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 Risk Management Conference Welcomes Three New Steering Committee Members and Appoints New Committee Chair
Ahead of the 27th annual Wilderness Risk Management Conference (WRMC), the conference Steering Committee appointed Mike Pigg, Outward Bound USA National Safety Director, as the new chair and welcomed three new members; Elyse Rylander, Partnership Manager at Camber Outdoors and founder of OUT There Adventures and LGBTQ Outdoor Summit; Moleek Busby, Field Operations Senior Manager for the Washington Trails Association (WTA); and Michael Davis, YMCA BOLD & GOLD National Program Manager.
Exploring the Backcountry with a Mule
In an article for Sierra, Stacey McKenna consults NOLS horsepacking instructor Ari Hertz on the history of wilderness exploration with stock animals in the U.S.
Bainbridge Island Review: Goodlin completes New Zealand expedition
Bainbridge Island Review: Goodlin completes New Zealand expedition
St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Resident Completes 76-Day Fall Course
St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Resident Completes 76-Day Fall Course
Ridgefield Press: Resident Completes Spring Southwest Course
Ridgefield resident completes 80-day Spring Southwest Course
‘An American Ascent’ Takes Home Best Doc., Best Director
'An American Ascent' Takes Home Best Doc., Best Director
Adventure Medical Kits Helps Fund NOLS Scholarships
Adventure Medical Kits Helps Fund NOLS Scholarships
Lessons from Patagonia’s Culture of Sharing
Stagg traveled to Patagonia this spring on his International Professional Service Semester (IPSS) assignment to work with NOLS in Coyhaique, Patagonia.
Fall Semester Grad Savors the Outdoors
Liam Tuveson participated in an adventure of a lifetime as part of a fall semester program with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), Lander, Wyoming.
Mountaineering Courses Promise Epic Treks
Backpack through Washington’s North Cascades for 29 days, on a mountaineering course offered through the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS).
Raúl Castro, Director of NOLS Patagonia [Interview]
In 1993, Raúl Castro was living in Santiago. He attended a presentation by National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS).
Eight Month-Long Adventures You Can’t Miss
Perhaps you’ve decided to take a year off from the daily grind. or maybe your career allows you to work from anywhere.
