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…
Wilderness First Aid: 5 Steps of a Scene Size-up
Always start with the first 5 steps of the scene size-up when responding to an emergency.
ABCs of Wilderness Medicine: The Initial Assessment
You've spotted a fallen hiker on the trail: thinking back to your NOLS Wilderness Medicine course, do you remember how to perform an initial assessment?
Backpacker Magazine Turns to NOLS for Leadership Advice
NOLS Instructor & Research Manager Shannon Rochelle offers Backpacker some tips on recognizing and avoiding common leadership mistakes on hiking trips.
Welcome to NOLS India: Expeditions in the Himalaya
Come to NOLS India to explore the landscape and culture of the Himalaya. Engage with local communities while backpacking and mountaineering.
New Trustees Bring Diverse Expertise to Wilderness Education Nonprofit
NOLS is excited to welcome five new members to its Board of Trustees in 2019, including leaders in the tech, film, venture capital, and nonprofit sectors.
NOLS Introduces Seven Wilderness Expeditions for Affinity Group Members
NOLS will launch seven new affinity courses for a total of 20 offerings designed for People of Color and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Start Dreaming: Summer 2020 Expeditions Now Online
Already dreading the end of summer? Don't despair—check out our 2020 summer expeditions and start dreaming about next year's adventures!
Wilderness Safety Training: Key for Any Risk Management Toolkit
How do you manage the inherent risks, like limited communication or distance from medical care, of exploring remote areas? Take a Wilderness Safety Training!
SOAR Act Introduction to the House of Representatives
NOLS and the outdoor recreation industry are rallying behind the Securing Outdoor Access for Recreation Act.
Case Study: When Heat Stress Hits an Entire Group
This case study tests how well you can adapt when you're responsible for not just one patient, but an entire group.
My Path to Outdoor Education from a Semester in Alaska
NOLS grad-turned-instructor Katiya Gombar says that not a single day goes by without thinking of her expedition in Alaska and the lessons she learned there.
Why We Leave Phones Behind on NOLS Courses (and Why You Should Do It More Often)
We're not saying you should never bring your phone camping. But here are some good reasons to consider a tech-free adventure.
