Wilderness First Aid (WFA) is the next step up from basic first aid, and focuses on teaching assessment skills and using available resources when professional responders might be hours or even days away. A BSA-led task force has developed a specific BSA WFA curriculum and doctrine. All our WFA certification courses adhere to BSA requirements and include both didactic and hands-on scenario-based practice academic text.

What is WFA? 

“Wilderness first aid” is a generic term that commonly refers to any training course that covers the prevention and treatment of injuries and illnesses that one may encounter in a remote environment. Many providers offer wilderness first aid courses, but not all courses are created equal—they vary in content, duration, accreditation, and other factors.

When is WFA required?

• All High-Adventure bases require 1 crew member to be WFA certified.
• A Trek at Philmont Scout Ranch requires 2 crew members to be WFA certified.
• Anytime first responders are more than 1 hour away from a BSA event or program

What is recommended for WFA certifications?

Although not required, Great Rivers Council recommends each unit have at least 1 member who is WFA Certified.

How do I become WFA Certified?

Great Rivers Council offers two options to become Wilderness First Aid certified.  Option 1 is a 3-day/ 2-night in person course located at the Lake of the Ozarks. Option 2 is a blended online/ in-person course with the practical application being conducted at the Scouting Adventure Center.

What is the difference between the in-person course and the blended course?

The in-person course is completed from start to finish in person over a single weekend at the Lake of the Ozarks Scout Reservation.  The only requirements for the course are a minimum age of 14 years old and Health forms A & B.

The Blended version allows the course to be broken up at the convenience of the student. For the blended course all students must be CPR/AED certified through a BSA approved agency, must complete the ECSI online BSA Wilderness First Aid Awareness Course, and attend the 8 hour practical application at the Scouting Adventure Center.  You may access the ECSI Online course by following this link: www.ecsinstitute.org/scouting-wfa.  (Great Rivers Council offer's monthly Basic First Aid, CPR & AED Certifcation monthly)

For more details on each course see below... 

What are the course dates for Wilderness First Aid?

Great Rivers Council is offering three different course dates in 2025 for WFA:

• Blended Course: January 18, 2025 at the Scouting Adventure Center
• Blended Course August 16, 2025 at the Scouting Adventure Center
• In-Person Course: March 7-9, 2025 at the Lake of the Ozarks Scout Reservation

In-Person WFA Certification Course Information:

• Course Instructor - Dennis Kerns, Camp Director - Lake of the Ozarks Scout Reservation. 
• Dates - March 7th - 9th, 2025 - course will begin 7pm Friday evening & conclude by noon Sunday. 
• Who: any Youth (age 14 and up) and Adult Leaders
• Cost: $100.00 per participant - covers all meals, lodging, CPR/AED Certification & course training materials
• Registrations for this course will be capped at 25 participants
• What do you need to bring:
  • Sleeping pad
  • Pillows
  • Extra blankets
  • Headlamps or flashlights (extra batteries)
  • Water bottle
  • Clothes for daytime
  • Sleepwear
  • Rainwear
  • Hiking/walking shoes
  • Extra layers for warmth
  • Glove
  • Hat
  • First-aid kit
  • Prescription medications
  • Toothbrush, toiletries
  • Soap
  • Health Form A & B

Blended WFA Certication Course Information:

• All students must be cerified in CPR/AED before the start of the Practical Application (Good for 2 years upon completion) [Link to 2025 First Aid, CPR, AED Certification Dates]
• All students must complete the online ECSI BSA Wilderness First Aid Awareness Course prior to the start io the Paractical Application (Good for 120 days upon completion).
• Course Instructor - Dennis Kerns
• Timeline: Practical Application will begin 8:00 am conclude by 5:00 pm.
• Who: any Youth (age 14 and up) and Adult Leaders
• Cost: $50.00 per participant - covers certification and course training materials
• Registrations for this course will be capped at 25 participants
• What do you need to bring:
  • Lunch (Students will have a 1 hour lunch break at ~12:00 pm)
  • Water Bottle
  • Note taking material
  • Proof of valid CPR/AED Certication (Red Cross, ECSI or other BSA approved Agency)
  • ECSI online BSA Wilderness First Aid Awareness Completion Certificate
  • Health Form A & B