NOLS Blog

Stories from the field

Advice, stories, and inspiration from the wilderness

Case Study: Dental Emergency while Rafting 

The Setting You are on day three of a 4-day rafting trip on the Rogue River in Oregon. The trip has been incredible so far. Great rapids, beautiful scenery, skies full of stars, and endless cups of hot cocoa. You’re almost to your campsite on day three, but have one more rapid to go.  At…

Anne McGowan September 2025 4 min read
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All Alumni Expeditions Gap Year Gear Leadership Wilderness Medicine
Our 10 Favorite Books about Leadership by Women
Articles

Our 10 Favorite Books about Leadership by Women

Check out top staff picks featuring leadership books by inspiring female authors.
NOLS February 2017 1 min read
How to Connect Leave No Trace to Your Daily Life
Articles

How to Connect Leave No Trace to Your Daily Life

The 7 Leave No Trace principles aren't just for camping. Here are some ways you can apply them at home…
NOLS February 2017 1 min read
My Trials and Triumphs Mountaineering in the Himalaya
Articles

My Trials and Triumphs Mountaineering in the Himalaya

NOLS grad Haley Peel found the challenge she was looking for on a mountaineering course in India—and learned some lasting…
NOLS January 2017 1 min read
The Big Picture: How I Found My Grit on a Semester in Baja
Articles

The Big Picture: How I Found My Grit on a Semester in Baja

A NOLS alum reflects on the life-changing experiences he had while hiking, kayaking, and sailing on a semester in Baja…
NOLS January 2017 1 min read
Vulnerabilities into Empowerment: What Alaska Meant to Me
Articles

Vulnerabilities into Empowerment: What Alaska Meant to Me

A first-generation college student reflects on what she learned on a NOLS sea kayaking expedition for STEP students in Alaska.
NOLS January 2017 1 min read
Debunking 5 Myths about Gear
Articles

Debunking 5 Myths about Gear

Keep these misconceptions in mind when you head to the store to purchase new outdoor gear.
NOLS January 2017 1 min read
Instructor Expedition: A Grand Canyon Trip with Friends
Articles

Instructor Expedition: A Grand Canyon Trip with Friends

Four NOLS instructors share the experience of leading a group of friends and family on a rafting expedition in the…
NOLS January 2017 1 min read
What to Do If You Get Sick While Camping
Wilderness Medicine

What to Do If You Get Sick While Camping

Get recommendations from NOLS Wilderness Medicine on how to deal with colds and flu-like symptoms in the backcountry.
NOLS January 2017 1 min read
Building and Rebuilding: What I Learned on an Alumni Service Trip
Articles

Building and Rebuilding: What I Learned on an Alumni Service Trip

NOLS alumni of all ages come together to repair a bridge in the Adirondacks.
NOLS January 2017 1 min read

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