Workshops & Certifications

The Outdoor Adventure Program offers Outdoor Leadership Experiences, Wilderness First Aid and Wilderness First Responder Certification as well as other Outdoor Education opportunities to help grow student leaders from participating to leading our programs and beyond!

Wilderness First Aid (WFA)

The Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course presented by SOLO Wilderness Medicine is 2 days long (16 hours) and teaches a basic level of first aid training in the wilderness context. This course is for those who enjoy going on short wilderness trips and are seeking to gain a better understanding of how to manage and treat a variety of medical issues in the wilderness context. This course is open to the public. Minimum age for WFA certification is 14 years old. The nationally-recognized SOLO WFA certification lasts two years.

The SOLO WFA course may be used as a recertification for a current, unexpired SOLO Wilderness First Responder (WFR).

This course is the entry level standard for UMass Lowell Outdoor Adventure Program Assistant Trip Leaders. UMass Lowell Outdoor Adventure Program will offer this course during fall and spring semesters each year.

• Fees: $180 Public. $155 UMass Lowell Student/Faculty/Staff. See following bullet points for optional additional add-ons. When you register online, use the drop-down menu to choose the appropriate registration.
  • Optional CPR Certification is available during the course on Saturday evening for an additional $40. (Please note: Your WFA or WFR is valid only with current CPR certification.)
  • Optional lodging is available to those 18 years and older at $30 additional (details next bullet). 
  • Recertifying? People with current WFR certification from SOLO may recertify using the WFA course and will need to pay an additional $15 re-certification fee directly to SOLO. Please contact SOLO Schools for details.
• Optional Lodging: Optional on-site housing may be available in the Campus Recreation Center starting the night before the course and available at a cost of $30 for the WFA course, available to those 18 years and older. Lodging includes showers, locker, and a kitchen (microwave, fridge, sink). Participants will use sleeping bags and sleeping pads and should be prepared to sleep 'camp' style. (Please bring your own, or email: kate_ford@uml.edu to request to borrow items.) Due to COVID-19 considerations, lodgers may sleep in spread-out locations in the building. The Campus Rec Center will be open to normal users both days; lights will be on and people may be working out and using equipment in the building until closing time. Alternately, a number of hotels and off-site camping are available in the area and can be found through a google search.
• Food is not provided. There is a kitchenette in the facility with a refrigerator, dishes, cabinet storage, a microwave, and toaster that will be accessible to participants.
• Instructed by SOLO Wilderness Medicine.
• Contact Kate Ford by email: Kate_Ford@uml.edu or phone: 978-934-1549 with questions.

Wilderness First Responder (WFR)

The WFR course is 8-days long (72+ hours) is hosted by Wilderness Medical Associates International (WMA) and takes an in-depth look at responding to medical issues and emergencies in the wilderness context. Instructors teach participants standards and skills in dealing with: Response and Assessment, Musculoskeletal Injuries, Environmental Emergencies and Survival Skills, Soft Tissue Injuries, and Medical Emergencies in the wilderness context. The course includes practical application scenarios. Take it to the next wilderness medical level and get certified. No prerequisites or medical experience required. This course is open to the public. Minimum age for WFR certification is 16 years old.

• Fees: $750 Public. $685 UMass Lowell Student/Faculty/Staff and/or Other College Student. When you register online, use the drop-down menu to choose the appropriate registration. If you are using the UML pricing, please register using your college email. CPR certification is included as part of the WFR course, no additional fee required. 
  • Optional lodging is available to those 18 years and older at $105 additional (details below).
  • Deposit Option: Payment may be made in full upon registration, or you may choose the "Deposit + Invoice" option, in order to pay a deposit now with the remainder due one month before the course start date. We will contact you directly to clarify the accurate invoice amount.
• Optional Lodging: Optional on-site housing will be in the Campus Recreation Center starting the night before the course and available at a cost of $105 for the duration of the WFR course, available to those 18 years and older. Lodging includes showers, locker, and a kitchen (microwave, fridge, sink). Participants will use sleeping bags and sleeping pads and should be prepared to sleep 'camp' style. (Please bring your own, or email: kate_ford@uml.edu to request to borrow items.) Due to COVID-19 considerations, lodgers may sleep in a few spread-out locations in the building. The Campus Rec Center will be open to normal users most days from approximately 6:30 a.m. until 9 p.m.; lights will be on and people may be working out and using equipment in the building until closing time. Alternately, a number of hotels and off-site camping are available in the area and can be found through a simple google search.
• Food is not provided. There is a kitchenette in the facility with a refrigerator, dishes, cabinet storage, a microwave, and toaster that will be accessible to participants. A coffee maker and electric water kettle are also available. A visit to a local grocery store can be arranged for those staying overnight.
• Instructed by Wilderness Medical Associates International (WMA).
• Contact Kate Ford by email: Kate_Ford@uml.edu or phone: 978-934-1549 with questions.

American Canoe Association Level 1-2: Essentials of Kayak Touring Instructor Development and Certification Workshop (IDW/ICW)

This course is an American Canoe Association Instructor Development and Certification Workshop for Level 1 and Level 2 Instructors for Essentials of Kayak Touring. This course is good for all paddlers, and especially those who will be working as kayak instructors day touring in flat and moderate conditions. This course is offered once a year in May for UMass Lowell Outdoor Adventure Program Trip Leaders and Kayak Center staff as well as open to the public.

• Course days: 2023 dates not yet final. Generally late May.
• More Information: ACA L1-2: Essentials of Kayak Touring (IDW/ICW) Details (pdf)
• Coming soon: Course Fees: UMass Lowell* $350 / Public* $375
  • *2023 prices not yet final.
• Please email Kate Ford at: kate_ford@uml.edu to inquire about registering; space is limited.

Visit our Trips and Events Calendar webpage for events!