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…
Be Prepared: Pack a Premade First Aid Kit
With input from Shana Tarter, assistant director of NOLS Wilderness medicine, Outside’s Gear Guy discusses the advantages of purchasing a premade first aid kit.
NOLS Instructor Earns 2018 Grit & Rock First Ascent Award
NOLS Instructor Josie McKee was recognized as one of the recipients of Grit & Rock’s 2018 First Ascent Award, a grant that supports mountain exploration and first ascents by women.
The Best Gear for Going Poo in the Woods
Outside’s Gear Guy gets some tips from NOLS instructor Jared Spaulding on the best practices and gear for pooping in the woods.
UT Austin’s Business Honors Program Gets Outside with NOLS
In January 2018, seven students in University of Texas’ Business Honors Program embarked on a custom NOLS course in Arizona.
Making History: An American Ascent
The film An American Ascent chronicles the journey of Expedition Denali, the first all- African American team to climb Denali, the highest peak in the U.S.
MHYC Alum Inspired by Wilderness First Responder Course
MHYC alum uses AmeriCorps award to complete a NOLS Wilderness First Responder course.
Celebrating Expedition Denali
In honor of Black History Month, Glacierhub recognized Expedition Denali, the first all-African American team of climbers to summit the highest peak in the U.S.
NOLS Leadership Training Comes in Handy in Outer Space
Members of NASA’s class of 2013 give Men’s Health the inside scoop on their training, which includes customized NOLS courses.
A Wind River Take on the “Survival Holiday” Trend
The Wind River Visitors Council recommends NOLS Wind River Wilderness courses as a top “survival holiday” choice closer to home.
Outside’s Gear Guy Shares NOLS Tips on Keeping Camp Kitchens Clean
NOLS field staffing director Marco Johnson offers Outside’s “Gear Guy,” Joe Jackson, some tips on keeping camp kitchens clean.
Higher Body Fat Percentage Helps Retain Muscle Mass In Physically Active Humans
My recent work in nutrition focused on individuals taking part in a 3-4 month outdoor leadership course run by NOLS.
WRMC Announces 2017 Charles (Reb) Gregg Award Recipient
Shana Tarter, founding member of the WRMC and assistant director of NOLS Wilderness Medicine, received the Charles (Reb) Gregg Award at the 2017 WRMC.
