NOLS Blog

Case Study: Dental Emergency while Rafting 

A member of your rafting party loses a tooth partway through a 4-day trip. How do you respond?

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Photo by Liz Schultz
Case Study: Sea Kayaking Slip 
photo credit: Liz Schultz The Setting You are enjoying an amazing day of paddling on Prince William Sound ...
Matt Hage
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
In the Appalachian Mountains of New York you friend notices that they have an engorged tick on their leg. How would you apply your wilderness medicine skills in this scenario?
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…
Molly Hagbrand
Case Study: Jellyfish Sting in Paradise
Ouch! Your friend gets stung by a jellyfish while you're out surfing. How do you respond?
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…
NOLS Named Among Best Nonprofits to Work for Third Year in a Row
NOLS Named Among Best Nonprofits to Work for Third Year in a Row
NOLS’ Hamlin Named ACA Wyoming State Director
NOLS' Hamlin Named ACA Wyoming State Director
Lander Search and Rescue Hosts Film Tour
Lander Search and Rescue Hosts Film Tour
NOLS and the American Alpine Club Launch Official Partnership
NOLS and the American Alpine Club Launch Official Partnership
NOLS Awards Charles Reb Gregg Award to Cloutier
NOLS Awards Charles Reb Gregg Award to Cloutier
The Wenatche World: Twist says goodbye to 30-year librarian
The Wenatche World: Twist says goodbye to 30-year librarian
The Gazette: Rugged, outdoor experiences brought peace to Fort Carson soldier
The Gazette: Rugged, outdoor experiences brought peace to Fort Carson soldier
The Ranger: Participants can hone hiking, study sailing with NOLS scholarships
The Ranger: Participants can hone hiking, study sailing with NOLS scholarships
County 10: NOLS Scholarships available to local students
County 10: NOLS Scholarships available to local students
NOLS
NOLS Earns American Gap Association Accreditation
NOLS Earns American Gap Association Accreditation
Matador: Closing the Adventure Gap
Matador: Closing the Adventure Gap
The Weekend Leader: Ladakhi woman social entrepreneur is Person of the year
The Weekend Leader: Ladakhi woman social entrepreneur is Person of the year