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…
Effective Ways to Mosquito-Proof Your Summer Camping Trip
Marco Johnson, field staffing director at the National Outdoor Leadership School, shared how you can keep mosquitos at bay during your next camping trip.
New Zealand Earthquake Update
The following is the latest information we have received since learning of reports of the earthquake in New Zealand on 11/13/16.
First-Year Student Gains New World Perspective from International Travel
After her educational and spiritual journey through Asia, Davis headed over to northern Patagonia to complete a NOLS course as part of a gap year.
Coralville Native Living the Small Life in Colorado
It’s easy to picture Jonathan Williams in his tiny house in a campground at the base of a Colorado mountain, staring through the skylight just above his head.
Montanans Spend a Year on Mars – at Least, About the Closest Thing to It
The final step in the HI-SEAS Mission 4 selection process was a camping trip in a remote area of Idaho run by NOLS. NASA and NOLS have a longtime partnership.
Expedition Leads Saratoga Native to Possible New Career Path
ForJerick Lee, a recent NOLS 38-day mountaineering and sailing expedition through the Pacific Northwest was more than just an adventure.
Life’s Big Adventure
William James took a National Outdoor Leadership School course in 2001. He realized he wanted to use his newfound outdoor skills to help people.
Know Wilderness First Aid for These 12 Injuries
Lance Taysom, a Wilderness Medicine instructor for NOLS shares advice for Wilderness First Aid in the backcountry.
Hundreds Rally for Public Lands in Wyoming
At the Public Lands Rally in Casper, Wyoming, National Outdoor Leadership School's John Gans, discussed the economic value of Wyoming Public Lands.
Straight Talk with Rachel Reich
I did a month long NOLS course in 2008. This trip provided my first exposure to alpine climbing when we attempted Mt. Baker and Mt. Shukshan, in Washington.
College Prep Pressure: Is the Finish Line in Sight?
Michaela Notice spent 15 days last summer canoeing, rafting, hiking and camping in Utah and Colorado, via the National Outdoor Leadership Program, (NOLS).
Wyoming Residents Voice Opposition to Public Lands Amendment
Groups representing a variety of interests, from conservation groups to sportsmen to the National Outdoor Leadership School, all were opposed to the amendment.
