The Wilderness Institute

Discovering the Leader Within: The Wilderness Institute at 40 Years

In 1984, before eco-tourism was a household word and years before wellness retreats crowded search engines, The Wilderness Institute was already forging a bold path—one rooted in adventure, healing, and personal growth. Today, as the Santa Fe–based nonprofit marks its 40th anniversary, it stands as a pioneering leader in outdoor education and experiential learning.

At its helm is founder, Brad Childs, a lifelong educator, innovator, and wilderness guide who has dedicated his career to unlocking the transformative power of nature. From challenge ropes courses and mobile climbing walls to guided hikes and therapeutic retreats, Brad has built more than an organization—he has cultivated a movement.

From the Mountains to the Mission

What began in California’s Santa Monica Mountains as a grassroots program for youth and families has grown into a multifaceted educational institute welcoming people of all ages and most abilities. Now headquartered on 156 pristine acres at Santa Fe Tree House Camp and Wilderness Preserve, The Wilderness Institute programs offer a basecamp for eco-camping retreats, experiential learning programs, corporate team-building intensives, and therapeutic outdoor adventures. The Institute continues to embody its founding belief that nature holds the key to healing, learning, and thriving while providing wilderness education, advocacy, and therapeutic nature experiences.

Its mission is clear: to empower leaders, promote outdoor safety, and inspire respect for the Earth while helping individuals develop a deeper sense of purpose, connection, and resilience.

An Outdoor Classroom for Everyone

Whether it is a school group learning survival skills, a corporate team navigating ropes courses, or veterans rediscovering strength through rock climbing, every Wilderness Institute program is custom-designed to meet participants’ needs. Brad emphasizes that nature immersion is a healing modality and growth happens when people step outside their comfort zones and explore the unknown. Its holistic approach weaves together physical challenge, emotional development, environmental education, and community building.

Values That Guide the Journey

The organization’s longevity is no accident. Seven guiding principles inform every workshop, hike, and life changed: Environmental Stewardship, Community Building, Empowerment, Outdoor Safety, Skill Development, Therapeutic Nature Experiences, and Adventure. For Brad, the Institute is about far more than teaching wilderness skills; it equips people to navigate life itself.

For those seeking something beyond the classroom—rooted in real-world experience, profound personal growth, and a genuine connection to the Earth— Wilderness Institute courses offer an unforgettable guided learning experience.