Wilderness Wild's
Ranger Program
About The Program
Adventure Awaits
Discover wilderness self reliance as a Ranger, the perfect program for youth seeking a scouting alternative. Our weekly classes and 4 summer survival camps provide hands-on experiences in nature, teaching valuable skills and fostering a love for the wilderness. Join us on an unforgettable journey filled with exploration, learning, and adventure. Let the Ranger Program be your guide to a world of wilderness skills and personal growth.
Back To The Wild
An outdoor program for youth
Restablishing Outdoor Values
Through hands-on experiences and challenges, youth will learn the importance of integrity, respect, and responsibility, empowering them to become confident leaders in their communities. Embrace the great outdoors and embark on a journey of personal growth and lasting friendships!
Founded On Wilderness Skills
Nature and survival skills play a crucial role in youth development, equipping young individuals with the tools they need to navigate both wilderness emergencies and life's challenges. Engaging with the outdoors fosters resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills as youth learn to assess risks and make informed decisions in unpredictable environments.
Fits Your Schedule
Held at a convenient time, these sessions provide the perfect balance between structured learning and free time, ensuring your kids can engage in enriching outdoor experiences without feeling overwhelmed. With our engaging curriculum focused on survival skills and teamwork, they’ll develop essential life skills while having fun, all in a manageable timeframe that leaves room for homework and other activities.
State Wide Locations
We are excited to offer our engaging outdoor classes in various locations, making it easy for your child to participate no matter where you are! Join us in Ogden, Salt Lake, Heber, Provo, Spanish Fork, Payson, Beaver, Cedar City, St. George, and Kanab. Each of these communities will benefit from our focused curriculum on wilderness survival and outdoor skills, tailored to inspire and empower youth in their local environment. No matter the location, your child will gain valuable skills while enjoying the beauty of nature right in their backyard!
Program Overview
Program Name: The Ranger Program
Age Groups:
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Junior Rangers: Ages 8-11
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Rangers I Class: Ages 11-13
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Rangers II Class: Ages 14-17
Mission Statement:
The Ranger Program is dedicated to fostering a love for the outdoors among youth while teaching essential wilderness living and bush craft skills. Our goal is to empower participants to build confidence, independence, and respect for nature, providing an enriching alternative to traditional scouting programs.
Program Goals:
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Skill Development: Equip youth with practical wilderness and bushcraft skills, while fostering independence, teamwork, creativity, and love for the outdoors.
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Confidence Building: Encourage participants to take on challenges, make decisions, and learn from experiences in a supportive environment.
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Connection to Nature: Instill a deep appreciation for the natural world through hands-on activities and immersive experiences.
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Community Building: Foster teamwork and friendships among participants through collaborative projects and group challenges.
Program Structure:
The Ranger Program is divided into three age-specific groups, each with tailored classes, activities and challenges designed to match their developmental stages.
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Junior Rangers (Ages 8-11):
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Focus: Basic wilderness skills, teamwork, and safety.
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Activities: survival skills, camping skills, knots, entry level wilderness skills.
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Outcome: Build a foundational understanding of outdoor safety and skills while promoting teamwork and communication.
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Rangers I Class (Ages 11-13):
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Focus: Intermediate bushcraft skills and self-reliance.
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Activities: Advanced survival skills, Advanced camping skills, primitive skills, Advanced bushcraft skills.
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Outcome: Foster independence through skill mastery, preparing participants for more complex challenges.
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Rangers II Class (Ages 14-17):
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Focus: Leadership, advanced wilderness survival, and mentoring younger participants.
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Activities: Wilderness survival scenarios, group expeditions, Advanced Primitve skills, and exploring Instructor opportunies
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Outcome: Develop leadership skills and a sense of responsibility for both peers and the environment. Become proficient in Primitive Survival Skills
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Empower
Growth
About The Program
Get Inspired
Program Components:
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Weekly Classes: Hands-on sessions focused on specific skills led by experienced instructors.
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Outdoor Expeditions: Regular trips into nature to apply skills in real-world scenarios.
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Community Service Projects: Opportunities for participants to give back through trail maintenance, conservation efforts, and community education.
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Mentorship Opportunities: Pairing older participants with younger ones to foster leadership and learning.
Enrollment and Participation:
The Ranger Program is open to all youth aged 8-17, regardless of prior experience. Families are encouraged to engage in the program alongside their children through family-friendly events and community workshops.
Conclusion:
The Ranger Program aims to provide a supportive and educational environment for youth to explore the great outdoors, develop vital life skills, and connect with nature. By nurturing their independence and confidence, we are preparing the next generation of responsible outdoor enthusiasts and environmental stewards while preserving historic skills. Join us on this adventure and discover the endless possibilities that await in the wilderness!
Learn More
Click "Learn More" below to see class schedules, location details, and monthly curriculum
Junior Rangers
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Focus: Basic wilderness skills, teamwork, and safety.
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Activities: survival skills, camping skills, knots, entry level wilderness skills.
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Outcome: Build a foundational understanding of outdoor safety and skills while promoting teamwork and communication.
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Rangers I Class
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Focus: Intermediate bushcraft skills and self-reliance.
