2024 Wilderness Risk Management Conference: Full Schedule

Main Conference: Tuesday, October 15 - Thursday, October 17, 2024

Preconference: Monday October 14 - Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Click here to Register for the event
*Minor schedule changes should be expected.

arrow_back View All Dates

7:30am MDT

Breakfast (Meal Plan only)

Wednesday October 16, 2024 7:30am - 8:30am MDT

Grand Ballroom

Wednesday October 16, 2024 7:30am - 8:30am MDT
Grand Ballroom

Meal

8:30am MDT

Contemporary Crisis Management Planning (CORE)

Wednesday October 16, 2024 8:30am - 10:00am MDT

Canyon A/B

Successful critical incident management requires a significant amount of both individual and organizational capability, and all at a time when we are at our most vulnerable. Multiple studies and first-hand experience confirm that during a crisis, we simply cannot rely on ourselves believing that we or our colleagues will make the same quality decisions and calls that we would on a normal day at work. The irony is that the need for adaptability, clear decision-making and leadership is never greater than when it is exactly the most difficult time to assure it. The good news is that it is possible to pre-prepare and plan for critical incidents. This workshop will provide attendees with a contemporary, practical, and research-informed overview of the key principles and elements of optimal critical incident management for outdoor and adventure programs. Attendees will leave with the capabilities to develop and enhance their own fit-for-purpose plan.

Speakers

Dr. Clare Dallat

Founder and Director, The Outdoor Education Group (OEG)

Dr. Clare Dallat is the executive director of The Outdoor Education Foundation and Research at The Outdoor Education Group (OEG), Australia. OEG’s 400 staff work with almost 50,000 young people annually on led outdoor education programs across Australia. Clare also leads Risk Resolve... Read More →

Deb Ajango

SafetyEd

Deb Ajango has written two books on safety-related topics and has presented nationally and internationally on risk management, emergency action planning, and wilderness medicine. She received WRMC's Charles (Reb) Gregg Award in 2012, and in 2014, she was awarded the Paul K. Petzoldt... Read More →

Wednesday October 16, 2024 8:30am - 10:00am MDT
Canyon A/B

Emergency Planning & Crisis Response, Breakout Session

8:30am MDT

“It’s Not Me, It’s You.” Power, Privilege, and Conflict (CORE)

Wednesday October 16, 2024 8:30am - 10:00am MDT

Alpine West

In our programs and our workplaces, generative conflict can be an opportunity for your group to build trust, and create a culture of safety and risk awareness that is imperative to our risk management goals. When do you hold more power? When do you hold less? And how does this show up when conflict arises on our programs or between our staff? In this workshop we will review how power dynamics show up in our conflict responses, explore compassionate listening skills, and learn foundational tools for conflict transformation. All of this contributes to a culture of trust and empowers participants to engage in socially risky conversations. Participants will learn their own conflict styles and be able to recognize the conflict styles of others, as well as leave the workshop with tools to discuss power and conflict in their own organizations.

Speakers

Lauren Gross

Taylor Feldman

Operations Manager, Lewis & Clark College Outdoors

Taylor Feldman is the Operations Manager at Lewis & Clark College Outdoors in Portland, OR, and also an Associate Consultant with Experiential Consulting, LLC. She is passionate about risk-aware adventuring, mountaineering, foraging, dancing, fermenting, and forest-bathing. Taylor's... Read More →

Wednesday October 16, 2024 8:30am - 10:00am MDT
Alpine West

Field Practices, Breakout Session

8:30am MDT

Basics of the American with Disabilities Act for Program Participants and Employees

Wednesday October 16, 2024 8:30am - 10:00am MDT

Alpine East

Attorneys Leah Corrigan and Kristen Burke will discuss how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to recreation and adventure organizations with respect to program participants and organization employees. After first describing what qualifies as a “Disability” under the ADA, the presenters will discuss how creating Essential Eligibility Criteria (for participants), Essential Functions of a position (for employees), and reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities can mitigate risk and improve an organization’s programs and employment practices. The presentation will conclude with breakout sessions in which attendees will apply the presentation’s concepts to employment and participant scenarios.

