Wilderness and International Leadership Development (WILD) Course in Pacific NW Cascades

I completed the WILD course with GIVE Volunteers this past March, and it was one of the best experiences I have ever had as a student. I honestly did not think I could learn as much as I did within one week, and the course was a perfect balance of learning and fun. Not only did we get to learn in the classroom, but we would venture out into the Cascade Mountains and do real-time wilderness first aid scenarios with the instructors, which solidified our knowledge of the topics we discussed. The lodge staff was so kind and went above and beyond to ensure we had a comfortable stay, and the fellow students I met during the course were awesome and we have stayed in-touch with one another since! Those running the course were not only great teachers, but created an inspiring, nurturing, and fun environment for each student to step into their own leadership roles.

So, if you are looking to receive your Wilderness First Aid Certification, become a better leader, or just want to have an educational week while exploring the Cascades, this is the program for you! You won’t regret it!

This program really allowed you to explore and pursue a passion in medicine and leadership. The amazing staff allows for each individual to prosper and really grow into the leader they are supposed to be. The facilities were cozy and clean with plenty of food, water, and warmth to last the week. Each meal is prepared in the lodge and delicious. They are amazing at accommodating for allergies and being specific when it pertains to dietary restrictions. This trip was amazing life experience and I’m excited for others to experience this in the future.

This is my third trip with GIVE Volunteers, and even though GIVE is known for volunteering, this trip had a different element that I was excited to participate in. The WILD course did everything it said it would and more. I had the opportunity to learn about outdoor leadership and become certified in wilderness first aid and risk management. In addition, we went over real-life situations that put us to the test and gave a better understanding of how to use everything we learn in a hands-on environment. In addition to doing all this with a team. This experience perfectly depicts what the GIVE guides abroad need to know to guide a safe and engaging volunteer experience. If you want to develop your leadership skills, be out in the wilderness, and push yourself out of your comfort zone, this trip is for you. Hiking the cascade mountains and visiting downtown Seattle was a plus—10/10 overall experience.