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…
Backcountry Delight
Sometimes you want a fresh meal when you’ve been hoofing it through the backcountry. Here’s a simple recipe from NOLS for pizza and calzones to try!
Outside’s Gear Guy Shares NOLS Tips on Keeping Camp Kitchens Clean_draft
NOLS field staffing director Marco Johnson offers Outside’s “Gear Guy,” Joe Jackson, some tips on keeping camp kitchens clean.
Building a Useful First Aid Kit for the Backcountry
Tod Schimelpfenig, senior NOLS instructor and curriculum director of NOLS Wilderness Medicine, offers some tips on how to put together a well-stocked first aid kit for the backcountry.
Wharton Executive MBA Alum Reflects on NOLS Mountaineering Expedition
A graduate of UPenn’s Wharton Executive MBA program shares what she learned about leadership on her 2018 NOLS mountaineering expedition in Alaska.
Gear Patrol: Backpacking 101 with Senior Instructor Marco Johnson
In April 2019, Gear Patrol consulted Senior NOLS Instructor Marco Johnson for advice on packing for a backpacking trip.
Facebook’s Former Chief Product Officer Shares Lessons Learned at NOLS
Chris Cox, Facebook’s former Chief Product Officer, shares the lessons he learned on a NOLS semester course in Patagonia.
Southwest Leaders of Color Expedition: Working to Decolonize Outdoor Spaces
The West Michigan Environmental Action Council recognized environmental justice advocate Alice Jasper for her participation in the 2019 NOLS Southwest Leaders of Color expedition.
UW Nursing Students Further Their Education with NOLS Wilderness Medicine Training
In spring 2019, University of Wyoming nursing students and instructors participated in a NOLS Wilderness Medicine for the Professional Practitioner course.
NOLS Instructor & Longtime Trekking Guide Founds Outdoor Education Project in Nepal
Trekking guide & NOLS instructor Jagan Timilsina founded the Outdoor Education Project to prepare students in rural Nepal to work in the outdoor industry.
NOLS Celebrates Fifth Year of Innovative Partnership with C5 Youth Association to Serve High-Potential Under-Resourced Youth across the Country
NOLS celebrates five years of working with C5 Youth Association to lead wilderness expeditions for high-potential under-resourced youth across the U.S.
Forbes Recognizes Italian Cycling Company Founded by NOLS Grad
In May 2019, Forbes recognized the 30th anniversary of Ciclismo Classico, a bike touring company founded by NOLS semester grad Lauren Hefferon.
