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
CBS Philly: Resident Gets Naket and (a Little) Afraid on TV
CBS Philly: Resident Gets Naket and (a Little) Afraid on TV
Post Independent: Boettcher scholar Fleming ready to scale new heights
Post Independent: Boettcher scholar Fleming ready to scale new heights
Vinton Today: Bill Landis
Vinton Today: Bill Landis
Bring Me the News: Duluth couple to embark on 1,500-mile canoe adventure
Bring Me the News: Duluth couple to embark on 1,500-mile canoe adventure
NOLS
Casper Star Tribune: WOC talks industry, the environment and Wyoming’s future
Casper Star Tribune: WOC talks industry, the environment and Wyoming's future
The Acorn: Senior Standouts
The Acorn: Senior Standouts
East Oregonian: Forest Trails workers get started on maintenance
East Oregonian: Forest Trails workers get started on maintenance
Duluth News Tribune: Couple Plans Canoe Trip
Couple plans canoe trip to the Arctic Ocean
NOLS
Roanoke Star: Roanoker Completes 80 Day NOLS Course
Roanoke Star: Roanoker Completes 80 Day NOLS Course
NOLS
Jackson Hole News & Guide: Agnew is Science Schools’ new director
Jackson Hole News & Guide: Agnew is Science Schools' new director
Portland Press Herald: Graduation
Portland Press Herald: Graduation
NOLS
Bay State Banner: Black mountaineer and hip hop docs
Bay State Banner: Black mountaineer and hip hop docs