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.…
Outside Magazine Recognizes NOLS Instructor Liza Howard for Ultrarunning Wins
In February 2019, Outside recognized NOLS Wilderness Medicine instructor Liza Howard for her outstanding ultrarunning performances. She says balancing a busy schedule of work, running, and parenting is key to her success.
UC Santa Cruz Students Recognized for Completing WFR Training
The Mercury News recognized 30 UC Santa Cruz students who completed a NOLS Wilderness First Responder recertification in January 2019.
Learning Leadership above the Arctic Circle
Evan Marie Allison, associate director of the University of Michigan’s Sanger Leadership Center, reflects on the lessons she learned on a NOLS Alaska backpacking course in summer 2018.
Georgetown MBA Students Reflect on Rocky Mountain Leadership Trek
In August 2018, nine Georgetown MBA students backpacked through Wyoming’s Wind River Range on a NOLS Custom Education expedition, gaining valuable leadership experience.
Naval Academy Midshipman and NOLS Grad Receives Marshall Scholarship
U.S. Naval Academy senior and NOLS Yukon grad Anne Richter recently received a Marshall Scholarship to pursue a master’s at Sheffield University before training as a naval submariner.
Joe Austin Receives AEE Servant Leader Award
At the 2018 Association for Experiential Education (AEE) conference, NOLS Health Review Manager Joe Austin received the Servant Leader Award in recognition of his excellent leadership during nine years of service on the Accreditation Council.
Naval Academy Midshipman and NOLS Grad Receives Rhodes Scholarship
U.S. Naval Academy senior and NOLS Alaska grad Margaret Dods recently received a Rhodes Scholarship to pursue a masters at Oxford before her service in the Marine Corps.
The Power of Active Followership—On the Ocean and in the Office
NOLS semester grad Meredith Lind discovered the power of active followership while sea kayaking in New Zealand. As a software consultant and developer, Meredith frequently applies the concept of active followership in the office.
Branksome Hall Students Build Character and Climb Mountains with NOLS
During their 2018 summer break, two rising seniors at Branksome Hall girls’ school received scholarships to fund NOLS expeditions of their choice, returning home with newfound leadership skills.
Winterline Students Reflect on Their NOLS Experience
Winterline gap year students share reflections on an eight-day NOLS expedition spent backpacking through Gila National Forest in September 2018.
NOLS Med Kit Rated Top Gift for Outdoorsy Friends
The NOLS Med Kit 4.0 makes the short list of a former park ranger’s recommended gifts for outdoorsy friends. Like wool socks, a good light, and water filtration device, a NOLS med kit is a must-have for backcountry trips.
NOLS Rocky Mountain Assistant Director Comments on the Value of Wyoming’s Wilderness Study Areas
In a conversation with Wyoming Public Media after three Wyoming counties opted out of a collaborative land management process, NOLS Rocky Mountain Assistant Director Andy Blair commented that lifting protections on wilderness study areas will negatively impact student experiences.
