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…
Netflix Founder Says You Learn Leadership by Doing
Netflix co-founder and NOLS Board Chair Marc Randolph says the leadership experience he gained in the field as a NOLS student and instructor was the “single biggest contributor to my success as a businessperson.”
Why You Should Sleep Outdoors
NOLS Instructor and Financial Aid Counselor Cristina Edwards shares her thoughts on the benefits of sleeping outside.
Seeley Lake Student Funds Gap Year Working at Coffee Shop
He registered for a five-month course with NOLS. The Year in Patagonia course starts in Chile in October. Batchelder said this is exciting and very expensive.
TDA Cyclist Reflects on Expedition Behavior
Inspired by NASA astronauts who’ve completed NOLS leadership training, TDA cyclist Henry Gold reflects on how expedition behavior taught on NOLS courses applies to cycling tours.
Lessons from an Executive Leadership Expedition
Alison Wright, founder of The Cairn Project, reflects on the lessons she learned on a recent NOLS Executive Leadership Expedition in the Wind River Range.
Finding a Sense of Possibility in the Adirondacks
In the summer 2018 edition of LOCALadk Magazine, NOLS Northeast Manager and senior instructor Lindsay Yost reflects on the transformative power of a wilderness experience, especially for teenage students.
Riding into the Heart of Patagonia
In her 2018 book Riding into the Heart of Patagonia, former NOLS instructor Nancy Pfeiffer chronicles her adventures exploring the Patagonian backcountry on horseback over the past two decades.
An American Ascent at the Wild Center
On Sunday, July 29, 2018, in Tupper Lake, NY, The Wild Center will host a screening of An American Ascent in conjunction with NOLS Northeast, followed by a Q&A session with Expedition Denali member James Kagambi.
How to Deal with Mosquitoes on Camping Trips
Senior NOLS instructor Marco Johnson gives Men’s Journal readers some tips on how to deal with mosquitoes while camping.
Tips for Camping Responsibly during Fire Season
Senior NOLS Instructor Marco Johnson offers Outside Online’s “Gear Guy” some tips on how to camp responsibly during fire season.
What to Look Forward to—and Watch Out for—When Camping Alone
In a June 2018 Wall Street Journal article, senior NOLS instructor Marco Johnson offers readers some tips on how to prepare for a solo camping expedition.
One Grad’s Journey from Denali to Emergency Room Medicine
Taking wilderness medicine courses inspired Andy Elsberg, NOLS grad and former instructor, to pursue a medical degree. Today, he works in the emergency room at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage.
