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.…
The Gap Year Trend: What, Why and How?
One option through NOLS is a semester in the Rocky Mountains including backpacking, mountaineering, winter camping, wilderness medicine, rafting, etc.
Vermont’s Lieutenant Governor Inspired by NOLS Course
David Zuckerman, Vermont’s lieutenant governor, took a NOLS sea kayaking course in Alaska shortly after the Exxon Valdez ran aground, an experience that solidified his commitment to tackling environmental issues.
Finding Refuge in the Wild
A part of Colorado’s growing refugee population, Muna Oweidat recently went backpacking for the first time on a NOLS expedition for MBA students.
4 Spring Break Trips You Haven’t Considered
Choose a different kind of spring break this year. Forget the touristy beaches and overcrowded ski resorts and dive into a real outdoor adventure!
The Engineer, His Camera and an Alaskan Love Affair: Part Two
The Engineer, His Camera and an Alaskan Love Affair: Part Two
Will My Heart Go On: Cardiovascular Wilderness Medicine
How much do you actually know about the human heart? Test your knowledge with this wilderness medicine quiz on the cardiovascular system.
Watch: Yoga for Sea Kayakers
Check out this video to learn a short and effective yoga routine that's designed specifically for paddlers!
Billycan Romance: A Lifetime Adventure
Once upon a time, two young bankers met by chance, bonding over their NOLS expeditions in Wyoming's mountains. The rest is history—a true NOLS love story.
Jimmy Chin’s Journey from NOLS to the Oscars
NOLS grad, former instructor, and current Board member Jimmy Chin shares reflections on adventure, storytelling, family, and his NOLS experience.
Simplicity and Difficulty: Learning about Life on a Patagonian Homestead
An invitation into a poblador's home becomes an opportunity for learning about the one family's history and the gaucho lifestyle on the Patagonia Cultural Expedition
Casting into Spring: Wilderness Medicine for Fly Fishing
Even if you’ve never fly-fished, NOLS Wilderness Medicine has advice to prepare you for the hobby’s common risks, especially in the early season.
