The Denali Education Center is a non-profit educational affiliate of the Wilderness Education Association. We began as an affiliate in 1995, and ran our first WEA affiliated course in 1996. The WLE course will begin on the grounds of the Denali Education Center and move into Denali State Park for the backcountry portion of the course. The trek will take place on Kesugi Ridge, famed for its views of Denali. During approximately 11 days of self-contained wilderness travel, we'll learn and practice WEA's 18-point Curriculum. You'll be asked to demonstrate newly acquired wilderness skills, and will be given the opportunity to refine your own personal wilderness ethic. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be awarded a certification from WEA in their Wilderness Steward Program (WSP), a Leave No Trace Trainer certification, and an American Red Cross Wildernes First Aid Basics certification.
Graduates of WSP courses are able to:
1. Use state-of-the-art travel and minimum impact camping techniques to move through the backcountry with minimal degradation to the environment.
2. Exercise good quality judgment and decision-making to help avoid potential accident and survival situations.
3. Demonstrate a basic standard of outdoor knowledge and experience based on the WEA 18-point Curriculum.
4. Travel efficiently in the wilderness utilizing a number of technical skills such as mountaineering, backpacking, and rock climbing.