Speakers

Kristen Burke

Attorney, CrestPoint Law PLLC

Kristen Burke is an attorney in Denver, Colorado. She provides risk-management counsel to camps, schools, outfitters, rental shops, and other outdoor recreation clients to help them manage their unique liability risks. She offers advice related to legal documents such as risk release... Read More →

Leah Corrigan

Managing Attorney, Recreation Law Group

Leah Corrigan is the Managing Attorney of Recreation Law Group, a legal and risk management firm that advises and defends a wide variety of outdoor recreation businesses and organizations. Leah is an experienced litigator who has represented outdoor industry clients in serious personal... Read More →

Wednesday October 16, 2024 8:30am - 10:00am MDT
Alpine East

Legal & Insurance, Breakout Session

8:30am MDT

Promoting Safety and Belonging: Active Bystander Strategies for Workplace Harassment and Beyond

Wednesday October 16, 2024 8:30am - 10:00am MDT

Granite Conference Center

In the realm of outdoor recreation, where safety and inclusion are paramount, our scenario-based presentation confronts the pervasive issues of violence and harassment. Drawing from concerning statistics, which highlight the prevalence of harassment and assault in the outdoor industry, we emphasize the urgent need for action to address these challenges and their detrimental impact on workplace culture. Participants will explore how to foster positive cultural change and minimize harassment and violence through a risk management perspective. They'll gain insight into systemic factors contributing to these issues, as well as behavior escalation, active bystander response skills, and the impacts on individuals and organizations. Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding violence and harassment, emerging with heightened awareness and tangible strategies to effect positive change. Join us as we empower individuals to step up as leaders in creating environments that prioritize safety, belonging, and respect.

Speakers

Ariel Atkins

Director of Prevention and Education, Seekhaven

Ariel Atkins is the Director of Prevention and Education at Seekhaven: Family Crisis & Resource Center in Moab, UT. She has a background working at a variety of educational and community nonprofit organizations as well as for-profit and non-profit recreation organizations. She blends... Read More →

Wednesday October 16, 2024 8:30am - 10:00am MDT
Granite Conference Center

Mental Social & Emotional Health, Breakout Session

8:30am MDT

I Think You Should Leave! Managing Early Departures

Wednesday October 16, 2024 8:30am - 10:00am MDT

Canyon C

Sometimes the best outcome is for a participant to go home before the program is over. Setting your program and its participants up for success means preparing to support both attendance and early departure. This presentation will look at strategies and tools to reduce unnecessary departures as well as identify and ease necessary departures. This will include creating clear and consistent program definitions, defining the boundaries of the program and staff skill-set, supportive and inclusive program design, and defining the pathways that lead to a participant staying or going home. We will share experiences, look at example tools and templates, and review case studies for a variety of situations and participant types. [Updated and revised version of presentation given in 2022]

Speakers

Alex Schwartz

Safety and Training Director, North Carolina Outward Bound

Alex has been working with groups in the outdoors for 20 years, at summer camps, universities, and Outward Bound. As a life-long troublemaker Alex is unsure how he ended up in charge of avoiding trouble for a large and well-established outdoor organization. Alex doesn't sleep on... Read More →

Wednesday October 16, 2024 8:30am - 10:00am MDT
Canyon C

Program Administration, Breakout Session

10:00am MDT

Snack Break & Exhibitor Hall Open

Wednesday October 16, 2024 10:00am - 10:30am MDT

Grand Ballroom

Wednesday October 16, 2024 10:00am - 10:30am MDT
Grand Ballroom

Meal

10:30am MDT

Crisis Case Study: Responding to a Lightning Fatality at NOLS

Wednesday October 16, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm MDT

Alpine East

In August 2022, two NOLS students were struck by lightning and one of them died in the field. This presentation describes the facts of the incident, NOLS’ response, and the strategies used to manage the situation. Topics will include the field response, NOLS’ crisis plan, response team roles, psychological support of those impacted, communicating with and supporting the family and others, responding to media inquiries, conducting the investigation, and legal issues.

