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.…
Wilderness First Aid
I recently attended a NOLS Wilderness First Aid class, which was hosted by REI. The class was two full days and covered everything from blister care to lightning.
NOLS Continues to Boost Wyoming Up
NOLS brings more money and jobs to Wyoming. Last year, NOLS had strong enrollment numbers and now are looking towards new opportunities for this year.
The Quiet Confidence of Wilderness Medicine
Day three of our NOLS Wilderness First Responder (WFR — pronounced “woofer”) course was winding down. Each of us had our own reasons for taking the course.
Mountain Skills: Essential Education
Claudia Pearson, Rations Manager at the Lander, Wyo. Rocky Mountain location of NOLS advises, “Eat a variety of food, eat throughout the day and hydrate often.”
Green Frequency
The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) offers programs to wild destinations around the planet, where participants incorporate different skills.
The 10 Best Alternative Summer Trips for College Students
10 alternative summer trips for college students will shake up your vacation.
Every Animal Adopted At BLM–Honor Farm Wild Horse And Burro Adoption
Kelsey Wicks, ranch manager for the NOLS continued the tradition of adopting horses from the Honor Farm to use for NOLS courses.
How Learning Wilderness First Aid Seriously Upped My Hiking Game
I took a NOLS Wilderness First Aid course to learn more about wilderness medicine skills in Monrovia, CA through a partnership with REI.
Backcountry Delight
Sometimes you want a fresh meal when you’ve been hoofing it through the backcountry. Here’s a simple recipe from NOLS for pizza and calzones to try!
Outside’s Gear Guy Shares NOLS Tips on Keeping Camp Kitchens Clean_draft
NOLS field staffing director Marco Johnson offers Outside’s “Gear Guy,” Joe Jackson, some tips on keeping camp kitchens clean.
Building a Useful First Aid Kit for the Backcountry
Tod Schimelpfenig, senior NOLS instructor and curriculum director of NOLS Wilderness Medicine, offers some tips on how to put together a well-stocked first aid kit for the backcountry.
