NOLS Blog

Stories from the field

Advice, stories, and inspiration from the wilderness

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Case Study: Chest Injury with Fall

The Setting You are on a climbing trip in Red Rocks, Nevada. You’ve spent the last week dialing in your climbing, swapping beta with new friends at the crag and soaking up the desert sun. Today, you decide to take a break from long routes and focus on bouldering.  You’re chalking up, eyeing a new…

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Turning My NOLS Experience Into a Minimalist Lifestyle
Articles

Turning My NOLS Experience Into a Minimalist Lifestyle

Camper life comes with some challenges; however, it’s the most freeing thing I have experienced since my gap year, and…
NOLS April 2021 1 min read
Why I Trusted a NOLS Course during COVID
Articles

Why I Trusted a NOLS Course during COVID

When I say 2020, what comes to mind? Pandemic, quarantine, fear, loneliness, job loss, online overload. It was February 2020…
NOLS April 2021 1 min read
Case Study: Abdominal Pain on the Trail
Articles

Case Study: Abdominal Pain on the Trail

At 6:30 in the morning some of your participants come and tell you that their tentmate is complaining of abdominal…
NOLS March 2021 1 min read
How NOLS Helped Me Thrive After Dropping Out of College
Articles

How NOLS Helped Me Thrive After Dropping Out of College

Out of the blue, a tip from an old mentor pointed me towards NOLS as an alternative, and maybe more…
NOLS March 2021 1 min read
First Ascent of Cerro Nora in Patagonia
Articles

First Ascent of Cerro Nora in Patagonia

Stretching myself right to the limit, day after day, and finding camaraderie in that challenge gave me a new sense…
NOLS March 2021 1 min read
5 Myths About a NOLS Gap Year
Articles

5 Myths About a NOLS Gap Year

5 Gap Year Myths Debunked - Worried that a NOLS gap year expedition is beyond your reach in terms of…
NOLS February 2021 1 min read
Why You Should Take a WFR with NOLS
Articles

Why You Should Take a WFR with NOLS

Discover why the NOLS Wilderness First Responder course is transformative, equipping you with skills, confidence, and a new perspective on…
NOLS December 2020 1 min read
55th Anniversary: Stories from Our Alumni
Articles

55th Anniversary: Stories from Our Alumni

Over 55 years, we've learned the value of NOLS isn't in accomplishments so much as the way a NOLS education…
NOLS November 2020 1 min read
30 Years of Wilderness Medicine
Articles

30 Years of Wilderness Medicine

In 1990, two people started a business that was remarkable for 2 reasons—most important because the business was dedicated to…
NOLS November 2020 1 min read

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