Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Course

September 25–27, 2026 - Camp Loud Thunder

Prepare yourself for the unexpected with Wilderness First Aid (WFA)—an essential certification course for anyone who enjoys the outdoors or is planning to participate in a Scouting America high adventure experience. Whether you're heading to Philmont, Northern Tier, Sea Base, or simply leading youth on weekend campouts, Wilderness First Aid provides the knowledge and confidence to respond when professional medical help may be hours away.

Hosted by Scouting America Illowa Council, this intensive weekend course combines classroom instruction with realistic hands-on scenarios designed to prepare participants for emergencies in remote settings. Throughout the weekend, you'll develop practical skills that can make a critical difference when injuries or illnesses occur far from immediate medical care.

What You'll Learn

Participants will receive training in a variety of wilderness emergency topics, including:

• Advanced first aid techniques for remote environments
• Injury prevention and risk management
• Proper planning and preparation for backcountry adventures
• Short-distance patient transfer and evacuation techniques
• Decision-making when professional medical care is delayed

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

• Adult leaders attending Scouting America High Adventure bases
• Scouts and Venturers preparing for high adventure treks
• Outdoor enthusiasts, backpackers, hikers, and campers
• Anyone responsible for leading groups in remote environments

Participants must:

• Be 16 years of age or older
• Have a basic knowledge of first aid
• Hold a current CPR/AED certification

Don't have current CPR/AED certification? A CPR/AED certification course is available as an optional add-on on Friday evening before the Wilderness First Aid course begins.

Course Information

• Dates: September 25–27, 2026
• Location: Camp Loud Thunder, 9906 175th St. W., Illinois City, IL

Schedule:

• Friday, 6:00 PM: Optional CPR/AED Certification Course
• Saturday, 8:00 AM: Wilderness First Aid Course Begins
• Sunday, Noon: Course Concludes

Cost

• $100 – Wilderness First Aid Course
  • Includes meals, course materials, and certification fees
• $25 – Optional CPR/AED Certification Add-On
  • Includes meals and certification fees

Why Take Wilderness First Aid?

Wilderness First Aid is more than just another certification—it's often a requirement. At least one adult leader on every Scouting America High Adventure trek must hold current Wilderness First Aid certification, and Philmont Scout Ranch requires three participants (youth or adults) on every crew to be WFA certified. Even if you're not planning a high adventure trip this year, these skills provide valuable preparation for any outdoor activity where emergency services may not be immediately available.

Registration

• Space is limited to 20 participants, so early registration is strongly encouraged.
• Registration Deadline: September 21, 2026, at midnight.

Questions

• Course Questions: Gary Pearsall, icgp43@gmail.com
• Registration Questions: Illowa Council Service Center at 563-388-7233 or reservations@loudthunder.org