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…
The Alaskan Tundra Jumpstarts New Adventures
Alum Dave’s NOLS course jumpstarted a new life of activity and adventure—at age 49.
Camping Recipe: Potato Pancakes
Fill up for breakfast or dinner with this tasty camping recipe for potato pancakes.
How to Create a High-Functioning Team in the Outdoors
For first-time trip leaders or seasoned explorers, here are some tips to encourage a high-functioning team on your next excursion.
How to Fix Your Outdoor Gear
Fixing outdoor gear isn’t complicated, as long as you have a few of the right tools.
6 Lessons I Did Not Expect to Learn from NOLS
After dropping my pack and pulling out a much-needed Snickers bar, I sat on the ground and tried to digest what had happened over the past few days.
Instant Camping Recipe: Geikie Curried Rice
Prepare this instant meal at home before hitting the trail, then just add boiling water when you’re ready to eat.
New Courses for Winter and Spring 2018
Do service work at a school in Tanzania, explore remote cave paintings in Baja California, and grow your avalanche awareness with a winter ski training.
Teaching Leadership Through Storytelling on Wilderness Expeditions
2017 NOLS Summit speaker and instructor Eric Boggs shares how storytelling is a powerful way to teach leadership.
The Art of a Good Re-Ration Care Package
During a NOLS course that’s longer than a week, you’ll likely have a number of “re-supplies” or “re-rations” where you’ll receive new food, fuel, and supplies..
Make Your Camping Gear Last Longer
Besides saving money, choosing durable gear means conserving natural resources and minimizing your carbon footprint by not constantly replacing your equipment.
5 Things to Check in Your First Aid Kit
Revamp your first aid kit before a trip with these five tips.
Leveling Up: From the Operating Room to the Backcountry
Surgeon Katy Trahan levels up her medical training on a Wilderness Upgrade for Medical Professionals course with NOLS.
