NOLS Blog
Case Study: Bug Bite or Blister on a Trail Crew Project
The Setting You are working as part of a backcountry trail crew in the Nantahala National Forest near the North Carolina-Tennessee border. The project involves brushing and tread work in steep, densely vegetated terrain with long approaches and limited access points. Summer conditions are hot and humid, and the crew has been in the field…
Love and EB: a NOLS Valentine Story
Photo by Tracy Baines Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, is the one day on the calendar dedicated solely to ...
Case Study: An Unexpected Illness on a Ski Trip
The Setting You’re on day 2 of a 4-day hut to hut ski trip in the 100 Mile ...
Outdoor Leadership Programs for High School Students: Why Wilderness Matters
Parents searching for summer opportunities face an overwhelming marketplace of camps, programs, and experiences. Sports camps, academic enrichment, traditional summer camps, leadership programs—the options seem endless. But among all the choices, one category consistently produces deeper, longer-lasting outcomes than the rest: outdoor leadership programs for high school students. These programs combine the transformative power of…
Why Teens Need Leadership Skills: A Guide for Parents
Every parent wants their teenager to succeed—good grades, college acceptance, a fulfilling career. But there’s something that predicts success more reliably than test scores or academic credentials—and most schools barely address it. Leadership skills for teens aren’t about being in charge of others. They’re about being in charge of yourself: making decisions under pressure, communicating…
Ship’s Log: Sailing in Greece’s Ionian Sea Alumni Trip
After a few days of moderate winds, good introductory sailing and island exploring while making our way to the north coast of Kerkyra along the southern border of Albania, a change in the weather was on the horizon. With the forecast in mind, we tucked into the protected harbor of Gouvia just north of Old…
Teen Gap Year Programs: Adventure-Based Options for Before College
The traditional path says: graduate high school, start college immediately, don’t look back. But a growing number of families and college admissions advisors are questioning this formula—and discovering that what looks like a detour often becomes the most valuable part of the journey. Gap year programs for teens have moved from the fringe to the…
Best Backpacking Trips for Teens: Wilderness Adventures That Build Character
Something happens when a teenager shoulders a pack, leaves cell service behind, and walks into the wilderness. Something that organized sports, academic programs, and traditional summer camps—though these experiences have their benefits—simply cannot replicate. Backpacking trips for teens offer more than adventure. They offer transformation. And for parents searching for experiences that genuinely change their…
Leadership Programs for High School Students: What Parents Need to Know
Your teenager stands at a pivotal moment. The skills they develop now—how they handle challenges, work with others, and step up when it matters—will shape their path through college, careers, and life. But here’s what many parents discover too late: traditional classroom settings rarely build the kind of leadership that matters in the real world.…
The Leadership Project: Self Awareness
NOLS Instructor Andy Notopoulos talks about the leadership skill self awareness. Subscribe to the NOLSie News to follow along our series exploring the 7 NOLS leadership skills.
The Leadership Project: Expedition Behavior
NOLS Instructor Molly Herber talks about the power and simplicity of the leadership skill expedition behavior as part of our series The Leadership Project
Case Study: An Undefined Rash
When symptoms are hard to define, the skills of decision-making and problem solving become more important. Test what you know in this case study!
NOLS Wilderness Medicine Courses to Reopen in July 2020
After months of planning, NOLS Wilderness Medicine will start running courses for the first time since suspending courses in March due to the global pandemic .
How NOLS Is Reopening Courses Responsibly in the Field
Through careful planning and preparation to mitigate risks of COVID-19, we will be able to welcome students for select courses this summer.
Growing Access to the Outdoors
Enjoy stories from NOLS alumni and partner organizations focused on increasing outdoor access
Case Study: Cold Injuries on a Hike
Do you know how to prevent, recognize, and treat a non-freezing cold injury (NFCI)? Test your wilderness medicine skills with this case study.
The Leader: Spring 2020 Digital Edition
We're sharing our first ever digital-only publication of The Leader alumni magazine for Spring 2020
How to Communicate with Emergency Services Using a SOAP Note
Knowing the SOAP note steps can help communicate accurate information to providers, which is especially useful now that more providers prefer a phone call before coming in with an ailment or injury
Our Human Expedition: Stories of Courage in Uncertainty
We are committed to highlighting the inspirational and brave work of those in the NOLS community serving others in need during this crisis
Quiz: What’s Your Leadership Style?
Everyone has their own signature leadership style—but where do you find yourself most?
Wilderness Medicine for Summer Runners
To reduce the strain on local health care facilities during a global crisis, you can step up and use your first aid training to treat some injuries at home.
