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 Courses for Fall 2017
We’re introducing five new courses to our fall lineup that are all 10 days or shorter. Enjoy!
It Takes a Village: WFRs Come Together in the Linville Gorge Wilderness
A NOLS Wilderness Medicine grad shares how her first aid training became critically important when she encountered an injured climber on a weekend trip.
Expedition to Pluto: The New NOLS Course
Check out our latest course, Pluto Space Travel and Spacewalking, announced just in time for April Fools!
How to Make Your Routine Leave No Trace
You're a pro at LNT on the trail, but do you ever think about applying these principles at home too? Get started with some tips from NOLS staff members.
Make Leadership the Focus of Your Gap Year
The true value of a leadership gap year isn't adding an impressive list of activities to your resume—it's about developing valuable life skills.
Camping Recipe: 30-Minute Cornbread
Worried about cooking outdoors? Fear not! You don't have to be a master chef to make this tasty cornbread.
4 Ways You Can Always Be Learning
A NOLS instructor reflects on how a rock climbing seminar inspired her to keep learning.
3 Ideas to Feed Your Inner Wild
NOLS mountaineering grad Will Harrison shares tips on adjusting to city life and incorporating lessons learned outdoors to life at home.
Camping Recipe: 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Truffles
Chocolate and peanut butter—what's not to love? Here's a quick and tasty dessert to try on your next adventure.
10 Useful Wilderness Medicine Posts To Read Before Your Next Adventure
Check out these blog posts to get a refresher on key first aid topics before heading out on your next outdoor trip.
Tolerance for Uncertainty & Adversity
NOLS grad Carolyn Highland reflects on how learning tolerance for adversity on an outdoor semester in New Zealand translates to challenges at home.
