NOLS Blog
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 ...
Ship’s Log: Sailing in Greece’s Ionian Sea Alumni Trip
Photo by Nick Braun After a few days of moderate winds, good introductory sailing and island exploring while ...
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 Poley-Poley: A Chronicle in the Himalayas
It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop. —Confucius The air was thick. My strides were slow and purposeful, careful not to disrupt the group’s cadence. The thrill of spotting Everest Base Camp, still two hours away, motivated me to maintain the syncopated rhythm of deep breathing. Hypoxia…
Case Study: Injury on the Grand Canyon
The Setting You’re on day 12 of a 21-day Grand Canyon expedition, enjoying a well deserved stretch of flat water, staring at the canyon walls and not paying attention to what’s downstream. While enjoying the last of your morning coffee, you hear someone cry out from a nearby raft. You look over and see a…
NOLS Releases Newest Edition of Leadership Educator Notebook, an Instructor’s Toolbox
NOLS is pleased to introduce the newest edition of the Leadership Educator Notebook, a collection of the educational tools NOLS instructors use to incorporate leadership ideas and activities into courses. What is the Leadership Educator Notebook?Filled with activities, lessons, prompts, frameworks and quotes, and edited by Zach Taylor, Liz Tuohy, Phoebe Gebright, and other members…
The Best Gear for Going Poo in the Woods
Outside’s Gear Guy gets some tips from NOLS instructor Jared Spaulding on the best practices and gear for pooping in the woods.
UT Austin’s Business Honors Program Gets Outside with NOLS
In January 2018, seven students in University of Texas’ Business Honors Program embarked on a custom NOLS course in Arizona.
Making History: An American Ascent
The film An American Ascent chronicles the journey of Expedition Denali, the first all- African American team to climb Denali, the highest peak in the U.S.
MHYC Alum Inspired by Wilderness First Responder Course
MHYC alum uses AmeriCorps award to complete a NOLS Wilderness First Responder course.
Celebrating Expedition Denali
In honor of Black History Month, Glacierhub recognized Expedition Denali, the first all-African American team of climbers to summit the highest peak in the U.S.
NOLS Leadership Training Comes in Handy in Outer Space
Members of NASA’s class of 2013 give Men’s Health the inside scoop on their training, which includes customized NOLS courses.
A Wind River Take on the “Survival Holiday” Trend
The Wind River Visitors Council recommends NOLS Wind River Wilderness courses as a top “survival holiday” choice closer to home.
Outside’s Gear Guy Shares NOLS Tips on Keeping Camp Kitchens Clean
NOLS field staffing director Marco Johnson offers Outside’s “Gear Guy,” Joe Jackson, some tips on keeping camp kitchens clean.
Higher Body Fat Percentage Helps Retain Muscle Mass In Physically Active Humans
My recent work in nutrition focused on individuals taking part in a 3-4 month outdoor leadership course run by NOLS.
WRMC Announces 2017 Charles (Reb) Gregg Award Recipient
Shana Tarter, founding member of the WRMC and assistant director of NOLS Wilderness Medicine, received the Charles (Reb) Gregg Award at the 2017 WRMC.
Michael Foale, astronaut extraordinaire teaches on leadership and teamwork
We used an approach, starting quite recently in the year 2000 or so, where we adopted the outdoor leadership models of NOLS.
Drilling Near Dinosaur National Monument Draws Criticism
Changes loom near remote Dinosaur National Monument in Utah. It’s a rough region of 1,000-foot cliffs and canyons, and two wild rivers, the Green and the Yampa.
