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.…
Real-life Scenario: A Surfing Rescue in Baja California
One NOLS graduate uses her Wilderness First Responder skills to help a surfer in need.
Why I Left School for a NOLS Semester
Claire found the new experiences and energy she needed to refresh from school on a Semester in Baja
Case Study: Is Hydration Always the Answer?
The patient is a 30-year-old complaining of fatigue, dizziness, and a headache—how will you respond? Test your knowledge with this case study.
Simple Views Teach Profound Lessons: Sunrise in the Himalaya
A NOLS alumni reflects on the lessons of watching a sunrise in the Himalaya Mountains.
Quiz: Sprains, Strains, and Athletic Injuries
Sprains and strains are some of the most common injuries you'll encounter in the outdoors. Are you prepared to recognize and treat them?
Why Car Camping With Kids Was Harder Than My NOLS Course
NOLS grad Alyssa Walker concludes that camping with her two young children was magical—and also one of the hardest things she's ever done as a parent.
What You Learn on a NOLS Semester
On outdoor semester with NOLS, you'll learn to find navigate in the wilderness—which might just help you find clarity on your journey through life as well.
Research Connects Wilderness Experience with Stronger Problem-solving Skills
Research shows that NOLS semesters better equip students for real-world problem solving than traditional classroom-based courses.
Gender-inclusive Communication for First Responders
When gender or sex is relevant to treating a patient, it's important to communicate respectfully and not make assumptions.
How to Make Cinnamon Rolls when You’re Camping
Master the art of baking cinnamon rolls on a camp stove with this tasty recipe.
Case Study: Finding a Sick Person High in the Mountains
You find a hiker who you think might be suffering from altitude illness - after introducing yourselves, and with the patient's permission, you and the SAR team members begin an assessment. Test your knowledge with this case study
How Climate Change Might Impact Your Next Backpacking Trip
The world is already starting to feel the effects of climate change. Here's some examples of how your next outdoor trip might be affected and how to plan for it.
