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.…
This environmentalist is the flag-bearer of the changing face of farming
She became an instructor for NOLS and would live in the mountains for months, the environmental studies, working for the EPA and now farming.
Edmond resident completes 80-day wilderness expedition in Patagonia
Joe Romano, 20, of Edmond, recently completed a fall semester in Patagonia with NOLS.
WWII 10th Mountain Division Victories Honored Through Ski-In
Trained in skiing and mountain climbing during the war, many WWII 10th veterans developed the U.S. ski industry and outdoor recreation programs like NOLS.
Meet the first African-American crew member of the ISS
NASA announced that first flight astronaut Jeannette Epps will be the first African-American space station crewmember when she launches for her mission.
Teton Staycation: A Brief Escape to Baldy Yurt
The NOLS, Driggs location, offers various winter courses, some of which involve yurt trips, depending on the course objective and where the course travels.
Arkose Ridge Leadership Academy finds home at Palmer High
Palmer High School students will have a crack at a new educational model that is agriculturally minded and energy conscious: Arkose Ridge Leadership Academy.
NOLS Working to Educate for Outdoor Emergencies
NOLS Wilderness Medicine instructors gave students the skills to assess and respond during unforeseen emergencies.
What are the Best Snacks for Backcountry Skiing and Riding?
A study of NOLS participants concluded outdoor recreators should eat small bites every 15-20 minutes during exercise, and consume a snack 20-40 minutes after.
The 24 coolest towns in the USA – 2017
Lander is a quirky little town with lots of museums, an amazing alpaca ranch/outfitter, and the home of the National Outdoor Leadership School, or NOLS.
Fake Blood, Real Screams: What I Learned at Wilderness Medic Training
A recount of a NOLS Wilderness Medicine Wilderness course, the Wilderness First Responder, an intensive nine-day medic course to become a certified WFR.
You never stop learning leadership — nor should you
Penn Athletics ran a Leadership Academy that was administered by John Kanengieter, a Director for Leadership at the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS).
From college to a sold-out tour in one year: Maggie Rogers performs in The Current studio
Maggie Rogers always loved being outside, so I went on a trip for a month with a group called NOLS and went backpacking in Alaska for a month.
