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…
Debunking 5 Myths about Gear
Keep these misconceptions in mind when you head to the store to purchase new outdoor gear.
Instructor Expedition: A Grand Canyon Trip with Friends
Four NOLS instructors share the experience of leading a group of friends and family on a rafting expedition in the Grand Canyon.
What to Do If You Get Sick While Camping
Get recommendations from NOLS Wilderness Medicine on how to deal with colds and flu-like symptoms in the backcountry.
Building and Rebuilding: What I Learned on an Alumni Service Trip
NOLS alumni of all ages come together to repair a bridge in the Adirondacks.
Getting Ready: Mental and Physical Prep for My Gap Year
Here's what one grad did to prepare for her gap year expedition in Patagonia with NOLS.
7 Ways to Make Coffee While Camping
Need coffee to function? Here are the seven best ways to make your favorite drink while you're out in the great outdoors.
Enjoying the Tiny Life
Get the scoop on what it's like to live in a tiny house—and why you might want to give it a try.
On the Creation of Bears Ears National Monument
The importance of the 2016 designation of Bears Ears National Monument.
How To Keep Your Feet Warm
Advice from the pros on how to take care of your feet when they get cold.
Potential Energy
NOLS alumni Rachel Dranoff explains how to harness the potential energy of a NOLS course.
An Astronaut Candidate’s Take on Goals and Leadership
Astronaut in training Shawna Pandya talks to us about pursuing big goals.
How Can I Support You? The Power of Expedition Behavior
“How can I support you?” It was maybe the best question I had ever been asked. It was expedition behavior in a sentence. Read more from NOLSie and writer Carolyn Highland
