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…
NOLS Fellow Personal Reflection
Kristen Lee discusses the importance of connections within herself and the world around her and how NOLS has helped her along the way.
Case Study: Bucked off a Horse
You're a first responder helping a patient who was bucked off their horse. The assessment might reveal something more troubling than what meets the eye…
5 Things I Learned from Going on a Paddling Expedition with My Spouse
Going on an expedition is one thing—going with your spouse can be something else entirely.
Finding What Makes Others Tick on a Baja Semester
NOLS grad Alison Peterson shares how she developed deeper relationships with those around her on a Semester in Baja.
12 Days That Changed My Life: A Homestay in East Africa
Steve reflects on the lasting impact of his homestay with a host family in Tanzania during his Semester in East Africa with NOLS.
Inside Whitewater Expeditions in the Rockies
NOLS river expeditions offer chances to paddle both calm waters and up to Class III whitewater in kayaks, oar rigs, and rafts.
Dream with Your Eyes Open: Women’s Baja Sea Kayaking Expedition
Jessey Jansen shares memories from her Women's Baja Sea Kayaking expedition.
Turnback Canyon: A NOLS Instructor Shares Lessons from Whitewater Paddling the Alsek River
NOLS instructor Natalie Sands writes about making hard decisions about the most challenging rapid she's ever faced.
The Spring Lineup: 5 Custom NOLS Products You Have to Have
It's April 1st! Time to check out a list of the latest custom NOLS gear you can't be without.
Instructor Expeditions of 2018
Learn about the personal expeditions NOLS instructors undertook in the mountains, rivers, and frontcountry for professional development in 2018.
Why You Should Take a Wilderness First Aid Course
Do you enjoy recreating outdoors? Here are the top 7 reasons why you should consider to taking a NOLS Wilderness First Aid course.
Brave, Not Perfect
NOLS grad Mairin Rogers shares what she learned on her Semester in Baja about being brave rather than constantly trying to achieve perfection.
