Wilderness First Aid (WFA) & Outdoor Leadership Course in Washington's Cascade Mountains

BEST TRIP EVER!!! Initially I signed up because I thought that having some wilderness first aid training would be beneficial since I love to ski but this trip is so much more than that! Going to Meany lodge creates such a strong sense of community and love for everyone that was on the trip that even a week later all I wanna do is go back up there! Getting to do hands-on scenario practice for different types of wilderness related injuries was incredibly helpful and makes me feel a lot more confident that if I am ever in a situation where I need to use my training that I can do so without panicking. Moreover, Carly Jo and Mike were the most amazing guides I could have asked for! Their love and care for what they do is so so clear and the way they were able to connect with every single person and make us feel like we not only belonged but deserved to speak our minds and be our authentic selves if something that I am going to cherish forever!

WILD was my first GIVE trip. My guides were Carly Jo and John, they were super helpful and great to talk to! They made sure everyone was adjusting well and prioritized getting to know everyone individually and as a group. I also had a great group of other volunteers that was a good mix of first years or returners. Everyone was very welcoming, it was so much fun talking to everyone with different backgrounds and future goals/plans.

Something that took me by surprise was the place we stayed during the majority of the trip. It was a beautiful lodge that never disappointed. The food was delicious and there was always enough for seconds.

My time during WILD was an incredible experience. I learned SO much about leadership, first aid safety, and emergency preparedness. This was my 3rd GIVE trip and it did not disappoint once again. I met the most amazing friends through this one week, and brought back so many life skills and connections. I got out of my comfort zone by being in the snow and going on a snowshoe hike! Whether you are looking to be in the snow for a week, meet likeminded people, or learn how to save someone in an avalanche. WILD is your program! Thank you to all of the incredible leaders Carly Jo, John, Mike, & Meany Lodge for sharing your knowledge and wisdom. Your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. Thank you. So grateful for GIVE💚💚💚💚

The most incredible week. You will learn so so much about not only Wilderness First Aid, but yourself! We spent our trip completely unplugged which allowed for such meaningful connections to form with such amazing people. During this time we hung out in the cutest little lodge with such a sweet staff who made us amazing meals the whole trip. I was nervous going into the course knowing practically nothing about medicine or first aid, but all of the instructors were so helpful and welcoming. They truly hope to see you learn and grow to be the best you can be. I highly encourage anyone contemplating signing up to take the leap and do it!!!

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.