NOLS Blog
Backpacking Among Giants: A Trip Report from Norway’s Jotunheimen Mountains
In August of 2025, the inaugural NOLS Alumni Norway Backpacking Trip ventured into the Jotunheimen Mountains for ten days of challenging hiking amongst stunning scenery. Our group first met in Oslo before traveling about five hours by bus to the Jotunheimen region in western Norway. The bus conveniently dropped us off at our first hut of the trip and…
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 ...
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
A fall partway through a sea kayak trip deep in the wilderness poses unique issues. How do you apply your wilderness medicine skills to this incident?
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…
Grand Teton Ranger Renny Jackson Receives NOLS Stewardship Award
Grand Teton Ranger Renny Jackson Receives NOLS Stewardship Award
Outside Magazine Names NOLS as One of America’s Best Places to Work in 2008
Outside Magazine Names NOLS as One of America's Best Places to Work in 2008
The Ultimate Outdoor Adventure in Your Own Backyard
The Ultimate Outdoor Adventure in Your Own Backyard
The National Outdoor Leadership School Mourns the Loss of a Great Statesman
The National Outdoor Leadership School Mourns the Loss of a Great Statesman
NOLS Awards BLM Manager with 2008 Stewardship Award
NOLS Awards BLM Manager with 2008 Stewardship Award
NOLS Alaska Receives Rasmuson Grant to Upgrade Historic Berry House
NOLS Alaska Receives Rasmuson Grant to Upgrade Historic Berry House
NOLS Risk Management Training to Be Held October 2-3 Adjacent to the ATTA’s at Adventure Travel World Summit 2007
NOLS Risk Management Training to Be Held October 2-3 Adjacent to the ATTA's at Adventure Travel World Summit 2007
NOLS Objects to New Oil and Gas Leasing Package in the Bridger-Teton National Forest
NOLS Objects to New Oil and Gas Leasing Package in the Bridger-Teton National Forest
Outfitters, Hunters and Anglers Support IBLA Decision to Delay Wyoming Range Lease
Outfitters, Hunters and Anglers Support IBLA Decision to Delay Wyoming Range Lease
