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.…
Life’s Big Adventure
William James took a National Outdoor Leadership School course in 2001. He realized he wanted to use his newfound outdoor skills to help people.
Know Wilderness First Aid for These 12 Injuries
Lance Taysom, a Wilderness Medicine instructor for NOLS shares advice for Wilderness First Aid in the backcountry.
Hundreds Rally for Public Lands in Wyoming
At the Public Lands Rally in Casper, Wyoming, National Outdoor Leadership School's John Gans, discussed the economic value of Wyoming Public Lands.
Straight Talk with Rachel Reich
I did a month long NOLS course in 2008. This trip provided my first exposure to alpine climbing when we attempted Mt. Baker and Mt. Shukshan, in Washington.
College Prep Pressure: Is the Finish Line in Sight?
Michaela Notice spent 15 days last summer canoeing, rafting, hiking and camping in Utah and Colorado, via the National Outdoor Leadership Program, (NOLS).
Wyoming Residents Voice Opposition to Public Lands Amendment
Groups representing a variety of interests, from conservation groups to sportsmen to the National Outdoor Leadership School, all were opposed to the amendment.
New Partnership Aims To Improve The Business Of Outdoor Recreation
Outdoor recreation is one of the top industries in Wyoming. NOLS and Flitner Strategies in Jackson partnered to form the Wyoming Outdoor Business Association.
An Irresistible Glow: the Hypnosis Of Bioluminescence
Lynn Petzold has seen her fair share of bioluminescence as an instructor for NOLS, including while leading a two-week kayaking course in the Sea of Cortez.
New Decision Results In Permanent Protection of the Wyoming Range
The USFS’s verdict settles that the Bridger-Teton National Forest is now off limits to any type of development; important habitat for wildlife is now protected.
James Edward Mills talks about why the face of outdoor adventure must change
Through the course of my conversations with different organizations, I interviewed the very first Director of Diversity and Inclusion at NOLS.
Bridger-Teton National Forest Conserving 40,000 Acres in the Wyoming Range
Today the Bridger-Teton National Forest announced almost 40,000 acres in the Wyoming Range are not available for oil and gas development.
16 Questions with Wilderness Medic Dave Webber
Read this interview with Dave Weber, who has worked as a rescue technician, remote site medic and skills instructor for the last 15 years.
