognized for Completing WFR Training
The Mercury News recognized 30 UC Santa Cruz students who completed a NOLS Wilderness First Responder recertification in January 2019.
Learning Leadership above the Arctic Circle
Evan Marie Allison, associate director of the University of Michigan’s Sanger Leadership Center, reflects on the lessons she learned on a NOLS Alaska backpacking course in summer 2018.
Georgetown MBA Students Reflect on Rocky Mountain Leadership Trek
In August 2018, nine Georgetown MBA students backpacked through Wyoming’s Wind River Range on a NOLS Custom Education expedition, gaining valuable leadership experience.
Naval Academy Midshipman and NOLS Grad Receives Marshall Scholarship
U.S. Naval Academy senior and NOLS Yukon grad Anne Richter recently received a Marshall Scholarship to pursue a master’s at Sheffield University before training as a naval submariner.
Joe Austin Receives AEE Servant Leader Award
At the 2018 Association for Experiential Education (AEE) conference, NOLS Health Review Manager Joe Austin received the Servant Leader Award in recognition of his excellent leadership during nine years of service on the Accreditation Council.
Naval Academy Midshipman and NOLS Grad Receives Rhodes Scholarship
U.S. Naval Academy senior and NOLS Alaska grad Margaret Dods recently received a Rhodes Scholarship to pursue a masters at Oxford before her service in the Marine Corps.
The Power of Active Followership—On the Ocean and in the Office
NOLS semester grad Meredith Lind discovered the power of active followership while sea kayaking in New Zealand. As a software consultant and developer, Meredith frequently applies the concept of active followership in the office.
