The Caretaker Residence is really coming along-

-while the central building is beginning to get the framning for the main floors:

Permalink | Posted by jstoddard on Mar 29, 2012 in the following categories: Wilderness Risk Management Conference, Wyss Wilderness Medicine Campus

From Instructor Dave Yacubian at a recent NOLS Risk Management Training (RMT):

We were discussing transportation in the RMT today, and an interesting discussion ensued surrounding the requirements for Class B licenses in California. There was an instance where a rental car agency mistakenly provided a 15 passenger van for rental when the organization had rented a 10 passenger van. The staff member did not realize the difference until after driving students 3-4 hours out of town.

The discussion covered the fact that removing seats from a vehicle to accommodate fewer passengers does not change its classification, at least in CA, and in this case the staff member would be required to have a Class B license.

Additionally, what role does the rental agency have in renting the incorrect vehicle? We suggested instituting very specific vehicle checks prior to exiting rental car lots, and reflecting this in you transportation policy.

To learn more about topics like this, see our upcoming schedule of Risk Management Trainings.

Permalink | Posted by Brian Fabel on May 19, 2011 in the following categories: Curriculum, Professional Training, Wilderness Risk Management Conference

With beautiful Pikes Peak as a backdrop, 347 people gathered at the Crowne Plaza in Colorado Springs for three days to talk risk management.  Among the mix were seasoned speakers, industry professionals, exhibitors from various organizations, and of course, the WRMC Staff who were hard at work ensuring the attendees were having the best conference experience yet. 

Tod Schimelpfenig receives the Charles (Reb) Gregg Award For Exceptional Leadership, Service, and Innovation in Wilderness Risk Management

Shana Tarter, the chair of the WRMC steering committee, commented on the challenges and successes of the conference on which she and her team worked so diligently.

“The greatest challenge in developing an educational agenda for the Wilderness Risk Management Conference is to effectively meet the varied needs of our attendees.  We strive to serve those new to the industry and the grizzled veterans.  I believe the 2010 Wilderness Risk Management Conference struck an excellent balance.  With the introduction of a "Core" workshop track we were able to help our newer attendees prioritize the fundamental workshops.  Additionally, we intentionally added new workshops and pushed return speakers to branch out into new topic areas to continue the learning for our more experience attendees.  I am incredibly pleased by the caliber of this year's workshop and truly feel there was something for everyone.”

It was easy to recognize the attendees as they rushed around the conference center donning their outdoors-inspired garb.  Many asked where they could get their climbing and hiking fixes. Not a strange request with this crowd.   

Doug Mahon, the program director from University of Colorado-Boulder and also a speaker on managing urban youth said, "The topics were timely and presentations were effective. I especially appreciated Paul Nicolazzo’s Pre-conference workshop: Effective Outdoor Program Design & Management.  I personally had a great time reconnecting with folks I have not seen in a while and enjoyed making new friends, as well as presenting myself. I look forward to next year in Boston as I believe this conference is important to the industry..."

A successful conference always includes inspiring and engaging keynote speakers, and with Mike Gauthier and Maggie Fox, this year lived up to expectations. The lively exhibit hall transformed into a reception and cocktail hour on Thursday evening, and on closing night a dining room laden with candles and plates of fresh caught trout, steamed veggies, and chocolate lava cake.

The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the recipient of the Charles (Reb) Gregg Award For Exceptional Leadership, Service, and Innovation in Wilderness Risk Management, which went to Tod Schimelpfenig of WMI.  This award recognizes extraordinary contributions to the outdoor education community, adventure and service organizations, and to programs and businesses that utilize wild places for their activities. Tod spoke of his personal and professional contributions and experiences in risk management in the outdoor industry, and shared a bittersweet moment on how much he cherishes his colleagues in the field.

Overall, Colorado Springs 2010 was filled with moments of learning, instruction, reuniting, and was another great step forward for wilderness risk managers.  See you next year in Boston!

Permalink | Posted by Abbie Digel on Oct 28, 2010 in the following categories: Wilderness Risk Management Conference

Be heard by presenting at the 2010 Wilderness Risk Management Conference (WRMC). The call for proposals for the WRMC on October 14-16 in Colorado Springs, CO is open.

Each year 300 engaged attendees come to learn from the experts. When you present at the WRMC, you raise the bar in the industry. Respected and renowned, WRMC speakers are at the cutting edge of research and field practices.

The deadline for proposals is March 31st, 2010. We look forward to seeing you in Colorado Springs this coming October!

