2024 Wilderness Risk Management Conference

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.