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 and Identity: Q&A with NOLS LGBTQ+ Canyonlands Backpacking Grad
NOLS LGBTQ+ Canyonlands Backpacking grad, Mat Pryfogle, recounts his takeaways from NOLS' first LBGTQ+ Expedition.
Cold Weather Recipe: Cheesy Potato Soup
There's nothing better than a hot meal after a day out in the cold! Try this cheesy potato soup recipe from NOLS Cookery on your next outdoor trip.
Risk Management Training: Kick Your RM Practices into Tip-Top Shape
Risk management training educators and participants talk about the value of a culture of risk management.
Golden Apple Scholarship winner taking NOLS course in 2013
Golden Apple Scholarship winner taking NOLS course in 2013
Virtual Sea Kayaking – Alaska through a NOLS Student’s Lens
Virtual Sea Kayaking - Alaska through a NOLS Student's Lens
Case Study: A Freezing Snowmobile Ride
Do you know how to prevent, recognize, and treat a non-freezing cold injury (NFCI)? Test your wilderness medicine skills with this case study.
Announcing New Expeditions for Summer 2020
Check out our seven new expeditions for summer 2020 and start planning your next adventure!
How To Build a Winter Snow Shelter
Excited to go winter camping? These pro tips and instructions teach you how to build a quinzhee shelter out of snow instead of using a tent.
Celebrating NOLS in the New Year
NOLS welcomes new president, and celebrates Paul Petzoldt's 112th birthday, our 55th anniversary, and 50th anniversary of 30 Days of Survival documentary.
