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…
Spend Your Bonus on Experiences, Not Things, This Year
The National Outdoor Leadership School offers trips, of all lengths and focuses, so you can ditch the suit and get in touch with mother nature.
Sierra Club’s Military Family & Veterans Initiative Supports Expedition Denali
Sierra Club's Military Family & Veterans Initiative Supports Expedition Denali
Oregon Native Returns from 75-day Alaska Expedition
After spending several days marooned in a whiteout atop a distant Alaskan mountain, 21-year-old Katiya Gombar ventured outside her tent and was immediately stunned by what she saw.
NOLS All-Women’s Expeditions Featured in The Oprah Magazine
In April 2019, The Oprah Magazine featured NOLS’ all-women’s expeditions as one of the top 15 best adult summer camps in the country.
NOLS Cookery Wins 2018 National Outdoor Book Award
The seventh edition of the iconic NOLS Cookery won the classic category of the 2018 National Outdoor Book Awards.
Recognizing Indigenous Leaders in the Outdoor Industry
In honor of 2018 Indigenous People’s Day, SNEWS recognized five indigenous leaders in the outdoor industry, including NOLS Instructor and Senior Marketing Representative Erica Nelson.
Outstanding High School Leader Happiest in the Wilderness
High school senior Eleanor Asma of Lake Bluff, Illinois, reflects on the importance of teamwork to her group’s success on a NOLS Wind River Wilderness course. Recognized for her leadership skills, Eleanor plans further her outdoor education with a Wilderness First Responder course this summer.
WRMC Presents Risk Management Award to Jay A. Satz
Wilderness Risk Management Conference (WRMC) presented the eighth annual Charles (Reb) Gregg Wilderness Risk Management Award in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Idaho Rescue Training Brings NOLS Wilderness First Aid to Magic Valley
In May 2018, Idaho Rescue Training hosted a two-day NOLS Wilderness First Aid course for Magic Valley residents.
