Services

Veterans Outreach and services

Serving disabled veterans and training veteran volunteer leaders.

Challenge Ropes Course

Challenge Ropes Course The Challenge Ropes Course experience emphasizes the value of appropriate risk-taking, focus, and team support to create outstanding results. The activities allow participants to expand their comfort zones and acknowledge fears that may limit personal success. There is opportunity for each participant to play a role in each activity gaining valuable life skills and personal insights in dealing with change, stress management, personal growth, and enhanced relationships. The high ropes course rises up to 40 feet off the ground in towering pines and cedars, providing a physical and emotional challenge. Instructors and fellow teammates provide support for each harnessed climber to experience the value of appropriate risk taking in a safe environment. The climbers and the ground team learn what is possible when courage overcomes fear and trust, support, and effective communication create high performance teamwork. Our challenge by choice philosophy supports each person to select the appropriate level of participation to stay involved in the program, engaged with their team, and consistent with their personal values.

Team Building Exercise

The Wilderness Institute will coach your group through a customized team building program to achieve your team goals and desired outcomes (as identified through a Needs Assessment process). Each team building activity is especially designed to address business team goals and sequenced to build upon team success. Outcomes are then transferred back to the workplace through thoughtful processing discussions and debriefing sessions led by our professional facilitators. These corporate team building exercises offer fun and challenging outdoor adventures far from the distractions of an everyday business setting and make your team building event an unforgettable experience!

AdventurePro

AdventurePro Consulting Services offers an expansive selection of services including Adventure Program consultations, Challenge Ropes Course management, canopy tour facilitation, climbing wall installations, safety inspections, and training for instructors. We took the lead in 1984 by establishing one of the first commercial Adventure Ropes Course programs in California. Since then, we have successfully constructed over 30 Ropes Courses and Zip Lines, alongside numerous innovative therapeutic programs specially tailored for the public, schools, summer camps, businesses, and special populations. Our primary aim is to aid you in achieving your Adventure Program objectives. We collaborate with resorts, conference centers, summer camps, schools, parks, and other facilities to assist in the design, construction, and development of your Challenge Ropes Course, all constructed adhering to national standards. Beyond that, the Wilderness Institute provides consulting and training in crisis management and intervention, offering practical training scenarios for First Responders. We also have the distinction of being an American Red Cross Licensed Training Provider for Wilderness First Aid/AED/CPR and Pet First Aid. Our Camp Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.) offers crisis management, response, and intervention consulting and training specifically designed for camps and conference centers. Our training ensures that camp leaders not only understand their organization's risk management and crisis response plan but are also prepared to respond systematically to any natural or man-made disaster. This preparation includes action plans, communication strategies, the Camp Incident Command System (ICS), resource management, and more, equipping staff with the knowledge and confidence they need in times of crisis. AdventurePro's services also extend to offering technical support for your Adventure Program's operations, risk management, and emergency response procedures. We assist with maintaining your facilities and drafting standard operating procedures (SOPs) that comply with or exceed national standards. Our services also include staff development, training, and creating procedure manuals for your facility. Our External Program Safety Review gives your organization an immediate feedback on your staff's performance, quality of care, program design, and safety practices. Staff training covers performance competency checks, practical and written test practitioner evaluations, and custom-designed seminars to equip your staff with the skills needed for your specific programs. Additionally, our services extend to mobile rock climbing wall events and training, belaying skills, and safety management in rock climbing, team building and group challenge facilitation, campcraft, wilderness skills, outdoor safety, tomahawk throwing, gold panning, crafts and games, field archery, and nature center development. Plus, we provide Wilderness and Remote First Aid/CPR training & certification from the American Red Cross. To help you stay prepared, we also offer emergency preparedness kits and freeze-dried foods (available at www.ThriveLife.com/WildernessInstitute). For the best experience, reach out to us for our AdventurePro Consulting services before you commence planning and budgeting for your next project. We're here to ensure that your venture is a safe and fulfilling adventure.

