--- title: "Basic Wilderness Skills Classes & Certification | National Wilderness Leadership Institute" url: https://www.nwli.org/courses/basic-wilderness-skills description: "Build practical outdoor skills, steady judgment, and confident leadership in the backcountry. This two‑day, instructor‑led course blends hands‑on practice" lang: en --- Certification Course NWLI Basic Wilderness Skills In Person # Basic Wilderness Skills Build practical outdoor skills, steady judgment, and confident leadership in the backcountry. This two‑day, instructor‑led course blends hands‑on practice with field‑tested techniques so participants leave prepared to travel, shelter, and care for themselves and others in remote settings. What you’ll learn: • Navigation & orienteering — Read topographic maps, use a compass, and plan routes to move safely without electronic dependence. • Shelter construction — Construct durable, weather‑appropriate shelters using natural materials and lightweight gear. • Firecraft — Select fuel, use reliable ignition methods, and manage fire safely for warmth, cooking, and signaling. • Water sourcing & purification — Identify water sources and apply proven purification methods to maintain hydration. • Knots & rope work — Tie essential knots and apply rope techniques for shelter, hauling, and simple rescues. • Wilderness first aid — Assess injuries, stabilize patients, and apply improvised care until professional help is available. • Wild edible & medicinal plants — Recognize common regional plants for food and basic remedies while practicing sustainable harvesting. • Wildlife awareness & safety — Read animal behavior, reduce encounter risk, and respond appropriately to wildlife situations. Course format and logistics • Duration: 2.5 days with an overnight field component. • Setting: Outdoor classroom with progressive, scenario‑based exercises. • Instruction: Small groups led by NWLI instructors with emphasis on experiential learning and peer leadership. • Equipment: Participants receive a pre‑course packing list and brief on safety protocols. Who this course is for • New campers and outdoor beginners seeking foundational competence. • Hikers, backpackers, and weekend adventurers wanting practical, field‑tested skills. • Individuals aiming to increase self‑reliance and group leadership in remote environments. Outcomes and expectations: Participants will leave with a clear skill set they can apply immediately: confident navigation, reliable shelter and fire skills, basic medical response, and improved decision‑making under field conditions. NWLI emphasizes responsible stewardship, situational awareness, and the judgment needed to keep yourself and your group safe. Starting at $300 per student Duration 25 hours Available sessions 0 upcoming Trusted by students nationwide Schedule ## Upcoming Classes Check back soon or request a private session. ### No classes currently scheduled We can run a private Basic Wilderness Skills session for your team or location. Curriculum ## What You'll Learn Orienteering Shelter construction Firecraft Knots, lashings & rope techniques Lightweight gear selection & maintenance Leave No Trace stewardship Wilderness first aid Questions ## Basic Wilderness Skills FAQs ### Who should take Basic Wilderness Skills? ### How long is the Basic Wilderness Skills class? ### What certification do I receive? ### How much does it cost? ### Can you run this class for my team or at our site? ### What is your cancellation and reschedule policy? Keep exploring ## Related Courses NWLI ### Wilderness Leadership Course Transformative, experiential leadership training delivered in the wild by NWLI. This two‑weekend program blends hands‑on outdoor skills, team dynamics, and environmental stewardship to develop confident, adaptable leaders who perform under pressure. Course overview: Learn leadership through direct experience in natural settings. NWLI’s curriculum pairs field‑based challenges with guided reflection and expert coaching so participants practice decision‑making, communication, and resilience while immersed in the wilderness. Key highlights • Outdoor leadership skills — Shelter building; map reading; navigation and orienteering; risk assessment for varied terrain. • Team building and collaboration — Structured group challenges that strengthen trust, communication, and shared problem solving. • Environmental stewardship — Leave‑no‑trace ethics, conservation principles, and practical practices for sustainable outdoor leadership. • Decision making under pressure — Realistic scenarios that sharpen rapid assessment, contingency planning, and adaptive leadership. • Wilderness first aid — Practical, scenario‑based training to assess injuries, stabilize patients, and make informed evacuation decisions in remote settings. • Leadership in action — Rotating leadership roles with targeted feedback from NWLI instructors to refine style and effectiveness. • Culminating expedition — A multi‑day field expedition where teams plan, lead, and execute a route, applying skills learned across the course. Who should enroll • Outdoor enthusiasts seeking structured leadership growth. • Aspiring leaders wanting practical, high‑impact experience. • Teams focused on cohesion and performance under stress. • Individuals pursuing personal or professional development