NOLS Blog
What a NOLS Risk Review Really Looks Like: A Case Study with NatureBridge
In the same year as NOLS’ 60th anniversary, we are celebrating 20 years since the formation of NOLS Risk Services. For 60 years, NOLS has operated in remote locations all over the world, and in 2005, NOLS Risk Services was formed to share what NOLS has learned about operational risk management in the process. NOLS…
Case Study: Dental Emergency while RaftingÂ
Photo by Anvesh Thapa The Setting You are on day three of a 4-day rafting trip on the ...
Case Study: Sea Kayaking SlipÂ
photo credit: Liz Schultz The Setting You are enjoying an amazing day of paddling on Prince William Sound ...
Gap Year Pros and Cons: Solo vs. Group
Explore the gap year pros and cons of solo vs. group programs to find the right balance for you between independence and shared experiences.
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…
Case Study: Jellyfish Sting in Paradise
Ouch! Your friend gets stung by a jellyfish while you're out surfing. How do you respond?
Bay State Banner: Black mountaineer and hip hop docs
Bay State Banner: Black mountaineer and hip hop docs
The Chattanoogan: Harrison Resident Completes 80-Day Fall Course
The Chattanoogan: Harrison Resident Completes 80-Day Fall Course
WyoFile: NOLS food expert offers tips for cooking on the trail
WyoFile: NOLS food expert offers tips for cooking on the trail
County 10: Lander antes up for Airport Revenue Guarantee
County 10: Lander antes up for Airport Revenue Guarantee
Washington Post: Want to help kids succeed in college? Let them take a gap year
Washington Post: Want to help kids succeed in college? Let them take a gap year
Wilton Bulletin: Owen Mellin completes 80-day wilderness course
Wilton Bulletin: Owen Mellin completes 80-day wilderness course
South Whidbey Record: Alum completes course on wilderness, leadership
South Whidbey Record: Alum completes course on wilderness, leadership
Charleston Gazette-Mail: Expedition chef on the path to success
Charleston Gazette-Mail: Expedition chef on the path to success
Mamoroneck Larchmont Daily Voice: Resident Completes Wilderness Education Course
Mamoroneck Larchmont Daily Voice: Resident Completes Wilderness Education Course
