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…
5 Things I Learned from Going on a Paddling Expedition with My Spouse
Going on an expedition is one thing—going with your spouse can be something else entirely.
Finding What Makes Others Tick on a Baja Semester
NOLS grad Alison Peterson shares how she developed deeper relationships with those around her on a Semester in Baja.
12 Days That Changed My Life: A Homestay in East Africa
Steve reflects on the lasting impact of his homestay with a host family in Tanzania during his Semester in East Africa with NOLS.
Inside Whitewater Expeditions in the Rockies
NOLS river expeditions offer chances to paddle both calm waters and up to Class III whitewater in kayaks, oar rigs, and rafts.
Dream with Your Eyes Open: Women’s Baja Sea Kayaking Expedition
Jessey Jansen shares memories from her Women's Baja Sea Kayaking expedition.
Turnback Canyon: A NOLS Instructor Shares Lessons from Whitewater Paddling the Alsek River
NOLS instructor Natalie Sands writes about making hard decisions about the most challenging rapid she's ever faced.
The Spring Lineup: 5 Custom NOLS Products You Have to Have
It's April 1st! Time to check out a list of the latest custom NOLS gear you can't be without.
Instructor Expeditions of 2018
Learn about the personal expeditions NOLS instructors undertook in the mountains, rivers, and frontcountry for professional development in 2018.
Why You Should Take a Wilderness First Aid Course
Do you enjoy recreating outdoors? Here are the top 7 reasons why you should consider to taking a NOLS Wilderness First Aid course.
Brave, Not Perfect
NOLS grad Mairin Rogers shares what she learned on her Semester in Baja about being brave rather than constantly trying to achieve perfection.
Case Study: A Blow to the Head
Test your knowledge about caring for patients who may have head injuries with this wilderness medicine case study.
“There Is No Limit:” A Kenyan Mountain Guide Advances Her Wilderness Training
Kenyan mountain guide and medic Carol Wanjiru shares her journey on a NOLS course for East African outdoor professionals.
