NOLS Blog
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 ...
Ship’s Log: Sailing in Greece’s Ionian Sea Alumni Trip
Photo by Nick Braun After a few days of moderate winds, good introductory sailing and island exploring while ...
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…
NOLS Releases Newest Edition of Leadership Educator Notebook, an Instructor’s Toolbox
NOLS is pleased to introduce the newest edition of the Leadership Educator Notebook, a collection of the educational tools NOLS instructors use to incorporate leadership ideas and activities into courses. What is the Leadership Educator Notebook?Filled with activities, lessons, prompts, frameworks and quotes, and edited by Zach Taylor, Liz Tuohy, Phoebe Gebright, and other members…
How to Apply to College After a Gap Year: Enhance Your Submission through Experience
Learn how to apply to college after a gap year with NOLS for a standout application showcasing growth and skills.
Rock Climbing for Beginners: Learn Rock Climbing Basics with NOLS
Rock Climbing for Beginners with NOLS - Learn the basics and embrace personal growth, environmental stewardship, and leadership while climbing in breathtaking locations.
Scaling New Heights: NOLS Outdoor Rock Climbing Course Insights
Explore NOLS Outdoor Rock Climbing Courses, where you'll gain essential climbing skills, develop leadership abilities, foster environmental stewardship, and immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes!
Top 10 Best Gap Year Programs for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Discover the best Gap Year Programs for Outdoor Enthusiasts! From East Africa's cultural immersion to the PNW's wilderness skill development, embark on unforgettable adventures with NOLS.
Gap Year Benefits from a Parent’s Perspective
Discover gap year benefits and get tips to support your child's gap year decision with insights from a parent's perspective.
Case Study: Injured Knee in the Wind River Mountains
Two days into a picture-perfect autumn backpacking trip in the Wind River Mountains, your companion slips and falls on rocky terrain. His chief complaint: pain in his swollen and tender knee. You’re at mile 5 of a planned 20-mile loop. What do you do?
NOLS Alumni Trips in Portugal: By the Numbers
Storks, sardines, and sand! A behind the scenes look at a recent Alumni trip: hiking Portugal's Fishermen's Trail.
Why Take A Gap Year: 8 Gap Year Life Lessons
Asking yourself, "Why take a gap year?" NOLS has 8 answers to that question that will help you take the plunge toward a truly transformative gap year!
“It’s a Pilot Trip”—Hiking in Croatia Trip Report
In early June, six NOLS Alumni, two NOLS Instructors, and one incredible local partner set forth on NOLS’ first hiking trip in Croatia.
Gap Year on a Budget: How to Find Affordable Gap Year Programs
Looking for affordable gap year programs? Here's how to find programs that offer incredible yet budget-friendly experiences and learning opportunities.
Gap Year Abroad: The Best Destinations for Cultural Immersion
Yearning to dive deep into the heart of global cultures? Uncover the best destinations for an authentic cultural immersion during your gap year abroad.
