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

Customer Reviews

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  Casey

  · March 27th, 2025
  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!
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  Trip date: March 2025
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  Liana

  · July 23rd, 2024
  My recent trip with the GIVE Volunteers was a wonderful blend of environmental work, cultural exploration, and outdoor adventure. We joined efforts to remove invasive plants on Snoqualmie land, which was important for protecting native species and learning about the Snoqualmie Tribe's history. Throughout the trip, we engaged in diverse activities like hiking in scenic locations, swimming in lakes, and exploring beautiful landscapes. These experiences immersed us in the natural beauty of the area while contributing to our understanding of environmental conservation. A highlight was the thrilling whale-watching excursion where we observed majestic orcas and lazy sea lions, reinforcing the significance of marine conservation efforts. Overall, my journey with GIVE Volunteers was a fulfilling combination of conservation, cultural discovery, and outdoor exploration. It has deepened my appreciation for nature and inspired me to continue advocating for environmental and cultural preservation.
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  GIVE Volunteers commented on this review

  Thank you so much for sharing! The PNW is indeed, a special place! We are so grateful for travelers like you, who work towards preserving it's natural and cultural environment!
  Trip date: July 2024
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  Julia

  · May 31st, 2024
  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💚💚💚💚
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  Trip date: March 2024
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  Abbey

  · March 29th, 2023
  This is a extremely beautiful, and useful experience for anyone who spends time in the outdoors. I learned so much not only from the courses but also through the overwhelmingly amazing people this trip attracts.
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  GIVE Volunteers commented on this review

  Hi Abbey thank you for sharing your experience! We loved having you join us at WILD!
  Trip date: March 2023
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  ErinDelGrosso

  · March 29th, 2023
  I can’t imagine getting WFA certified anywhere else. Jarod was so much fun and an amazing teacher. We practiced doing different scenarios and learned so much about leadership and working together as a team. The cascade mountains were the perfect backdrop to this trip. Meany Lodge was cozy and the food was amazing!
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  GIVE Volunteers commented on this review

  Thank you for sharing your experience Erin, it was a pleasure to have you!
  
  Trip date: March 2023
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  Faith

  · March 29th, 2023
  The WILD (Wilderness International Leadership Development) trip this spring surprised me in the best ways possible. I went into it just wanting a chance to play in the snow and learn a little bit about wilderness first-aid. But what I got out of it was so much more than that. I gained so much confidence in myself and in my abilities to not only address medical situations but to be an effective leader. One of my favorite parts of this trip was the many different ways that we were able to learn and engage with the material - everything from taking notes in a classroom setting, to watching a movie, and a lot of hands on practice situations. This trip is organized so well and is suitable for anyone to wants to grow in their first-aid skills, become a confident leader, make new friends, play in the snow, and have a lot of fun. Thank you to GIVE and to the WILD trip for giving me an experience of a lifetime!
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  Trip date: March 2023
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  BaileyMcCallister

  · March 29th, 2023
  This program is an incredible investment that provides technical skills and builds a strong foundation for leadership development. Our guides were amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed the format both in and out of the classroom!
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  GIVE Volunteers commented on this review

  Hi Bailey, thank you for your kind words and for sharing your experience!:)
  
  Trip date: March 2023
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  Anonymous

  · March 29th, 2023
  Best guides, amazing views, and learned so much more than I expected! Practicing everything we learned was so beneficial to my understanding and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience with GIVE!
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  Trip date: March 2023
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  Logan

  · March 24th, 2023
  Every experience I have with GIVE exceeds my expectations! I went into this trip excited (but weary of the snow and intensity of the learning process) and as always the guides made the process SO smooth. I learned so many leadership and wilderness skills I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise without being at the homey Meany Lodge. We had a blast in the snow working on first aid as well as going snowshoeing to some stunning views. I made friendships that will last forever and skills that are going to keep me and anyone around me more safe when traveling and going on adventures. 110% a worthwhile trip that I’d recommended to any adventurer 🙂
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  GIVE Volunteers commented on this review

  Logan, thank you for your kind words and for sharing your WILD experience. It was great to have you!
  Trip date: March 2023
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  Nathaniel

  · March 24th, 2023
  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. This trip is for you if you want to develop your leadership skills, be out of the wilderness, and push yourself out of your comfort zone. Hiking the cascade mountains and visiting downtown Seattle was a plus—10/10 overall experience.
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  GIVE Volunteers commented on this review

  Thank you so much for sharing your experience! It was a joy to have you join us for another adventure!:)
  
  Trip date: March 2023