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.
Duration
50 hours
Available sessions
0 upcoming
Curriculum
What You'll Learn
Prerequisites
• Minimum age — Participants must be at least 16 years old at the start of the course. • Parental/guardian consent — Participants aged 16–17 must provide a signed parental or guardian consent form. • Physical readiness — A basic level of physical fitness is required: ability to hike on uneven terrain for several hours, carry a daypack, and participate in moderate field activities. • Medical and safety requirements — All participants must complete a medical disclosure and emergency contact form; those with preexisting conditions should consult a healthcare professional before enrolling. • Commitment to participation — Willingness to engage fully in both classroom and field sessions, follow NWLI safety protocols, and practice Leave No Trace principles.
Questions
Wilderness Leadership Course FAQs
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.
AHA Heartsaver CPR AED
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