NOLS Blog
Stories from the field
Advice, stories, and inspiration from the wilderness
Backpacking the Vilcabamba Valley to Machu Picchu Alumni Trip: Inaugural Trip Reflection
An Interview with Kellsie Forbes, NOLS Alumni Trips Manager Where did the idea to create an alumni trip to explore the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu come from? Jorge Anhalzer, a NOLS instructor from Ecuador, and his friend Sam Husley, a NOLS instructor who lives in Peru, proposed it last year. It’s such a spectacular place. Most of our alumni…
Expeditions
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…
Backpacking
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…
Expeditions
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…
Gap Year
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.
Expeditions
Packrafting Basics: A Beginner’s Guide to Essential Packrafting Skills
This beginner’s guide to packrafting basics covers everything from essential gear to paddling and self-rescue skills. Prepare for your next…
Expeditions
Snowboarding for Beginners: Tips, Terms, and Techniques to Get You Started
Dive into snowboarding for beginners and learn fundamentals, terminology, and gear essentials.
Expeditions
Sea Kayak Self-Rescue Techniques: Essential Guidance for Sea Kayakers
Develop essential kayak self-rescue skills with NOLS – from wet exits to advanced techniques. Gain confidence for your next coastal…
Expeditions
Sea Kayaking for Beginners with NOLS: Essential Tips and Techniques
Sea Kayaking for Beginners: Learn essential tips and techniques, from paddling skills to coastal navigation.
Expeditions
Rock Climbing Gear Recommendations from NOLS Instructors
Get rock climbing gear recommendations from NOLS instructors! Learn what gear we use and our tips for caring for our…
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