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.…
New Trustees Bring Diverse Expertise to Wilderness Education Nonprofit
NOLS is excited to welcome five new members to its Board of Trustees in 2019, including leaders in the tech, film, venture capital, and nonprofit sectors.
NOLS Introduces Seven Wilderness Expeditions for Affinity Group Members
NOLS will launch seven new affinity courses for a total of 20 offerings designed for People of Color and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Start Dreaming: Summer 2020 Expeditions Now Online
Already dreading the end of summer? Don't despair—check out our 2020 summer expeditions and start dreaming about next year's adventures!
Wilderness Safety Training: Key for Any Risk Management Toolkit
How do you manage the inherent risks, like limited communication or distance from medical care, of exploring remote areas? Take a Wilderness Safety Training!
SOAR Act Introduction to the House of Representatives
NOLS and the outdoor recreation industry are rallying behind the Securing Outdoor Access for Recreation Act.
Case Study: When Heat Stress Hits an Entire Group
This case study tests how well you can adapt when you're responsible for not just one patient, but an entire group.
My Path to Outdoor Education from a Semester in Alaska
NOLS grad-turned-instructor Katiya Gombar says that not a single day goes by without thinking of her expedition in Alaska and the lessons she learned there.
Why We Leave Phones Behind on NOLS Courses (and Why You Should Do It More Often)
We're not saying you should never bring your phone camping. But here are some good reasons to consider a tech-free adventure.
5 Ways to Make Sure Your Next Hike is LNT-Approved
You're probably already familiar with the seven Leave No Trace principles—here are some additional tips to guarantee your next hike is low impact.
I Don’t Need to Be an Extrovert to Lead: Reflections on Backpacking in Alaska
In Alaska I realized I might not be the most extroverted human, but I didn’t have to be. Someone else could do that and there would still be space—a need—for me.
Case Study: Treating a Feverish Patient
Test your wilderness medicine knowledge with this case study about a patient with flu-like symptoms that may be related to a tick-borne illness.