Speakers

Shana Tarter

Diploma in Climate Medicine Managing Director, University of Colorado School of Medicine

Shana Tarter is the managing director of the University of Colorado School of Medicine’s Diploma in Climate Medicine. Previously she served as the Associate Director of NOLS Wilderness Medicine and chaired the Wilderness Risk Management Conference Steering committee. She has been... Read More →

Katie Baum Mettenbrink

Risk Management Director, NOLS

Katie has worked in outdoor education since 1999. Today she is the risk management director at NOLS. Over two decades, she has held a variety of administrative roles at NOLS, chaired the WRMC Steering Committee, co-authored Risk Management for Outdoor Leaders, and spent more than... Read More →

Wednesday October 16, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm MDT
Alpine East

Emergency Planning & Crisis Response, Breakout Session

10:30am MDT

Legal Fundamentals: Understanding How to Protect Your Organization (CORE)

Wednesday October 16, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm MDT

Canyon A/B

How well do you understand the myriad legal issues that outdoor recreation organizations face? This presentation provides an overview of the fundamental legal issues all owners and program managers need to understand: The do's and don't of collecting medical information, how to satisfy your duty to appropriately inform and warn participants, common errors in marketing materials, important considerations with waiver and assumption of risk forms, contract basics (including indemnity), insurance, and critical incident response.

Speakers

Leah Corrigan

Managing Attorney, Recreation Law Group

Wednesday October 16, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm MDT
Canyon A/B

Legal & Insurance, Breakout Session

10:30am MDT

Exclusive Spaces: Managing Inherent Risks of Racism in Outdoor Spaces (CORE)

Wednesday October 16, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm MDT

Alpine West

Traveling as a visibly marginalized group poses inherent risks to programs and participants. With 25+ years of experience traveling in predominantly white outdoor spaces as People of Color, City Kids continues to develop a holistic approach to reducing the risk of emotional or physical harm to participants and staff through program design, staff training, incident mitigation and response. This presentation aims to provide a framework and replicable tools for other organizations

Speakers

Meena Fernald

Associate Director of Programs, City Kids Wilderness Project

Meena Fernald is the Associate Program Director for City Kids Wilderness Project, serving as a program leader in program management, staff training, risk management, and curriculum development. She has been with City Kids since 2016 in a variety of roles. Meena has been working with... Read More →

Montae Franklin

City Kids Wilderness Project

Montae Franklin joined the City Kids community in 2004, progressing from a camper to a staff member and returning in various roles through the years. Before taking on the Camp Director position, he did branding work at FedEx and sat on the board of Horton’s Kids. Additionally, he... Read More →

Wednesday October 16, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm MDT
Alpine West

Mental Social & Emotional Health, Breakout Session

10:30am MDT

Admissions: Your Risk Management First Line of Defence

Wednesday October 16, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm MDT

Granite Conference Center

Risk Management begins long before your staff are on site, the participants arrive and your boats hit the water. This workshop will discover and dissect your admissions/intake process as your first line risk management tool. Learn the necessary steps to build from scratch and audit your admissions process. We will aim to boost efficiency, increase access and provide a welcoming and safe intake experience for your participants. We will discuss what key elements to include, the ideal flow of your system and the tools needed to bolster your admissions process, while still ensuring a personal touch for your clients as they prepare for your program. This is a great workshop for new or small programs still building their systems, or for those who know their intake process needs improvement. We will work through the importance of inclusive and accessible approaches to intake, and discuss some of the toughest circumstances when it comes to approving applicants to your program. If designed intentionally, your admissions program can open more doors to the outdoors!

