Attention to safety
ADVENTURE REQUIRES
GOOD JUDGMENT.
Outdoor adventure involves real challenges and inherent risks. Our responsibility is to manage those risks thoughtfully through experienced leadership, careful preparation, active supervision, strong communication, and sound decision-making in the field.
01
EXPERIENCED OUTDOOR EDUCATORS
Every Wild Traveler program is led by experienced outdoor educators with at least five years of experience leading and working with teenagers in outdoor settings. Our leaders bring strong group-management skills, technical competence, and the judgment that comes from making real decisions in dynamic outdoor environments.
02
SMALL GROUPS + ACTIVE SUPERVISION
We travel in small groups, with no more than twelve participants. Low participant-to-leader ratios allow instructors to know their participants, monitor changing needs and conditions, and remain actively engaged with the group throughout the program.
03
RISK MANAGEMENT IN THE FIELD
Good risk management begins long before first aid is needed. Leaders continually assess conditions, anticipate hazards, adjust plans, position themselves where they can best support the group, and make decisions based on the participants, environment, activity, and conditions at the time.
04
WILDERNESS MEDICAL TRAINING
Our trip leaders hold current Wilderness First Responder certification or higher, along with CPR/AED certification. This training prepares them to assess and respond to medical concerns in outdoor and remote environments.
GOOD DECISIONS START
LONG BEFORE THEY’RE URGENT.
There is no single piece of equipment, certification, or procedure that makes an adventure safe. Effective risk management comes from layers of preparation, observation, communication, and judgment working together throughout a trip.
Our leaders prepare carefully, stay attentive to changing conditions, and adjust when the group or environment calls for a different approach.
Review routes, participants, equipment, weather, communication systems, and contingency plans.
Pay attention to conditions, group dynamics, fatigue, individual needs, and emerging hazards.
Change pace, positioning, plans, or activities when circumstances call for it.
05
PRE-TRIP PREPARATION
Preparation begins well before participants arrive. Routes, activities, logistics, communication systems, emergency procedures, medical information, weather, and contingency plans are reviewed before each program.
06
COMMUNICATION + SUPPORT
Trip leaders remain in regular contact with our program team throughout each trip and carry appropriate communication equipment for their location. Our office team remains available to support field staff, families, and changing program needs throughout the summer season.
07
PARTICIPANTS AS PARTNERS IN SAFETY
Participants are taught to take an active role in caring for themselves and their group. Leaders provide clear briefings, teach appropriate outdoor skills, establish expectations, and help participants develop awareness and good judgment as the trip progresses.
08
QUALIFIED ACTIVITY PARTNERS
When programs include specialized activities such as SCUBA diving, surfing, rafting, or other technical experiences, we work with qualified local providers and instructors. Wild Traveler leaders remain actively involved with their participants throughout these experiences.
FIND YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE.
Explore our 2027 teen adventure programs, or get in touch if you’d like help choosing the right trip.