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…
Filling the Gap
For the newest high school generation, some students have decided that taking a year before starting college is in their best interests.
Self-Care in the Backcountry: Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore
Self-care, any action or behavior that helps us avoid triggering health problems, is totally necessary but often goes ignored.
Results from National Gap Year Survey Show Positive Outcomes
The American Gap Association (AGA) released a report containing results from a new survey on gap year participation among college-age students.
Educator Expedition: La Patagonia Desconocida – The Unknown Patagonia
Educator Expedition: La Patagonia Desconocida - The Unknown Patagonia
The Ethics of Cheap: Why You Don’t Need the Newest Gear
The Ethics of Cheap: Why You Don't Need the Newest Gear
How You Can Be More Sustainable Every Day
Get some inspiration for sustainable practices from each of our locations around the world.
How to Make Your Own Instant Backpacking Meals
You can make your own low-cost & lightweight instant backpacking meals using items from your local grocery store.
Keep Calm and Medic On: How a WEMT Course Can Transform Your Backcountry Experience
Keep Calm and Medic On: How a WEMT Course Can Transform Your Backcountry Experience
Smart Ways to Protect Yourself from the Sun
Learn ways to protect yourself from sunburn and how to treat it