The Wilderness Risk Management Conference
1-800-710-6657 x3 | wrmc@nols.edu | www.nols.edu/wrmc

Permalink | Posted by Brian Fabel on Jan 20, 2010 in the following categories: Wilderness Risk Management Conference

I always look forward to teaching the NOLS Risk Management Training curriculum! It's very useful for organizations that operate across a broad spectrum. The training provides actionable opportunities for a wide variety of programs. Participants range from executive directors to program staff, small private companies to large universities, and environmental education organizations to outdoor adventure groups, any of which could be domestic or international in scope.

This group is sharp—among the 15 of them they bring varying levels of experience and needs. Tomorrow we are getting ready to do our emergency response activity which concludes with the class having the opportunity to review an incident and to ask one of the instructors (who is role-playing as the director of the program) questions. I have a feeling they are going to keep me on my toes!

- Dave Yacubian, Instructor of the NOLS Risk Management Training, a pre-conference workshop to the Wilderness Risk Management Conference on 10/13/09

Permalink | Posted by Brian Fabel on Oct 21, 2009 in the following categories: Professional Training, Wilderness Risk Management Conference

Introducing the 2009 Wilderness Risk Management Conference Speakers! These industry professionals bring a wide spectrum of risk management experience to their Conference Presentations!

Deb Ajango   |   Aram Attarian   |   Christopher Barnes   |   Rebecca Bear   |   Robert Birkby   |   Andrew Bobilya   |   Rick Braschler   |   Kathy Capps   |   Tony Clapp   |   Kent Clement   |   Joshua Cole   |   David Concannon   |   Lee Dickinson   |   Bill Fredrick   |   Wilma J. Gray   |   Jim Garrett   |   Reb Gregg   |   Catherine Hansen-Stamp   |  Dr. Seth Hawkins   |   Jeff Jackson   |   David Johnson   |   Ken Kalisch   |   Doug Killeen   |   Alex Kosseff   |   Drew Leemon   |   Will Marling   |   Leo McAvoy   |   John McManamon   |   Frances Mock   |   Nancy Oswald   |   Gretchen Ostherr   |   Jeremy Oyen    Brenda Porter   |   Kurt Rausch   |   Tod Schimelpfenig   |   Cole Sclack   |   Kirk Smimeall   |   Dave Sperry   |   Justin Talbot   |   Liz Tuohy   |   Mark Vermeal   |   Jed Williamson   |   Lester Zook   |   Janet Zeller

There is still time to sign up to be a part of this unique community of risk managers!

Permalink | Posted by Brian Fabel on Oct 2, 2009 in the following categories: Wilderness Risk Management Conference

We are excited to announce that the 2009 Wilderness Risk Management Conference Workshop Schedule has been posted online. The WRMC delivers exciting new workshops that offer take home action steps—what your organization can do immediately to enhance the quality of your risk management practices.

The timing could not be better, as there is still time to register under the early bird rate and save $110! This savings ends July 30, so sign up and prepare to learn, participate, and improve your risk management program!

Permalink | Posted by Brian Fabel on Jul 29, 2009 in the following categories: Wilderness Risk Management Conference

There Are Lions Out There:
Risk Management in an Age of Challenge

We are excited to announce our keynote speaker for the 2009 Wilderness Risk Management Conference (WRMC), Robert Birkby. Drawing on four decades of field experience and firsthand knowledge of risk management strategies employed through the Boy Scouts of America to the world’s elite mountain guides, Robert Birkby explores the often dramatic evolution of risk acceptance and management over the last hundred years and suggests intelligent ways for the industry to prepare for the challenges of the future.

A longtime backcountry crew leader and instructor for the SCA, he also works with Berg Adventures International and has led trips for Mountain Madness. His books include current editions of The Boy Scout Handbook and The Boy Scout Fieldbook, a biography of climber Scott Fischer entitled Mountain Madness, and Lightly on the Land, the SCA’s manual of trail construction and maintenance.

Join us in Durham, NC and learn from other exciting and innovative workshops!

Permalink | Posted by Brian Fabel on Jun 5, 2009 in the following categories: Wilderness Risk Management Conference

The 2009 Wilderness Risk Management Conference (WRMC) will post new conference topics and speakers, in addition to other important news, via our twitter feed. Follow attend_WRMC to stay up-to-date on conference happenings!

Permalink | Posted by Brian Fabel on May 29, 2009 in the following categories: Wilderness Risk Management Conference

We are excited to announce the 2009 Wilderness Risk Management Conference workshops. This year we have a wide array of new speakers and workshops! Risk Management Issues in the Digital Age,  Hands On Discovery Workshop and Practice with Depositions, Designing and Managing an Effective Staff Training, and The Role of Medical Directors in Risk Management just to name a few!

Registration for this year's exciting conference is open, so plan ahead and join us in Durham, North Carolina!

Permalink | Posted by Brian Fabel on May 26, 2009 in the following categories: Professional Training, Wilderness Risk Management Conference