Speakers

Jillian Zeppa

Director of Admissions, Outward Bound Canada

Jill (she/her) has been working in outdoor education for more than twenty years through the residential camping industry, traditional and experiential classroom settings and in wilderness education. She currently serves Outward Bound Canada as the Director of Admissions. Jill prides... Read More →

Wednesday October 16, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm MDT
Granite Conference Center

Program Administration, Breakout Session

10:30am MDT

Developing Choice-making Skills and an Ethic of Care

Wednesday October 16, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm MDT

Canyon C

How much choice do participants have in your program? Have marketing campaigns seduced them, or are they required to participate by school or parents? Or, perhaps they “choose” to go along because they want to belong in a group. Most instructors know how to offer choice; however, can they teach choice-making skills? Outdoor programs can offer opportunities for participants to make conscious choices and develop an ethic of care through intentional learning, reflection, practice, and engagement with others, which helps to make programs safer and allows participants to leave the program with more skills to travel safely outdoors. With accelerated environmental degradation and political polarization, deepening our understanding of care, on the individual and collective levels seems crucial. Group cohesion and instructor expectations impact choice and one’s sense of belonging—both of which are influenced by factors such as culture and life experiences. Instructors can help participants understand these dynamic and relational processes and develop reflective moral reasoning to increase their understanding of ethical implications of their choices (the average human makes up to 35,000 choices daily). Session participants explore ethical and practical considerations around choice and belonging and outline practical considerations to create safer feeling, equitable, and inclusive environments for people to develop choice-making skills where they can consider and understand the consequences of their choices on themselves, others, and the natural environment—all of which improve the safety outcomes of program experiences.

Speakers

Denise Mitten, PhD

Professor Emerita, Education for Sustainability Doctoral Program, Adventure Education, Prescott College

Denise Mitten, PhD, internationally recognized for her innovative scholarship in outdoor and environmental pedagogy, ethics, and gender has advocated and written about caring and compassionate leadership since 1985. A widely experienced adventure guide, from SCUBA to mountaineering... Read More →

Wednesday October 16, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm MDT
Canyon C

Staff Training & Decision Making, Breakout Session

12:00pm MDT

Lunch (Meal Plan only)

Wednesday October 16, 2024 12:00pm - 1:30pm MDT

Grand Ballroom

Wednesday October 16, 2024 12:00pm - 1:30pm MDT
Grand Ballroom

Meal

1:30pm MDT

What you may not know about the principles of supervision?

Wednesday October 16, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Granite Conference Center

Supervision is a fundamental principle of outdoor leadership. It is as simple as placing yourself in a location where you can act to prevent an unwanted situation from occurring. Proper supervision can help you reduce accidents, make your outdoor activities safer and reduce liability. This session introduces three types of supervision: general, specific and transitory supervision. It applies these concepts to practical outdoor situations using case studies and group discussion. The basics are simple and straightforward. The question is whether the outdoor leader is applying these principles to what they are doing. Several outdoor legal cases hinged on improper supervision. Whether you are new to outdoor leadership or an experienced outdoor leader, this session helps you to answer the question whether what you are doing is what you should be doing.

Speakers

Robert Kauffman

Dr. Kauffman is a Professor Emeritus at Frostburg State University. A whitewater boater, he currently serves on the ACA Board of Directors. He taught in the Adventure Sports program and led multi-day Everglade trips. He earned three CINE Golden Eagle Awards for boating safety videos... Read More →

Wednesday October 16, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Granite Conference Center

Field Practices, Breakout Session

1:30pm MDT

Managing Bad Behavior and Small Claims

Wednesday October 16, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Alpine East

More and more programs are dealing with misconduct in the field including drug use, sexual activity, and inappropriate language. If students are expelled, administrators often have to respond to angry parents. This presentation discusses what you should say in your enrollment materials and how to manage these kinds of incidents in the field. How much proof do you need? Can you search students’ bags? Can you or should you confiscate drugs and other contraband? Are you required to contact the police? Come hear answers to these questions and how to communicate with parents.

