Week of Wilderness (WoW) Workshop for Naturalists and Outdoor Enthusiasts

Is this course for me?

The objective of the Week of Wilderness course is to provide participants with hands-on knowledge in the field, identification of flora & fauna, nature interpretation, wildlife and conservation issues.

 

While WoW course is well suited to people who have little or no experience in outdoors or wilderness, It can be especially beneficial to those working in travel companies, educational and outdoor organisations, hospitality industry, offsites-events, relief volunteers and rescue forces, etc.

 

We believe that one also needs to understand the nuances of being comfortable in nature and thus be prepared. Towards this end, we've included a half day module on "basics of outdoor living". This course also provides participants with an internationally accredited certification in Wilderness First Aid (WFA) with Adult & Child CPR.

 

On successful completion of the course, participants receive:

 

- Certificate for Nature Workshop

- Written Course Evaluation

- Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Certification (2 year validity)

- Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification (2 year validity)

- Epinephrine Auto-Injector (EA!) Certification (2 year validity)

- LNT Awareness Certificate

Course Duration: 6 Days/5 Nights at Hanifl Centre & on a Field Expedition

Participant Limit: Min 20 - Max 30

Hanifl Centre, India’s leading institution for outdoor education and environmental study has collaborated with Aerie Backcountry Medicine, USA to conduct Wilderness First Aid Courses (WFA/WAFA/WFR) with Adult & Child Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification in India.

 

Aerie Backcountry is recognised by the American Outdoor industry and has worked with organisations like WMA and WMI of NOLS in the USA specialising in wilderness medicine and under the guidance of the Wilderness Medical Society, evolved a Scope of Practice (SoP) for the different courses.

 

Our instructors are professional who have WEMT/ WFR level training with many years of outdoor leadership experience.

PROGRAMME & SCHEDULE:

Module Length: 45 hours (WFA 16 hrs + CPR 4 hrs)

PART A - NATURAL HISTORY & OUTDOOR LIVING SKILLS:

The natural history segment of the workshop is meant to develop an overall understanding and appreciation of nature through a first-hand interaction and learning. The natural history part will account for about 25 hours, with modules focusing on: -

- Introduction to Himalayan ecology and pertinent conservation issues

- Learning how to identify the flora and fauna around us

- Nature interpretation & understanding the dynamics of nature

- Reading tracks and signs and using field equipment

- Field surveys (estimation of species population using tools like camera traps, quadrats and transects)

- Observation and documentation of species; Maintaining a nature journal and keeping records

- Outdoor Living Skills (LNT principles, hydration & nutrition, footcare, backpack packing, tent pitching, etc.)

PART B - WILDERNESS FIRST AID:

This course comprises of a 16-hour Wilderness First Aid (WFA) module and a 4-hour CPR module. About half of the course content is scenario based where participants take turns playing the role of injured / caregiver. Topics are covered with a focus on how to recognize signs and symptoms, first aid treatment and prevention measures to avoid further illness/injury.

Outdoor Field Study:

- Forests around Hanifl Centre & Landour, Mussoorie

- Jabarkhet Nature Reserve, Mussoorie

 

We limit the group size to 30 in order to make the course effective. Recertification for both WFA & CPR involves undertaking the full course again after two years.

Packing List Ideal for Courses at Hanifl Centre

Mentioned below are the inclusions of the course, along with a broad list of basic items we recommend all participants should carry. You can always create your own packing list based on your personal needs and medical requirements.

BRING -

WEAR -

INCLUDED SERVICES -

INCLUDED GEAR -

Please Note:

Below are a few Frequently Asked Questions regarding our courses. If you have not found an answer to your query below, please feel free to write to us at haniflcentre@woodstock.ac.in

Q1 - Are all meals taken care of?

Ans - All meals starting with dinner a night before the course starts till lunch on the day the course ends will be taken care of. There will be tea/biscuits in the morning and afternoon on all class days, while at Hanifl Centre. For the trek, participants will carry their rations with them provided by Hanifl Centre.

Q2 - Where will we stay?

Ans - All participants will be housed in the Hanifl Centre dormitory. We have 32 beds (8 bedded/4 bedded units) with one side dedicated to each gender (male/female). Each side has separate bathroom facilities. There is an attic/loft on each side that can be accessed by participants if needed. There is a connecting door that can be locked between the 2 sections. Accommodation will be in tents while on the trek (3 Person/4 Person tents).

Q3 - Are there charging points for electrical appliances?

Ans - There are 1-2 charging points in each room, depending on the layout (4 bedded/8 bedded). We can provide 2 extension cords, one for each section for participants to charge their devices.On the trek, we recommend participants to only carry basic electronic appliances as options for charging will not be available in the field.

Q4 - Is there laundry facility in Hanifl Centre?

Ans - We do not have laundry facility at Hanifl Centre. We have a school dhobi who can do your laundry. He will come and collect the clothes from the Hanifl Centre and will bring it back to on a set date. Payments are to be made directly to the Dhobi. We will share the price list of the Dhobi with you. Participants can get their own washing powder/bars and do laundry by themselves in the dormitory. There are a few clothes lines at the attic and we can provide drying stands if needed.

Q5 - How is the mobile connectivity?

Ans - There is very limited mobile coverage in Hanifl Centre. However, there are certain spots where you can get network, we will show them when you are in campus.

Q6 - In which language is the course taught in?

Ans - The course is taught in English.

Q7 - What is the maximum size of the class?

Ans - The maximum size of the class is 20 participants.

Q8 - How to reach Hanifl Centre?

Ans - By Bus: Dehradun is well connected with all major cities by road. There are AC, Non-AC and Volvo services available from ISBT Kashmere Gate, New Delhi. The journey from New Delhi to Dehradun is about 6-7 hours. From Dehradun, one can take another bus/shared taxi to Picture Palace, Mussoorie. Hanifl Centre is about 4-5 kms from there. Local taxi from Picture Palace to Hanifl Centre would cost about INR 350 (Note: There is a second bus stop/taxi stand at Library, Mussoorie. Please do not go there as it is much farther away from the Hanifl Centre). Alternate- You can also take a taxi from Dehradun to Hanifl Centre. Approximate cost could be anywhere between INR 1500-1900. By Train: Dehradun also has a railway station and is well connected with major cities. Please check https://www.irctc.co.in/nget/train-search to learn about trains from nearest station. By Flight: There are daily flights from Delhi to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. Delhi is well connected with other major cities. We are 3 hours away from the Jolly Grant Airport.

Q9 - Is alcohol consumption/smoking allowed?

Ans - Hanifl Centre is an extension of Woodstock School. We adhere to school policies and do not allow consumption of alcohol or other substances in the premises.

Q10 - Is there a safe available?

Ans - We recommend participants not to bring valuables or overtly expensive items. However, there is a small safe available in the office for keeping cash and other small valuable items. Before the hike, participants can keep their valuables in the safe if required.

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