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.…
Camping Recipe: Potato Pancakes
Fill up for breakfast or dinner with this tasty camping recipe for potato pancakes.
How to Create a High-Functioning Team in the Outdoors
For first-time trip leaders or seasoned explorers, here are some tips to encourage a high-functioning team on your next excursion.
How to Fix Your Outdoor Gear
Fixing outdoor gear isn’t complicated, as long as you have a few of the right tools.
6 Lessons I Did Not Expect to Learn from NOLS
After dropping my pack and pulling out a much-needed Snickers bar, I sat on the ground and tried to digest what had happened over the past few days.
Instant Camping Recipe: Geikie Curried Rice
Prepare this instant meal at home before hitting the trail, then just add boiling water when you’re ready to eat.
New Courses for Winter and Spring 2018
Do service work at a school in Tanzania, explore remote cave paintings in Baja California, and grow your avalanche awareness with a winter ski training.
Teaching Leadership Through Storytelling on Wilderness Expeditions
2017 NOLS Summit speaker and instructor Eric Boggs shares how storytelling is a powerful way to teach leadership.
The Art of a Good Re-Ration Care Package
During a NOLS course that’s longer than a week, you’ll likely have a number of “re-supplies” or “re-rations” where you’ll receive new food, fuel, and supplies..
Make Your Camping Gear Last Longer
Besides saving money, choosing durable gear means conserving natural resources and minimizing your carbon footprint by not constantly replacing your equipment.
5 Things to Check in Your First Aid Kit
Revamp your first aid kit before a trip with these five tips.
Leveling Up: From the Operating Room to the Backcountry
Surgeon Katy Trahan levels up her medical training on a Wilderness Upgrade for Medical Professionals course with NOLS.
How to Choose a Camera for Camping (That’s not your phone)
Here are some considerations to keep in mind when choosing what kind of camera to bring on your next outdoor trip.