Speakers

Frances Mock

Frances Turner Mock, Attorney

Frances Mock is an attorney specializing in risk management and claims management for wilderness and experiential education programs She is counsel to NOLS, SCA, LL Bean’s Outdoor Discovery School, and other organizations, providing advice about: responding to incidents (deaths... Read More →

Wednesday October 16, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Alpine East

Legal & Insurance, Breakout Session

1:30pm MDT

The Wilderness Mental Health Management Challenge

Wednesday October 16, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Canyon A/B

The program will ask audience members to consider their capacities to assess, support and manage a broad range of escalating mental health challenges. Drawing from wilderness first aid foundations, the presenter will provide an overview of steps and strategies for prevention and intervention. Organizations can utilize this information to evaluate current strengths and gaps and develop programming, culture, and staff skills.

Speakers

Whitney Johnson, LCSW

Founder, Therapist, and Consultant, Heron & Pine Counseling & Consulting

Whitney Johnson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Therapist, and Consultant residing in Leadville, Colorado. She spent eight years working in wilderness education before moving into classroom teaching, curriculum design, and nonprofit leadership. Through her private practice—Heron... Read More →

Wednesday October 16, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Canyon A/B

Mental Social & Emotional Health, Breakout Session

1:30pm MDT

Adaptive forms and AI engines to increase informational efficiency

Wednesday October 16, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Alpine West

Over the past season, we've embraced technology to enhance our programs, introducing a digital adaptive medical form that adjusts questions based on user responses, integrates doctor approvals, and converts submissions into both an office and field form. We've also developed an open-source AI bot to efficiently organize program groups based on criteria like cabin assignments, age breakdown, and student rooming preferences. Currently, we're developing another AI engine to review medical and participant documents against our Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC), aiming to streamline processes and improve accuracy.

Speakers

Andrew Arter

Wednesday October 16, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Alpine West

Program Administration, Breakout Session

1:30pm MDT

Enhancing Programme Quality and Safety through Field Coaching Process

Wednesday October 16, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Canyon C

In this workshop, we would explore the field coaching process that Outward Bound Singapore undertakes to ensure quality and safety in programme delivery. Field coaching is a cornerstone of our commitment to excellence in outdoor education. Our coaching process encompasses a tailored coaching approach and distinct categories to address the diverse needs and profiles of our instructors. Through a combination of theory and practical insights, this workshop will delve into the components of our field coaching process and its significance in enhancing programme quality and safety. The key elements covered are as follows: • Coaching Approach that encompasses the identification of the coaching activity objectives, detailing an observation plan and the coaching model to engage the instructors in sharing of feedback and supporting their development. • Field Coaching Categories that cater to the different areas of development for various profiles of the instructors. Attendees would gain a deeper understanding of the field coaching process and its role in enhancing programme quality and safety. In doing so, instructors can be empowered to deliver quality outdoor education experiences while prioritising participant safety and well-being.

Speakers

Nathan Lim

Team Manager (Training), Outward Bound Singapore

In 2017, Nathan joined Outward Bound Singapore (OBS) as an Instructor, later advancing to Senior Instructor and currently serving as a Team Manager. His duties include guiding, coaching, and supervising staff to ensure safe and high-quality program delivery. Nathan has dedicated time... Read More →

Muhammad Syafiq

Team Manager (training), Outward Bound Singapore

Syafiq began his career with Outward Bound Singapore in 2017 as an instructor. He conducted a wide range of programmes. In 2020, Syafiq served as a Senior Instructor to perform the role of field leader – leading and supervising programme operations, and coaching field instructors... Read More →

Wednesday October 16, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Canyon C

