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.…
Gans: Wyoming’s Recreational Waters Must Remain Pristine
Stream miles to be impacted are on public lands which are important to Wyoming residents who recreate outdoors and to NOLS for teaching outdoor skills.
NOLS Stewardship Award Presented to Jay Pence
On Saturday, Oct. 8th, NOLS awarded their 2016 Stewardship Award to Jay Pence, who is the Teton Basin District Ranger for the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.
In a Montana Bear Attack, Lessons on Hope, Survival and First Aid
A 50-year-old man was attacked by a bear in the wilderness of southwest Montana. Alone and injured, he walked — then drove — for miles to save himself. How did he do it?
Learning to Lead at Annapolis: Ally Warnimont
Students of the Naval Academy are expected to participate in training. “NOLS, or National Outdoor Leadership School, is one of our options for summer training.”
Outdoor Education Center Hosts ‘Race and the Outdoors’ Film Screening and Discussion
Pomona College’s Outdoor Education Center hosted a film screening and discussion to create a dialogue around racial representation in the outdoors.
Gap Year Before College Should Be the Norm
Challenge, personal growth, leadership development and environmental stewardship are the hallmarks of these programs. NOLS is among the best known programs,
Effective Ways to Mosquito-Proof Your Summer Camping Trip
Marco Johnson, field staffing director at the National Outdoor Leadership School, shared how you can keep mosquitos at bay during your next camping trip.
New Zealand Earthquake Update
The following is the latest information we have received since learning of reports of the earthquake in New Zealand on 11/13/16.
First-Year Student Gains New World Perspective from International Travel
After her educational and spiritual journey through Asia, Davis headed over to northern Patagonia to complete a NOLS course as part of a gap year.
Coralville Native Living the Small Life in Colorado
It’s easy to picture Jonathan Williams in his tiny house in a campground at the base of a Colorado mountain, staring through the skylight just above his head.
Montanans Spend a Year on Mars – at Least, About the Closest Thing to It
The final step in the HI-SEAS Mission 4 selection process was a camping trip in a remote area of Idaho run by NOLS. NASA and NOLS have a longtime partnership.
Expedition Leads Saratoga Native to Possible New Career Path
ForJerick Lee, a recent NOLS 38-day mountaineering and sailing expedition through the Pacific Northwest was more than just an adventure.
