NOLS Blog
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
Photo by Molly Hagbrand The setting You and your friend are enjoying some early morning sunshine and perfect ...
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 ...
Kickstart your Summer: A NOLS-Inspired Guide to Outdoor Adventure
Summer is a season of possibility—new places to explore, skills to sharpen, and friendships to deepen. At NOLS, we believe that thoughtful preparation, intentional choices, and community connection lay the foundation for safe, rewarding, and meaningful adventures. Whether you’re planning a long expedition or a weekend hike, here are key ideas to guide your summer…
Rothberg-Birdwhistell Exploration Fund: Expedition Isla Wager y Mas
With dreams of personal adventures in Patagonian Chile, Dave Watson asked Nacho Aguilera and me to join him paddling in the archipelago south of the Golfo De Penas. Almost a year before we put our paddles in the water, we started talking and planning. Tasks were delegated to be ready to begin our expedition in…
NOLS 1965 • 2025 • 2085
NOLS winter camping in the 1970s. It was December 1973, in the midst of a two-week winter course somewhere in the Winds. With our 70+-pound packs, we used seal skins on our wooden Army-issue skis to ascend a steep ridge. The day was clear and very cold. The snow was almost to our knees, as…
How to Make Deluxe Mac and Cheese (and Fried Macs too!) in the Backcountry
Photo by Jordan Cranch Cheesy pasta is a staple for any expedition. This recipe for macaroni and cheese, made deluxe by the addition of butter and dried veggies, is hot and delicious and transitions well from the backcountry to your kitchen at home. Be sure to check out the recipe for NOLS Famous Fried Macs!…
Navigating the Path: the U.S. NOLS Instructor in Training Program
2024 US Instructor In Training Cohort at the start of their instructor course: top, left to right, NOLS field instructor Jerick Lee, NOLS field instructor Elsie Freland, Matt Medina, Dane Gare, Amber Davis, and bottom left to right, Alison Sikowitz, Vicky Albores, Yessi Aguilar, and Jianna Kaufman The U.S. NOLS Instructor-in-Training (IIT) Program is a…
Rothberg-Birdwhistell Exploration Fund: Mountaineering in Rwenzori Mountains
This 15-day expedition began with an interest to take on a challenge we had not encountered before. One day, after working a contract in East Africa, James “KG” Kagambi, Evan Kuria, and I began discussing enhancing our outdoor skills. Evan suggested we explore the Rwenzori Mountains, the nearest mountains with easy access to a glacier.…
NOLS Grad Wins Nonprofit Business Professional Award in Boone, North Carolina
NOLS semester grad Andy Hill received one of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2019 4 Under 40 awards in the nonprofit business professional category.
NOLS Wilderness Medicine Course Well-Received at UNC
In March 2019, NOLS Wilderness Medicine and Landmark Learning partnered to hold a Wilderness First Aid course at UNC-Greensboro.
New Zealand Semester Grad & Gap Year Student Excels at Oberlin College
After taking a NOLS Semester in New Zealand as part of her gap year, Claire Tiedemann headed off to Oberlin College, where she was recently recognized for her outstanding 2019 performance on the track and field team.
NOLS Advisory Council Member Recognized for Community Service
Retired Rear Admiral Gretchen Herbert, a NOLS grad and Advisory Council member, was recognized for her commitment to STEM advocacy and community service in Transylvania County, North Carolina, in April 2019.
National Geographic Recognizes NOLS Grad for “Biggest Free Solo of the Year”
National Geographic recognizes NOLS grad and WEMT Jim Reynolds for his unprecedented free solo climb up and down Patagonia’s Cerro Fitz Roy in March 2019.
Popular Science Looks to NOLS Wilderness Medicine for First Aid Tips
NOLS Wilderness Medicine Curriculum Director and Senior Instructor Tod Schimelpfenig shares first aid tips with Popular Science magazine.
Adaptive Biotechnologies CEO Credits NOLS with Leadership Success
Adaptive Biotechnologies CEO and NOLS grad Chad Robins says his leadership style is based on the lessons he learned during his Spring Semester in the Rockies.
NOLS Graduate and Instructor Jimmy Chin Receives Oscar for Free Solo
NOLS graduate and former instructor Jimmy Chin and his wife and co-director E. Chai Vasarhelyi won an Oscar for Free Solo, their film chronicling Alex Honnold's unprecedented climb of El Capitan without ropes or safety equipment.
NOLS Celebrates Landmark Federal Public Lands Victory
NOLS is celebrating the fact that local, grassroots conservation efforts can make a big difference in preserving the crown jewels of the United States' public lands.
NOLS Wilderness Medicine: A Genius Way to Use Your PTO
The RV rental company Outdoorsy recommends NOLS Wilderness Medicine training as one of their top five picks for using paid time off.
What You Learn from Living Outdoors for Three Months
Environmental journalist Sara Sneath reflects on the life-changing three months she spent in the Rockies on a NOLS outdoor educator semester in fall 2019.