Staff Training & Decision Making, Breakout Session

2:30pm MDT

Snack Break & Exhibitor Hall Open

Wednesday October 16, 2024 2:30pm - 3:00pm MDT

Grand Ballroom

Wednesday October 16, 2024 2:30pm - 3:00pm MDT
Grand Ballroom

Meal

3:00pm MDT

Veni, Vidi, VUCA: Navigating International Health, Safety and Security in an Uncertain World

Wednesday October 16, 2024 3:00pm - 4:30pm MDT

Canyon C

Risk management in Global Education is always a step behind the evolution of its hazards. In a world where “unprecedented” events are becoming the new normal, the need to be innovative remains paramount. We will work with the principles developed by corporate world and the U.S. military for operating educational programs in what they describe as a VUCA world (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous). We'll also look at lessons from the pandemic that now need to be applied to the threats that had been emerging well before the pandemic.

Speakers

Bill Frederick

Director, Lodestone Safety International

Bill Frederick is the founder of Lodestone Safety International specializing in health, safety, and security for educational/service organizations operating abroad. Previously he was the director of safety at the School for Field Studies and an instructor/program director for Outward... Read More →

Wednesday October 16, 2024 3:00pm - 4:30pm MDT
Canyon C

Emergency Planning & Crisis Response, Breakout Session

3:00pm MDT

Why is Insurance Such a Struggle? A moderated panel of insurance underwriters will answer this questions and more (CORE)

Wednesday October 16, 2024 3:00pm - 4:30pm MDT

Alpine East

Wednesday October 16, 2024 3:00pm - 4:30pm MDT
Alpine East

Legal & Insurance, Breakout Session

3:00pm MDT

Reforming Wilderness Therapy: Enhancing Client Rights and Client Voice

Wednesday October 16, 2024 3:00pm - 4:30pm MDT

Alpine West

This workshop will highlight the pros and cons of current wilderness therapy (WT) program models. It will address the concept of totalistic youth programming and the critiques of the “troubled teen industry” by highlighting client rights and client voice. The workshop presenters bring perspectives of WT clients, field staff, clinicians, and researchers. Together, the facilitators hope to promote a safe and open space for dialogue to better establish a trauma-responsive WT intervention model. The larger context of mental health treatment in the US will be highlighted as a limitation but with a focus on how both wilderness and adventure therapy practitioners can embrace more of a human rights perspective, bringing in some of the work of the recent work done by the ATIC Ethics Committee, as well as the revisions being made to the OBH Accreditation Standards re: involuntary treatment and transport.

Speakers

Matt Matteini

Ciara Fanlo

Christine Norton

Christine Lynn Norton, LCSW, is a Professor of Social Work at Texas State University-San Marcos. She received her PhD in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago and has a Master of Arts in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago and a Master of Science... Read More →

Wednesday October 16, 2024 3:00pm - 4:30pm MDT
Alpine West

Mental Social & Emotional Health, Breakout Session

3:00pm MDT

Partnerning for Medical Advice: Small programs perspective

Wednesday October 16, 2024 3:00pm - 4:30pm MDT

Granite Conference Center

This workshop will take an in depth look at how two small outdoor education programs have navigated new partnerships to support the development of program medical protocols, refine the health intake process, and obtain medical advice when concerns arise during programming. We will also explore an advising physician’s perspective on considerations for connecting and interfacing with a program medical advisor. Small program leaders often work in isolation, and may find themselves addressing all aspects of the health intake and support process on their own, despite little formal medical training. Where larger organizations may have personnel who are solely dedicated to participant health, smaller ones may have only one or two individuals wearing many hats, and this aspect of the program may compete with other responsibilities. This workshop will generate ideas for potential advising models, assist in developing resources, and help participants take steps to de-silo this important component of outdoor programming. This workshop is facilitated by two independent school outdoor program directors and the medical advisor for several programs (both small and large). Time will be allocated to address questions as well as learn from workshop attendees.

