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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Prevent Minor Trail Injuries with Advice from NOLS Staff
Articles

Prevent Minor Trail Injuries with Advice from NOLS Staff

Here's some key advice from NOLSies to help ward off small illnesses and injuries that could lead to a more…
NOLS April 2017 1 min read
Educator Expedition: Family Time Rafting on the Middle Fork
Articles

Educator Expedition: Family Time Rafting on the Middle Fork

A NOLS instructor applies his teaching skills to a river expedition with his family on the Salmon River.
NOLS April 2017 1 min read
Get Off the Grid for a Gap Year
Articles

Get Off the Grid for a Gap Year

NOLS staff share why they love off-grid gap years. Escape the routine and disconnect from the world by getting off…
NOLS April 2017 1 min read
New Courses for Fall 2017
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New Courses for Fall 2017

We’re introducing five new courses to our fall lineup that are all 10 days or shorter. Enjoy!
NOLS April 2017 1 min read
It Takes a Village: WFRs Come Together in the Linville Gorge Wilderness
Articles

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…
NOLS April 2017 1 min read
Expedition to Pluto: The New NOLS Course
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Expedition to Pluto: The New NOLS Course

Check out our latest course, Pluto Space Travel and Spacewalking, announced just in time for April Fools!
NOLS April 2017 1 min read
How to Make Your Routine Leave No Trace
Articles

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?…
NOLS March 2017 1 min read
Make Leadership the Focus of Your Gap Year
Articles

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…
NOLS March 2017 1 min read
Camping Recipe: 30-Minute Cornbread
Articles

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.
NOLS March 2017 1 min read

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