Applications Are Open for the 2026 SheJumps Wilderness First Aid Access Program

Whether you're a weekend hiker, a backcountry skier, a mountain biker, or someone dreaming of a career in outdoor recreation, knowing how to respond in an emergency can make all the difference.

SheJumps is excited to announce that applications are now open for our 2026 Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Access Program, an opportunity to earn a Wilderness First Aid certification while learning in a supportive, community-centered environment.

This year, we're offering one Wilderness First Aid course in Hudson Valley, New York, with 24 lottery-based spots available.

2026 Course Details

Location: The Stephen and Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center, Hudson Valley, New York (30 min. drive from Manhattan)

Dates: October 17–18, 2026

Course Spots: 24 participants

What is Wilderness First Aid?

A Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification is often required for jobs in outdoor recreation and is one of the most valuable skills anyone who spends time outside can have. The access program covers the full cost of the WFA course as well as an online CPR training. The CPR training takes place online prior to the WFA course. Travel and food expenses are not included.

This intensive two-day, in-person course teaches participants how to recognize, assess, and respond to medical emergencies when professional help may be hours away. You'll gain practical skills in outdoor emergency care, patient assessment, decision-making, risk management, and leadership.

Whether you're an avid camper, climber, trail runner, paddler, skier, mountain biker, or outdoor professional, Wilderness First Aid prepares you to respond with confidence when it matters most.

Creating More Access to Outdoor Education

At SheJumps, we believe every woman and girl deserves to feel belonging in the outdoors. We also recognize that outdoor education opportunities, including certifications like Wilderness First Aid, can be financially and socially out of reach for many.

The Wilderness First Aid Access Program was created to help remove those barriers by providing free access to this important certification while fostering a welcoming space for connection and community.

This program has a goal of increasing access for Women of Color and women who have experienced barriers to accessing outdoor education. Women of all races and ethnicities who are 18 years or older are welcome to apply, and race and ethnicity are not considered during the lottery selection process.

Beyond earning a certification, participants often leave with something just as meaningful: new friendships, confidence, and a stronger sense of belonging in the outdoor community.

Who Should Apply?

This course is a great fit if you:

• Spend time hiking, camping, climbing, skiing, paddling, or recreating outdoors

• Want to build confidence handling emergencies in remote settings

• Are interested in working in outdoor recreation

• Have experienced barriers to accessing outdoor education

• Want to learn alongside an encouraging community of women

• No prior medical experience or certifications are required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply?

Women of all races and ethnicities who are 18 years or older are welcome to apply. This program has a goal of increasing access for Women of Color and women who have experienced barriers to accessing outdoor education.

When is the course?

The Wilderness First Aid Access Program will take place October 17–18, 2026, at AMC Harriman Outdoor Center in Hudson Valley, New York (just 30 miles from downtown Manhattan).

Do I need to attend both days?

Yes. Participants must attend both full days of the course to receive certification.

How many spots are available?

There are 24 lottery-based spots available.

Are there any prerequisites?

No. There are no prerequisites to participate.

What does the WFA Access Program cover?

The WFA Access Program covers the full cost of the WFA course as well as the CPR training. Travel and food expenses are not included.

Is CPR included in the course?

Yes. The CPR training takes place online prior to the WFA course.

Who is the course provider?

We are proud to partner with the Institute for Wild Med. The SheJumps WFA course will be taught by certified-women instructors.

Hear From Past Participants

"I never once felt like what I would contribute would be questioned or put down. I loved the variety of wilderness experience and rationale for taking the course and highly recommend it as one of the safest spaces for any female/non-binary person who is interested in taking the first step to learn more about how to be better prepared in the backcountry! — 2025 WFA Access Program Participant

"I felt comfortable acting out scenarios and practicing techniques that required a fair amount of physical touch, and even had fun doing so. We all agreed that the nature of the course (that it was all women) really allowed us to jump straight in and it made practicing things non-serious, open, and definitely more fun than I could have predicted from a course that focuses so closely on fatality."— 2025 WFA Access Program Participant

Apply Today

If you've been looking for an opportunity to build life-saving outdoor skills while connecting with an incredible community of women, we encourage you to apply.

24 participants will be selected through a lottery process.

We can't wait to welcome another group of women ready to grow their confidence, strengthen their outdoor skills, and continue building a more inclusive outdoor community together!

Apply Today!