2024 Wilderness Risk Management Conference

To register for this preconference workshop, click here - additional cost $95
This presentation journeys through the American past exploring factors that contributed to the low engagement of people of color in the outdoors. From massacres to freedom marches, the paths that led us here aren't universally clear, so it's critical that we not only review them together, we must also explore and interrogate the ways we see ourselves and each other, as well as our capacity to create the kinds of outcomes we seek - beyond the jargon and memes. Studies show the benefits of being in nature are many, and without access to safe outdoor engagement, marginalized groups – which are often disproportionately less healthy than their white counterparts – face greater challenges to realizing full health and wellbeing. Part lecture, dialogue, experiential work, we'll explore how each of us can facilitate change within our own spheres of influence so that we interrupt cycles of harm and create the kind of changes we want to see in outdoor spaces and beyond.

To register for this preconference workshop, click here  - additional cost $150
Individuals and organizations are better equipped than ever to anticipate and prepare for environmental hazards such as water level extremes, snow cover, high winds, smoke, and fires. This presentation will demonstrate the use of several free or low-cost online tools to help you anticipate and prepare for environmental hazards. The assessment strategy is 1) Maintain a library of areas/routes of interest (Google Earth or CalTopo); 2) Evaluate surface conditions using near-real-time satellite imagery (MODIS, Sentinel) and environmental sensors (NOAA, etc.); 3) Evaluate recent and forecast weather (Windy); and 4) Document, evaluate, and prepare for the most likely environmental hazards based on 1-3.

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.

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!

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.

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.

As with all gravity sports, it is way too easy to equate an uneventful trip with being ready for the worst case scenario. We are fortunate that rivers are so forgiving but where are the gaps in our crews readiness for call to action when things go sideways. Join us in this interactive session to review trends in PPE, Rescue Gear, and Training Strategies.

This session will cover the basic employment law issues that will help you further refine or strengthen the foundation of your business' employment practices. We will review legal topics such as at-will employment, policies reflecting workplace harassment and discrimination laws, and the essential policies to include in your employee manual. The goal of this session is to give you enough information to guide your questions and review of your employee manual when you get back home.

Traditional Chinese Medicine includes 8 parts: meditation, exercise, diet, cosmology, feng shui, bodywork, herbal medicine, and acupuncture. The more commonly known parts are acupuncture (needles) and plant medicine. As a Chinese Medicine Practitioner as well as a NOLS Wilderness First Responder, PSAR with the NPS, climber and hiker with special training in Trauma Medicine, I created a TCM Field Kit that I want to share during this workshop. Often times while responders wait for assistance we are handling mental trauma, shock, pain, bleeding and things that acupuncture and herbs are very good at treating. Learning how Eastern and Western Medicine compliment each other can enhance the healing process for the injured person during and after the medical response. The objectives of this workshop are to: learn points that are used for resuscitation, shock, bleeding, digestion, pain, blood pressure, bone and soft tissue swelling and more. Learn what herbs can be added to your FA kit to stop bleeding. Learn Battlefield and NADA Protocols using ear seeds to stop pain. And breathing to calm the spirit before, during and after any medical emergency for the patient and the responder by improving health and reducing risk.

Stop drinking from the fire hose and learn how to develop a workable child safety policy in 4-5 months.