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.…
I Crave the Quietness:Â What a City Dweller Learned from Two Weeks in the Wilderness
Growing up as a city slicker, I had minimal experience with backpacking and the outdoors.
Highlights from the 2016 NOLS Wilderness Medicine Staff Meeting
September 12 kicked off the 2016 NOLS Wilderness Medicine Staff Meeting, our annual gathering at the Wyss Campus in Lander, Wyo. Read on for highlights!
10 Things That Will Happen to You in the Backcountry
Number 1, You will remember songs that you have not heard in forever.
Big Agnes Co-Owner Len Zanni: Finding His Way in the Outdoor Industry
Len Zanni, co-owner of Big Agnes, Inc. and NOLS grad, talked with us about what he’s learned from NOLS and from his years of working in the outdoor industry.
Sam Glinsmann Completes 77-Day Wilderness Course
Sam Glinsmann’s Semester in New Zealand was with NOLS, which aims to teach participants leadership skills in the wilderness.
Any Year Can Be a Gap Year
Best Time to Take a Gap Year: Discover how any year can be transformed into an impactful and transformative gap year.
ASL-Supported Course Fosters Inclusive Diversity and Growth
Longtime instructor shares stories from the most diverse NOLS Wilderness Medicine course she has ever taught.
How to Create an Eye-Catching Resume by Talking about Your NOLS Course
Stand out from the crowd by talking about NOLS on your resume
Into the Wild, Every Day
Both my boys went on NOLS trips when they were 15, spending five weeks in the Wyoming wilderness. With bears. For five weeks, I had no contact with them.