Speakers

Lindsay Babbitt

Director of Outdoor Education, Catlin Gabel School

Lindsay Babbitt is reenergized annually by the community at the WRMC. She has led youth outdoor programming and conservation crews all over the Western states, New England, and Appalachia. Lindsay is the Director of Outdoor Education at the Catlin Gabel School in Portland, OR, where... Read More →

Dr. Avinash Patil

Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Stanford

Avinash Patil, MD is an assistant professor of Emergency Medicine at Stanford. He graduated from UC Davis studying Physiology and Economics. After taking a few years off to work in the outdoor industry, he went to Washington University in St. Louis for medical school and completed... Read More →

Phoebe Dameron

Co-Director of the Athenian Wilderness Experience, The Athenian School

Phoebe Dameron (she/her) is the Co-Director of the Athenian Wilderness Experience at The Athenian School in California. She has worked in education for 30 years, as an outdoor and environmental educator and as a classroom teacher, and she loves it! She serves on the board of the Pacific... Read More →

Wednesday October 16, 2024 3:00pm - 4:30pm MDT
Granite Conference Center

Program Administration, Breakout Session

3:00pm MDT

Effective Staff Training: Evidence-based interventions to achieve greater impact (CORE)

Wednesday October 16, 2024 3:00pm - 4:30pm MDT

Canyon A/B

In this hands-on workshop, participants will be introduced to a simple but effective process for developing an impactful staff training program that develops essential skills, behaviors, and performance expectations to achieve greater programmatic impact. Participants will be guided through a case study from “Project Kindred,” a youth development program in Milwaukee where this approach has been developed and tested. Participants will have the opportunity to practice each step as they begin to apply the framework to their organizations.

Speakers

Bix Firer

Alaska Pacific University

Bix Firer (he/him) is an Assistant Professor of Outdoor Studies at Alaska Pacific University and a Partner at Headwall Group, a program development consulting group. Bix is a W-EMT, Wilderness Medicine instructor and, in addition to teaching university, has directed college and school... Read More →

Tom Cramer

Tom Cramer (he/him) was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is the Executive Director of Project Kindred Milwaukee. Project Kindred is dedicated to disrupting the cycle of segregation by uniting and empowering diverse young leaders through transformative experiences. He has... Read More →

Wednesday October 16, 2024 3:00pm - 4:30pm MDT
Canyon A/B

Staff Training & Decision Making, Breakout Session

4:45pm MDT

Exhibitor Hall Open

Wednesday October 16, 2024 4:45pm - 6:15pm MDT

Grand Ballroom

Network and learn from over thirty industry and professional partners!

Also stop by the Poster Presenter section of the exhibit hall to talk and learn from the following presenters:

Understanding Outdoor Guide Health, Resiliency, and Access to Services presented by Carly Knudson: In the West, outdoor recreational guiding is often championed as one of the “best jobs in the world”. With sublime backcountry “offices”, flexible seasonal schedules, care-free lifestyles, and perceived hero status defining your daily grind, it can feel difficult to complain. While many guides may emulate this “living the dream” narrative, insidious complications can impact the health and well-being of the guiding community. As an integrated member of the outdoor guiding community, one becomes too deeply aware of the community’s experiences with seasonal depression, substance abuse issues, social isolation, physical injury, lack of career and financial stability, or loss of loved ones in the community, among others. However, the understanding and communication of these unique factors are underrepresented in scientific literature, and not always well-understood by those “outside” of the community- potentially greater adding to stigmas, disparities, and health complications. The current project sought to better document descriptive health statistics specific to the outdoor guiding community in the Western US, while also examining individual resiliency factors. The project integrated community-engaged processes by collaborating with the non-profit organization, Redside Foundation, and members of the outdoor guide community as advisors in the development and dissemination of data collection tools.

