NOLS Blog
Case Study: Bug Bite or Blister on a Trail Crew Project
The Setting You are working as part of a backcountry trail crew in the Nantahala National Forest near the North Carolina-Tennessee border. The project involves brushing and tread work in steep, densely vegetated terrain with long approaches and limited access points. Summer conditions are hot and humid, and the crew has been in the field…
Love and EB: a NOLS Valentine Story
Photo by Tracy Baines Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, is the one day on the calendar dedicated solely to ...
Case Study: An Unexpected Illness on a Ski Trip
The Setting You’re on day 2 of a 4-day hut to hut ski trip in the 100 Mile ...
Outdoor Leadership Programs for High School Students: Why Wilderness Matters
Parents searching for summer opportunities face an overwhelming marketplace of camps, programs, and experiences. Sports camps, academic enrichment, traditional summer camps, leadership programs—the options seem endless. But among all the choices, one category consistently produces deeper, longer-lasting outcomes than the rest: outdoor leadership programs for high school students. These programs combine the transformative power of…
Why Teens Need Leadership Skills: A Guide for Parents
Every parent wants their teenager to succeed—good grades, college acceptance, a fulfilling career. But there’s something that predicts success more reliably than test scores or academic credentials—and most schools barely address it. Leadership skills for teens aren’t about being in charge of others. They’re about being in charge of yourself: making decisions under pressure, communicating…
Ship’s Log: Sailing in Greece’s Ionian Sea Alumni Trip
After a few days of moderate winds, good introductory sailing and island exploring while making our way to the north coast of Kerkyra along the southern border of Albania, a change in the weather was on the horizon. With the forecast in mind, we tucked into the protected harbor of Gouvia just north of Old…
Teen Gap Year Programs: Adventure-Based Options for Before College
The traditional path says: graduate high school, start college immediately, don’t look back. But a growing number of families and college admissions advisors are questioning this formula—and discovering that what looks like a detour often becomes the most valuable part of the journey. Gap year programs for teens have moved from the fringe to the…
Best Backpacking Trips for Teens: Wilderness Adventures That Build Character
Something happens when a teenager shoulders a pack, leaves cell service behind, and walks into the wilderness. Something that organized sports, academic programs, and traditional summer camps—though these experiences have their benefits—simply cannot replicate. Backpacking trips for teens offer more than adventure. They offer transformation. And for parents searching for experiences that genuinely change their…
Leadership Programs for High School Students: What Parents Need to Know
Your teenager stands at a pivotal moment. The skills they develop now—how they handle challenges, work with others, and step up when it matters—will shape their path through college, careers, and life. But here’s what many parents discover too late: traditional classroom settings rarely build the kind of leadership that matters in the real world.…
What are the Best Snacks for Backcountry Skiing and Riding?
A study of NOLS participants concluded outdoor recreators should eat small bites every 15-20 minutes during exercise, and consume a snack 20-40 minutes after.
The 24 coolest towns in the USA – 2017
Lander is a quirky little town with lots of museums, an amazing alpaca ranch/outfitter, and the home of the National Outdoor Leadership School, or NOLS.
Fake Blood, Real Screams: What I Learned at Wilderness Medic Training
A recount of a NOLS Wilderness Medicine Wilderness course, the Wilderness First Responder, an intensive nine-day medic course to become a certified WFR.
You never stop learning leadership — nor should you
Penn Athletics ran a Leadership Academy that was administered by John Kanengieter, a Director for Leadership at the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS).
From college to a sold-out tour in one year: Maggie Rogers performs in The Current studio
Maggie Rogers always loved being outside, so I went on a trip for a month with a group called NOLS and went backpacking in Alaska for a month.
Wilderness First Aid
I recently attended a NOLS Wilderness First Aid class, which was hosted by REI. The class was two full days and covered everything from blister care to lightning.
NOLS Continues to Boost Wyoming Up
NOLS brings more money and jobs to Wyoming. Last year, NOLS had strong enrollment numbers and now are looking towards new opportunities for this year.
The Quiet Confidence of Wilderness Medicine
Day three of our NOLS Wilderness First Responder (WFR — pronounced “woofer”) course was winding down. Each of us had our own reasons for taking the course.
Mountain Skills: Essential Education
Claudia Pearson, Rations Manager at the Lander, Wyo. Rocky Mountain location of NOLS advises, “Eat a variety of food, eat throughout the day and hydrate often.”
Green Frequency
The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) offers programs to wild destinations around the planet, where participants incorporate different skills.
The 10 Best Alternative Summer Trips for College Students
10 alternative summer trips for college students will shake up your vacation.
Every Animal Adopted At BLM–Honor Farm Wild Horse And Burro Adoption
Kelsey Wicks, ranch manager for the NOLS continued the tradition of adopting horses from the Honor Farm to use for NOLS courses.
