Wilderness First Aid Course At Sturtevant Camp November 4-6

Imagine yourself on the trail with a group of friends, and answer the following truthfully: Do you know how to react if someone gets bit by a rattlesnake or has an allergic reaction to a bee sting? What if someone sprains an ankle or cuts their hand? Don’t wait until it’s too late to prepare yourself for an unexpected wilderness emergency!

Join us November 4-6 in the San Gabriel Mountains to learn the skills you need to care for others who may become ill or injured on a day hike, backpacking trip or whatever brings you outdoors. We have partnered with Wilderness Leadership Institute and Hipcamp to host a Wilderness First Aid and CPR Certification Course at historic Sturtevant Camp.

A 4-mile backpacking trip from Chantry Flat will bring you to Sturtevant Camp, located in Big Santa Anita Canyon of the Angeles National Forest and established in 1893 by Wilbur Sturtevant. Of the five resorts built here during the “Great Hiking Era” of the 1880’s through the early 1930’s, only Sturtevant still remains. Help us preserve this local treasure for future generations by spending the weekend with us!

Fast paced and hands-on, the 16-hour Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Course covers a wide range of wilderness medicine topics for people who enjoy or work in the outdoors. The curriculum designed Wilderness Medical Associates is recognized industry-wide, and the CPR Certification is valid for 3 years. Classroom lectures are combined with realistic scenarios where mock patients will challenge you to apply your knowledge.

“I earned my WFA Certification in 2014, as I was preparing to guide weekend trips. I strongly recommend this course for anyone who enjoys the outdoors, not just guides or counselors. It’s an investment in the well-being of yourself and the people you care about. I only wish I had done it sooner!”

-Alyx Schwarz, Shoestring Adventures Founder

This course is not just for outdoor professionals. No previous first aid training or backpacking experience is required. Limited spots available for this potentially life-saving weekend.

Trip Type: Backpacking + Glamping

Trip Level: Beginner

Trip Highlights

• Earn your Wilderness First Aid and CPR Certification in the field
  
• Learn from WLI instructors with significant patient care and backcountry experience
• Accommodations include group cabins at historic Sturtevant Camp
• Explore the San Gabriel Mountains under the nose of Mount Wilson
• Stargazing Hike and Night Photography Class
• Professional photographer capturing the best moments
• Free-time activities include zip line, ping-pong, badminton, rope swing, board games, volleyball, horseshoes, tether-ball and croquet

Ticket Includes

• Wilderness First Aid tuition and learning materials
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• 3-day/2-night accommodations at Sturtevant Camp
• Wilderness First Responder/CPR Certified Leader with 4 years of guide experience
• Guide assistant to help facilitate group hikes and meals
• S’mores and warm beverages

Extras

• Campers will get $10 Adventure Bucks from our partner Adventure 16, good for $10 off a $50 in-store purchase!

Itinerary

Friday: Begin 4-mi hike to Chantry Flat by 9 a.m. Plan ahead to take a vacation day. Lunch will be served when you arrive at Sturtevant Camp. Day 1 of the Wilderness First Aid Course will run from 2pm to 6pm. After dinner, we’ll enjoy s’mores and board games in the fireplace room.

Saturday: After a hot breakfast, Day 2 of your WFA course runs from 8am to 6pm, with an hour break for lunch. After dinner, join us for an optional stargazing hike and night photography workshop.

Sunday: Following breakfast, the final day of your WFA course runs from 8am to 12pm. After lunch and camp clean-up, you can hike 4-mi back the way you came, or continue the 10.6-mi loop via Mount Zion.

Total Distance: 8 (out-and-back) or 10.6 miles (Mt. Zion loop)

* Schedule subject to change due to weather, camper ability/injury, natural events or park restrictions. Shoestring Warriors should be in good physical shape, but we will hike at an easy pace and take breaks as needed.

What to Expect

Accommodations

We will be staying in the group cabins at Sturtevant Camp. Each cabin sleeps 8 and has heat and electricity during evening hours. Common facilities include a dining hall, fireplace room, commercial kitchen, and separate bathrooms with flush toilets and showers. Activities include zip line, ping-pong, badminton, giant rope swing, board games, volleyball, horseshoes, tetherball, croquet and unlimited hiking.

What to Bring

Though bedding is provided in the cabins, backpackers may prefer to bring their own sleeping bag and pillow case. Convenient gear rentals are available from our partner Adventure 16.

All meals from Friday lunch through Sunday lunch are provided. Drinking water is available at Camp. Fresh coffee will be served each morning. Since this adventure is a cross between backpacking and glamping, you won’t need everything on the Backpacking Gear Checklist, but it’s a good place to start. You will receive a customized packing list before our trip.

For the WFA Course, bring a notebook, pen and watch with second hand or digital second. Photographers, bring your camera, tripod and memory card for our Night Photography Workshop.

How to Prepare

Don’t know anyone going on the trip? No problem! We offer a community for anyone who wants to experience the outdoors. After you register, you will receive a Welcome Kit email, which includes introductions to your fellow campers, a detailed packing list, itinerary, weather forecast and everything else you need to know to prepare for our trip. We are available to answers all questions and guide first-time campers every step of the way.

Transportation

The trail begins from Adams’ Pack Station at Chantry Flat, approximately 40 minutes driving distance from Downtown Los Angeles without traffic. While transportation is not provided, we will help facilitate carpools for the group.

Health & Safety

We take extra measures to ensure your safety and maximum level of fun. All Shoestring Adventures guides hold Wilderness First Responder, CPR and Food Handling certifications. In remote destinations, we carry a DeLorme inReach Explorer Satellite Messenger to contact authorities in case of emergency.

On the trail, we encourage campers to stay together, wear sun protection and stay hydrated. We minimize risk by keeping groups together while hiking, encouraging everyone to drink water and apply sunscreen, and making sure we’re prepared with gear appropriate to weather and our activities.

Other Important Stuff

Every camper must sign a Acknowledgement of Risks, Media Release and “Leave It Better” Pledge. Click each link to review and print at your convenience. For other questions, check out our FAQ or email [email protected].

Become an Official Member

Once you register for your first event, you will become an official club member and receive 10% off future events.

Please email [email protected] to request a custom payment plan.