Most commonly unmet standards from a 20 year study of accreditation site visits presented by Steve Pace & Aaron Funnel: The AEE accreditation system has provided voluntary accreditation services to interested programs for over thirty years. A range of programs have pursued accreditation during this time. Accreditation involves a self-assessment against published criteria, which is then followed by a site visit by an experienced review team, usually lasting about three days. It is a rigorous deep dive into the inner workings of a program, intending to strengthen various aspects of each program. This poster presentation reports on a study of 20 years of unmet standards identified in site visits, identified by site visit reports from over 150 site visits in this time. The presentation lists the top unmet standards and looks at variables such as the size of the program accredited and the length of time the program has already been accredited. This presentation should be useful to programs interested in reviewing their operations by reflecting on challenging standards to meet.

Powerful Questions Before Leading an Outdoor Trip presented by Jacob Kurt & Courtney Johnson: In the dynamic world of outdoor education and adventure, the success and memorability of a trip are deeply influenced by the careful planning and the thoughtful questions asked before setting out. This presentation focuses on the crucial role that asking powerful questions plays in preparing for any outdoor journey. These strategic inquiries are pivotal in boosting the safety, satisfaction, and overall experience of participants. We will explore a carefully selected set of essential questions that are designed to gauge participants' readiness, address health and safety concerns, and set clear expectations. These questions are invaluable tools for trip leaders, helping them to customize activities to meet the group's needs, minimize risks, and create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. Through real-life case studies and actionable advice, attendees will discover how to seamlessly weave these powerful questions into their pre-trip planning efforts, guaranteeing that every outdoor adventure is safe and enjoyable for everyone involved. Attend this session to uncover how straightforward yet impactful questions can transform your approach to outdoor leadership, enhancing the effectiveness and reach of your programs.

Speakers

Steve Pace

Director of Standards Development and Accreditation, Association for Experiential Education

Steve Pace has served as the Director of Accreditations and Certifications at the Association for Experiential Education since 2016. He is also Professor Emeritus and former Dean at Prescott College. Steve is a member of the Wilderness Risk Manger’s Conference Steering Committee... Read More →

Carly Knudson

Carly is a master's student in the Parks, Recreation, and Tourism department at the University of Utah. She has been a wilderness river guide for over 10 years out of Idaho, Montana and Alaska, and is passionate about better understanding the connection between health and the outdoors... Read More →

Jacob Kurt

University of Northern Iowa Outdoor Adventure

Jacob Kurt is a seasoned Wilderness EMT and Certified Interpretive Guide with a passion for outdoor education and leadership. Currently pursuing studies in Recreation, Tourism, and Nonprofit Leadership, Jacob combines academic insights with practical experience to enhance outdoor... Read More →

Courtney Johnson

University of Northern Iowa Outdoor Adventure

Courtney Johnson, an engaged graduate assistant in Recreation, Tourism, and Nonprofit Leadership, is a Wilderness First Responder, Climbing Wall Instructor, and experienced sea kayak guide in Alaska. Her involvement extends beyond outdoor activities as a Safe Zone Ally, demonstrating... Read More →

Aaron Funnell

Risk Management Consultant, Outward Bound International

Aaron is engaged as the risk management consultant for Outward Bound International, overseeing risk management reviews in about 35 countries in the Outward Bound network. He runs Alinta Educational Services to help support independent adventure programs in the Asia Pacific with management... Read More →

Wednesday October 16, 2024 4:45pm - 6:15pm MDT
Grand Ballroom

Networking Event, General Session

4:45pm MDT

Structured Networking

Wednesday October 16, 2024 4:45pm - 6:15pm MDT

Grand Ballroom

Join peers for engaging and information conversations, and hear how like-organizations manage similar challenges. Hosted by WRMC Steering Committee members, topics are provided and volunteers facilitate small group discussions. The goal is to provide a venue for conference attendees to connect and network, and share similar challenges and ideas to help improve their programs.

Wednesday October 16, 2024 4:45pm - 6:15pm MDT
Grand Ballroom

Networking Event, General Session