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Activities: Advanced survival skills, Advanced camping skills, primitive skills, Advanced bushcraft skills.
Outcome: Foster independence through skill mastery, preparing participants for more complex challenges.
Rangers II Class
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Focus: Leadership, advanced wilderness survival, and mentoring younger participants.
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Activities: Wilderness survival scenarios, group expeditions, Advanced Primitve skills, and exploring Instructor opportunies
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Outcome: Develop leadership skills and a sense of responsibility for both peers and the environment. Become proficient in Primitive Survival Skills
Grants & Fundraising
We believe that every child should have the opportunity to experience our outdoor programs, which is why we actively pursue grants and fundraising efforts to support our mission. Through these initiatives, we are able to offer financial aid options to families in need, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to participation. Our commitment to accessibility means that we strive to help as many youth as possible engage in valuable experiences that foster growth, confidence, and essential life skills. Together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of young people in our community!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What age group is the program designed for?
Our youth wilderness survival and bushcraft programs are designed for children and teens aged 8 to 17. Programs are for boys and girls. We offer various classes and camps tailored to different age groups and experience levels. 8-10 is our junior rangers, 11-13 is our ranger 1st class, and 14 - 17 is our ranger second class.
2. What types of activities will participants engage in?
Our program focuses on teaching wilderness survival and bushcraft skills in a fun and engaging way. Activities may include:
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Building shelters
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Fire-making techniques
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Foraging for wild edibles
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Knot tying and rope skills
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Orienteering and navigation
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Basic first aid in the wilderness
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Water sourcing and purification
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Tracking and identifying wildlife
3. Are the activities safe for children?
Yes, safety is our top priority. All activities are supervised by trained instructors, and safety protocols are strictly followed. We ensure that all equipment used is child-friendly, and all activities are age-appropriate. We also teach participants how to safely handle tools and navigate wilderness environments with care.
4. What are your staff qualifications?
Our instructors are highly experienced in outdoor education, wilderness survival, and bushcraft skills. Many of our staff have backgrounds in environmental education, scouting, and wilderness first aid, and some hold certifications such as:
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Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or Wilderness First Aid (WFA)
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Outdoor Education and Leadership certifications
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Leave No Trace certification
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Extensive personal experience in outdoor survival
5. What should participants bring to class or camp?
We recommend bringing:
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Comfortable outdoor clothing (weather-appropriate)
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Sturdy, closed-toe shoes
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A refillable water bottle
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Packed snacks (for day classes)
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A small backpack for personal items
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For overnight camps, a complete packing list will be provided, including camping gear, toiletries, and personal items.
All necessary survival and bushcraft tools will be provided by the program, but participants are welcome to bring their own tools (if approved by staff).
6. Are these camps overnight or day programs?
We offer both options:
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Day Classes: Perfect for kids who want to learn essential survival skills and go home at the end of the day. These typically last 4–6 hours.
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Overnight Camps: These multi-day experiences allow participants to dive deeper into survival skills while staying in a safe, outdoor camping environment. They last 5 days, and are held in June & July. Camps are separate from the program tuition.
7. What is the camper-to-instructor ratio?
We maintain a low camper-to-instructor ratio to ensure personalized attention and safety. Typically, our ratio is 1 instructor for every 7–10 participants, depending on the class or camp size.
8. How do you handle medical emergencies?
All staff are trained in wilderness first aid and CPR. We carry a comprehensive first aid kit on all outings, and we have clear communication and emergency plans in place. In the event of an emergency, we can quickly contact local medical services, and all locations are chosen for their proximity to healthcare facilities.
9. What is your refund or cancellation policy?
For cancellations or missed classes by clients, no refunds will be available. No refunds are available for cancellations made during our before the program. This policy helps keep our staff employed ensuring they are able to provide quality instruction. When booking and paying we expect clients to commit to the program. Please check our full policy for more details.
10. Can participants with no outdoor experience join?
Absolutely! Our program is designed to accommodate all skill levels, from beginners with no outdoor experience to those with some familiarity with survival and bushcraft. Each class or camp is tailored to the participants’ experience level, and our instructors will ensure that everyone feels comfortable and confident.
11. Are there any discounts available?
Yes! We offer sibling discounts, early bird pricing, and occasional promotional offers. Please check our website or sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on our latest deals.
12. What is your approach to environmental conservation?
We teach the principles of Leave No Trace (LNT) in all our programs, emphasizing respect for nature and minimizing human impact on the environment. Our goal is to instill a sense of responsibility in participants to protect and preserve wilderness areas for future generations.
13. Can parents observe or volunteer?
We encourage parents to stay for our junior rangers to let their children fully immerse themselves in the experience. Ranger Class 1 and Ranger class 2 is typically a drop off, however parents are always welcome to attend with their youth. We do offer limited volunteer opportunities during our camps for parents who wish to get involved. Please contact us for more information on how to volunteer.
14. How do I register my child?
Registration is easy! You can sign up directly through our website by visiting our Registration Page, where you'll find a list of available classes and camps. If you have any questions or need help with the registration process, feel free to contact us.