Before you come

Travel to/from Course

Because WRFI particpants come from across the continent, they are expected to get themselves to and from the course meeting place. When possible, we encourage students to share transportation to/from the course. All of our courses are located in safe locations for students arriving alone.

WRFI tuition covers instruction, fees and permits; group camping and cooking gear; kayaks and canoes (if required) and related equipment; dinner meals; and incidental supplies like maps and field guides. Students must provide their own clothing, breakfast & lunch meals, and buy the course text that is provided by WRFI.

Wildlands Travel

Wilderness travel is usually a source of joy and inspiration. At times, though, it can be frustrating and strenuous – whether hiking with a heavy backpack or kayaking in a bracing crosswind. We will teach you how to travel efficiently and how to care for yourself in the backcountry, and then you will be expected to take responsibility for yourself. All students will prepare meals, pitch tents, and carry the necessary personal and group gear from camp to camp. Our courses require self-discipline and motivation in order to complete assignments and take part in class activities while traveling through the backcountry.

Gear and Equipment

Each course has its own particular equipment needs, but you'll generally need to supply the following: sleeping bag and pad, packable camp chair, backpack for hiking courses, headlamp, appropriate outdoor clothing, eating utensils, pocket knife, pens/pencils, blank journal, and toiletries. Once you are accepted into a course, we will send you an information packet that includes detailed information about the course and its particular equipment and clothing needs. Students will purchase course books and reading packets from WRFI on the first day of the course.

Food

WRFI provides vegetarian dinners on all our courses, but students are responsible for providing their own breakfasts and lunches. We have found that students have very different preferences for these meals so we allow them to choose their own. More information on what makes suitable (and tasty) breakfasts and lunches is included in the course packets that are sent to students after they have been accepted.

Drugs and Alcohol

Alcohol and recreational drugs are not permitted on any WRFI course. WRFI has a zero tolerance policy on drugs and alcohol because alcohol and/or drug use in wilderness settings can cause personal injury and/or compromise the safety of the group. Because safety is our top priority, any student caught possessing or using them will be sent home immediately at his/her own expense and without a course refund.

Expulsion

WRFI reserves the right to expel anyone for behavior, which, in the opinion of the Institute or our staff, indicates the individual is unable to complete the course requirements safely. There will be no refund in these cases.

Refund Policy

An application fee of $200 must accompany each application. (We are unable to process credit cards, so please send a check or money order.) If you are accepted into a WRFI course, your application fee will be applied to the tuition for the course, but will not be refunded should you withdraw. If you are not accepted for enrollment in a WRFI course, your application fee will be refunded less a $50 processing fee. Rarely, WRFI will be forced to cancel a course due to low student enrollment. In this case all money paid, including the application fee, will be refunded or transferred to the student's second course choice.

Unless otherwise defined for a specific course, our tuition refund policy for withdrawing from a course is as follows:

up to 60 days prior to course: full refund (minus the $200 application fee)
up to 30 days prior to course: 50 percent
less than 30 days prior to course: no refund

These policies exist to encourage commitment when applying for a WRFI course and to cover the costs incurred by WRFI whenever someone withdraws from a course. Although we rarely need to do so, we reserve the right to cancel a course and change a course duration or location. If we cancel a course due to low enrollment, all money paid by students will be refunded. WRFI is not responsible for additional costs associated in these cases. We recommend that you obtain trip insurance if this is a concern for you.

Note: If you withdraw from a course, you may use $150 of your application fee toward a new course within one year of your withdrawal.