through nature‑based learning. Course format and duration Two weekends combining classroom sessions, skills clinics, and extended fieldwork. NWLI provides expert instruction, course materials, and guided reflection to ensure learning transfers from the trail to everyday leadership contexts. Outcomes Participants leave with improved situational awareness, stronger team leadership skills, practical wilderness competencies, and a deeper commitment to environmental stewardship—ready to lead with confidence in unpredictable environments. From $650 View course https://www.nwli.org/courses/wilderness-leadership-course SOLO ### Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Course overview This hands‑on, scenario‑driven Wilderness First Aid course from the National Wilderness Leadership Institute (NWLI) teaches practical, evidence‑based skills for managing medical emergencies in remote and austere environments. The curriculum emphasizes rapid patient assessment, improvised care using limited resources, and safe decision‑making for evacuation or prolonged field care. Learning objectives By the end of the course participants will be able to: • Perform a focused wilderness patient assessment and prioritize life‑threatening problems. • Manage common trauma including wound care, splinting, and basic hemorrhage control. • Recognize and treat environmental emergencies such as hypothermia, heat illness, and altitude‑related problems. • Stabilize medical emergencies (e.g., allergic reactions, diabetic events) until higher care is available. • Plan and execute safe evacuations using improvised litters, patient packaging, and risk assessment. Who should attend • Outdoor leaders, guides, and trip organizers • Backpackers, climbers, paddlers, and recreational outdoor enthusiasts • Scout leaders, camp staff, and anyone responsible for groups in remote settings. Format, prerequisites, and materials • Format: Instructor‑led mix of classroom instruction, hands‑on skills stations, and realistic field scenarios. • Duration: Two full days (16 contact hours). • Prerequisites: Minimum age typically 13; no prior medical training required. • What to bring: Weather‑appropriate outdoor clothing, notebook, water, and basic personal gear; expect outdoor skills practice. Assessment and certification Participants complete practical skills checks and scenario performance evaluations. Successful completion awards the SOLO Wilderness First Aid certificate, recognized globally and valid for two years. From $250 View course https://www.nwli.org/courses/wilderness-first-aid-wfa ARC ### Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED - Blended American Red Cross Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Offered by the National Wilderness Leadership Institute (NWLI) The National Wilderness Leadership Institute provides American Red Cross Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED training designed to equip community members, caregivers, and workplace teams with the skills and confidence to respond to emergencies. Our courses blend hands‑on practice, clear instruction, and a supportive learning environment—reflecting NWLI’s commitment to safety, preparedness, and community care. What You’ll Learn Participants gain essential, evidence‑based skills to recognize and respond to a wide range of medical emergencies, including: • Adult and pediatric CPR techniques • Use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) • Choking relief for adults, children, and infants • First aid for sudden illness and injury • How to assess a scene and provide safe, effective care until help arrives Course Format NWLI delivers this course in a streamlined, learner‑friendly format: • Blended Learning Option – Complete the Red Cross online module at your own pace before attending the in‑person skills session. • Instructor‑Led Skills Session – Practice lifesaving techniques with guidance from experienced NWLI instructors who prioritize clarity, confidence, and real‑world readiness. Certification Upon successful completion, participants receive a 2‑year American Red Cross Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED certification, recognized nationwide and accepted by employers, schools, and youth‑serving organizations. Why Train with NWLI • Supportive, high‑quality instruction grounded in real‑world emergency response • Small class sizes for personalized coaching • Clean, well‑equipped training spaces in the Reston/Herndon area • A mission‑driven organization dedicated to empowering communities through safety education From $90 View course https://www.nwli.org/courses/red-cross-adult-and-pediatric-first-aid-cpr-aed-blended ## Ready to get certified? Pick a Basic Wilderness Skills class that fits your schedule, or contact us about a private session. Share on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fnwli.lovable.app%2Fcourses%2Fbasic-wilderness-skills Share on X: https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnwli.lovable.app%2Fcourses%2Fbasic-wilderness-skills&text=Basic%20Wilderness%20Skills%20Classes%20%26%20Certification%20%7C%20National%20Wilderness%20Leadership%20Institute Share on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnwli.lovable.app%2Fcourses%2Fbasic-wilderness-skills ## Structured data ```json [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://www.nwli.org/#organization", "name": "National Wilderness Leadership Institute", "alternateName": "NWLI", "url": "https://www.nwli.org/", "description": "Wilderness First Aid and CPR training provider in Virginia offering AHA and Red Cross certification courses.", "areaServed": { "@type": "State", "name": "Virginia" } }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://www.nwli.org/#website", "url": "https://www.nwli.org/", "name": "National Wilderness Leadership Institute", "publisher": { "@id": "https://www.nwli.org/#organization" } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "LocalBusiness", "name": "National Wilderness Leadership Institute", "description": "Your premier cpr training and certification provider. 