NOLS Blog
Love and EB: a NOLS Valentine Story
Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, is the one day on the calendar dedicated solely to love and connection. It conjures up cards and gifts, candy and flowers, time spent together, and—in some circles—questions about relationships’ origin stories. At NOLS, I learned when I sat down with a few couples, more than a few romantic partnerships begin…
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, ...
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 ...
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.…
The Poley-Poley: A Chronicle in the Himalayas
It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop. —Confucius The air was thick. My strides were slow and purposeful, careful not to disrupt the group’s cadence. The thrill of spotting Everest Base Camp, still two hours away, motivated me to maintain the syncopated rhythm of deep breathing. Hypoxia…
Case Study: Injury on the Grand Canyon
The Setting You’re on day 12 of a 21-day Grand Canyon expedition, enjoying a well deserved stretch of flat water, staring at the canyon walls and not paying attention to what’s downstream. While enjoying the last of your morning coffee, you hear someone cry out from a nearby raft. You look over and see a…
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.
How Learning Wilderness First Aid Seriously Upped My Hiking Game
I took a NOLS Wilderness First Aid course to learn more about wilderness medicine skills in Monrovia, CA through a partnership with REI.
Backcountry Delight
Sometimes you want a fresh meal when you’ve been hoofing it through the backcountry. Here’s a simple recipe from NOLS for pizza and calzones to try!