Wilderness Wellness

Embrace Wilderness Wellness! Learn the art of effective communication, develop an understanding of diversity, master conflict resolution techniques, manage stress efficiently, build unshakeable trust, and experience empowerment all in the serene settings of the wild outdoors. Embark on an adventurous journey through an array of exhilarating outdoor activities like Challenge Ropes Courses, Multi-Sport Outdoor Adventures, Rock Climbing, and Rappelling. Participate in fun Pioneer Skills Treasure Hunts, Culinary Conquests such as Chili Cook-Offs and Western Games, and the zen-filled experience of Archery. Rejuvenate your spirit with Mindfulness Fly Fishing or get customized indoor seminars tailored to your specific needs. Experience Wilderness Wellness activities that are a harmonious fusion of body, mind, and spirit. We employ a holistic learning methodology that encourages groups to harness their right-brain for innovative problem-solving and engage their left-brain for decisive decision-making. Physical activities are also included in the program, which not only stimulate sensory integration but also encourages heart-led team-building. By coaching our clients in empowerment and team performance skills, we emphasize the importance of passion, purpose, and meaning. We utilize activities that harmoniously merge the body, mind, and spirit to help you reach your goals, with the lessons learned being transferred back to your professional and personal life. Additional programs we offer involve Orienteering, which is map and compass-guided cross-country navigation, Eco-Challenge Games that include leadership expeditions using task cards and natural obstacles, and Wilderness Skills, which involve team challenge activities and skill-building sessions. We have a Mobile Rock Climbing Wall that is transportable to various locations for group events, Snowshoe Challenge for snow-bound team collaboration exercises, and Crisis Response Emergency Training that provides business continuity, intervention training, and response planning. Moreover, we offer Purpose-Driven Team Events that encourage collaboration and team effort to support community charities, as well as Corporate Picnics and Event Packages. Engaging with us, you can expect high-performance team outcomes, building trust and confidence, practicing participative leadership, and fostering team bonding for unity. Enhancing communication skills for clarity and openness and cultivating a deeper sense of purpose and inspiration are also some of the benefits. The Challenge Ropes Course, nestled in towering pines and cedars, provides a physical and emotional challenge, rising up to 40 feet off the ground. Our course emphasizes the value of taking calculated risks, focus, and team support for optimal results. It challenges participants to step out of their comfort zones and confront fears that limit personal success. Each participant plays a role in each activity, gaining vital life skills and personal insights into dealing with change, stress management, personal growth, and relationship enhancement. Our challenge by choice philosophy ensures each person can choose their level of participation, remain engaged with their team, and be consistent with their personal values. This journey with us could be the gateway to self-improvement, team unity, and the exhilaration of conquering new challenges while enjoying the beauty and calm of the wilderness.

Why Wilderness Institute

  1. Experienced Staff: Our team is composed of seasoned professionals, each with extensive backgrounds in wilderness education and therapeutic practices. Our Director, Brad “Bobcat” Childs, possesses over 40 years of outdoor leadership experience, ensuring that you receive expert guidance.

  2. Holistic Approach: We focus on the whole person, promoting personal growth and resilience, while fostering environmental sustainability and stewardship. This integrated approach provides a depth and breadth of learning that goes beyond traditional wilderness programs.

  3. Location: Situated in the breathtaking landscapes of Santa Fe, New Mexico, the Wilderness Institute offers unparalleled opportunities for outdoor exploration and immersion in nature.

  4. Flexible Programs: We offer a range of programs, from adventure-based therapeutic training to wilderness experiences, enabling us to cater to diverse needs and interests.

  5. Community Building: We emphasize creating a sustainable, eco-friendly community where individuals can learn from each other, strengthening interpersonal skills and fostering a sense of belonging.

  6. Proven Track Record: Since our establishment in 1984, we have helped countless individuals grow and develop, providing tangible evidence of the effectiveness of our approach.

  7. Unique Facilities: Our facilities, including the Instructional Wilderness Center and Santa Fe Treehouse Camp, provide one-of-a-kind environments for learning and growth.

What You Get

  1. Immersive Wilderness Experiences: Gain unique insights and a newfound appreciation for nature through our various programs. From wilderness survival skills to nature-based therapeutic training, there’s always something new to learn and experience.

  2. Personal Growth: Develop resilience, enhance self-efficacy, and cultivate a sense of interdependence through our hands-on, adventure-based programs. Our experiences are designed to foster personal growth and self-awareness.

  3. Community Connection: Engage with a community of like-minded individuals who share a love for the environment and outdoor adventure. Build lasting connections while learning and growing together.

  4. Expert Guidance: Learn from seasoned professionals with decades of experience in wilderness education and therapeutic practices. Benefit from their wisdom and practical knowledge to navigate your personal wilderness journey.

  5. Eco-Friendly Practices: Participate in a sustainable, eco-friendly community where care for the environment is at the forefront. From the maintenance of our Santa Fe Treehouse Camp to the development of our Wilderness Center, we prioritize sustainable practices.

  6. Unique Facilities: Experience the wonders of our unique facilities, including the Instructional Wilderness Center and Santa Fe Treehouse Camp. Each offers a one-of-a-kind setting for adventure and learning.

  7. Breathtaking Location: Explore the spectacular landscapes of Santa Fe, New Mexico. With beautiful views of the Santa Fe National Forest and Pecos Wilderness, the setting is sure to inspire and uplift you.

  8. Flexible Programs: Choose from a variety of programs to match your interests and needs. Whether you’re looking for a rejuvenating retreat or seeking to build resilience and outdoor skills, we’ve got something for everyone.

At the Wilderness Institute, you’ll get more than just a wilderness experience – you’ll embark on a journey of personal growth, environmental stewardship, and community building, guided by experienced professionals in a breathtaking setting.

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