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This two‑day, instructor‑led course blends hands‑on practice with field‑tested techniques so participants leave prepared to travel, shelter, and care for themselves and others in remote settings.\n\nWhat you’ll learn:\n\n• \tNavigation & orienteering — Read topographic maps, use a compass, and plan routes to move safely without electronic dependence.\n• \tShelter construction — Construct durable, weather‑appropriate shelters using natural materials and lightweight gear.\n• \tFirecraft — Select fuel, use reliable ignition methods, and manage fire safely for warmth, cooking, and signaling.\n• \tWater sourcing & purification — Identify water sources and apply proven purification methods to maintain hydration.\n• \tKnots & rope work — Tie essential knots and apply rope techniques for shelter, hauling, and simple rescues.\n• \tWilderness first aid — Assess injuries, stabilize patients, and apply improvised care until professional help is available.\n• \tWild edible & medicinal plants — Recognize common regional plants for food and basic remedies while practicing sustainable harvesting.\n• \tWildlife awareness & safety — Read animal behavior, reduce encounter risk, and respond appropriately to wildlife situations.\n\nCourse format and logistics\n• \tDuration: 2.5 days with an overnight field component.\n• \tSetting: Outdoor classroom with progressive, scenario‑based exercises.\n• \tInstruction: Small groups led by NWLI instructors with emphasis on experiential learning and peer leadership.\n• \tEquipment: Participants receive a pre‑course packing list and brief on safety protocols.\n\nWho this course is for\n• \tNew campers and outdoor beginners seeking foundational competence.\n• \tHikers, backpackers, and weekend adventurers wanting practical, field‑tested skills.\n• \tIndividuals aiming to increase self‑reliance and group leadership in remote environments.\n\nOutcomes and expectations:\n\nParticipants will leave with a clear skill set they can apply immediately: confident navigation, reliable shelter and fire skills, basic medical response, and improved decision‑making under field conditions. NWLI emphasizes responsible stewardship, situational awareness, and the judgment needed to keep yourself and your group safe.", "provider": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "National Wilderness Leadership Institute", "sameAs": "https://nwli.org" }, "educationalCredentialAwarded": "Basic Wilderness Skills", "hasCourseInstance": [] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Who should take Basic Wilderness Skills?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Basic Wilderness Skills is open to anyone who needs this certification for work, school, or personal preparedness. No prior training is required." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How long is the Basic Wilderness Skills class?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Classes typically run 25 hours. Exact times are listed on each scheduled session above." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What certification do I receive?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "You receive a Basic Wilderness Skills. Cards are issued electronically after you successfully complete the class." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much does it cost?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Basic Wilderness Skills starts at $300 per student. Pricing can vary by location, class size, and any required materials — the exact price is shown on each session before you register." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can you run this class for my team or at our site?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. We schedule private and onsite Basic Wilderness Skills classes for businesses, schools, and healthcare teams. Request a private class and we will confirm dates and pricing." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is your cancellation and reschedule policy?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Contact us as early as possible if you need to cancel or move to another date. We will reschedule you into the next available class whenever seats allow." } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://nwli.lovable.app/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Courses", "item": "https://nwli.lovable.app/courses" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Basic Wilderness Skills", "item": "https://nwli.lovable.app/courses/basic-wilderness-skills" } ] } ] ```