NOLS Blog
Case Study: Dental Emergency while RaftingÂ
A member of your rafting party loses a tooth partway through a 4-day trip. How do you respond?
Case Study: Sea Kayaking SlipÂ
photo credit: Liz Schultz The Setting You are enjoying an amazing day of paddling on Prince William Sound ...
Gap Year Pros and Cons: Solo vs. Group
Taking a gap year can be a transformative experience that expands your horizons, fosters personal growth, and unlocks ...
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…
Case Study: Jellyfish Sting in Paradise
Ouch! Your friend gets stung by a jellyfish while you're out surfing. How do you respond?
Through the Diamond Heart of Brazil: Our Next Alumni Adventure!
Lush valleys, waterfalls, ancient ruins, and diamonds can all be found in Brazil’s Chapada Diamantina National Park, the backdrop for one of NOLS’ newest alumni trips. Murilo Bellese and Moaci Dantas, the trip’s primary architects, share a little more about the trip and what makes it special. Looking out over Chapada Diamantina National Park. Photo…
Opportunity to Engage
As a queer person of color, Lauren shares her journey to discover the programs NOLS implements on affinity expeditions and instructor-in-training programs.
Life Lessons That I Learned
NOLS semester graduate reflects on the lessons learned and the lasting impact of his experience.
Best Senior Project Ever: Inspiration from my NOLS Semester
Jay Clark's fall NOLS Outdoor Educator semester started with questions looming for their senior year. Inspiration struck while traveling in Utah's desert.
Resources for Anti-Racism
If you, like us, are looking to the leadership of those who have invested years in anti-racism advocacy, these resources that can provide a starting point. We know we have a lot to learn and do. And we hope you’ll keep learning with us.
Wilderness Medicine for Mountain Bikers
To reduce the strain on local health care facilities during a global crisis, you can step up and use your first aid training to treat some injuries at home.
Case Study: An Injured Ankle on the Hunt
Test your knowledge with this case study about a patient with an ankle injury on a backcountry hunt.
Case Study: Breathing Difficulty in the Absaroka Range
Test your knowledge with this case study about a patient having breathing difficulty in a remote mountain setting
Case Study: Nauseous in the Heat
This case study focuses on how responders must be creative and thoughtful to adapt plans as they care for patients on a wilderness—not city—timeframe.
My Semester in Baja, as Told in Food and Sunsets [Photo Essay]
NOLS grad Claire Burgeson shares her study abroad experience in Baja through stunning photos of beaches and wildlife, local practices and food, and more.
It’s Getting Hot in Here: The Ps and Qs of Heat Illness
It’s important to be aware of the different types of heat illness, and their treatment principles, should an emergency arise—take a look at them in this post.
How to Make Deluxe Mac and Cheese in the Backcountry
Mac and cheese is a backcountry classic - use your favorite cheese and veggies for the perfect dinner
Meeting the Unexpected on a NOLS Gap Year Expedition
NOLS gap year expedition grad Luna Rosal gives insight into both the fun and challenges she experienced on a NOLS gap year.
