Winter survival skills & mountain safety

Winter survival

Would you know what to do in a winter survival situation, or if you got lost while skiing, snowshoeing, or mountain driving? Gain the confidence and skills to be prepared, become self-sufficient, prevent injuries, and respond to winter emergency situations. Learn strategies and actually practice such techniques as self rescue, making a snow shelter and […]

Wilderness survival & outdoor safety

Outdoor survival

Would you know what to do in a survival situation, or if you got lost? Gain the confidence and skills to be prepared, become self-sufficient, prevent injuries, and respond to emergency situations. Learn strategies and actually practice such techniques as self rescue, finding shelter and water, how to build a fire and find food. This […]

Where eagles soar–a ropes course adventure

Ropes course

A day of outdoor challenge and team camaraderie awaits you on this special Ropes Course Adventure. You will build upon success as you work as a team to accomplish a series of physical and mental obstacles which are both thought provoking and fun! You’ll draw upon your imagination and team’s resources to negotiate these problem […]

Rock & ropes climbing workshops

Rock climbing

Learn basic Rock Climbing skills and practice a variety of climbing moves and bouldering techniques. Includes completing a challenging Ropes Course activity.

Wilderness brunch hike

Hiking

Come alone or bring a friend and join us for a relaxing jaunt to a nice, natural area. Naturalist Brad Childs provides you with a fun interpretive hike along an easy trail to a special location. Bring your blanket or seat pad and your favorite drink. We’ll provide a wholesome trailside gourmet brunch as we […]

Introduction to rock climbing

Climbing wall

Experience the excitement and personal challenge of rock climbing as you learn the basics of this popular sport. A day in the field will be spent learning belaying, rappelling and techniques for climbing a variety of rock formations. . We will review use and care of equipment, climbing techniques of friction and balance, belaying methods […]

Sustainability from the Outdoors to the Online World: Why GreenGeeks is the Perfect Hosting Partner for Nature Enthusiasts

At The Wilderness Institute, we believe that every action—whether in the wilderness or online—can make a difference for the environment. Since our founding in 1984, we’ve worked tirelessly to teach outdoor skills, foster community, and inspire environmental stewardship. Now, as our mission continues in the breathtaking landscapes of Santa Fe, New Mexico, we’re expanding our […]

Contact us

Call 505-699-1695, email info@wildernessInstitute.org, or use the form below to get in touch with us.

Brad Childs credentials

Education

California State University, Northridge
Master’s Degree in Recreational Administration and Leisure Studies

Behavioral Science Centers, Hypnosis Motivation Institute
Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy

University of California (UCLA)
California Department of Education Adult Education Teaching Credential

Michigan State University
B.S. Parks and Recreation Resources

Certifications

Emergency response & safety

  • National Park Service Ranger (former)
  • Wildland Firefighter/EMT
  • American Red Cross Wilderness First Aid Instructor
  • Water Safety Instructor/Life Guard Trainer
  • Mountain Rescue Team Member (Placer County Sheriff)
  • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
  • International Critical Incident Stress Foundation Provider

Outdoor Leadership & Instruction

  • Challenge Ropes Course Facilitator Trainer
  • Rock Climbing Instructor Trainer
  • USA Olympic Archery Instructor Trainer
  • Wilderness Survival Instructor
  • Whitewater River Guide
  • Colorado Hunter Education Instructor
  • Nordic Skiing and Snowshoe Instructor

Professional Development & Coaching

  • Coaches Training Institute Graduate
  • Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist
  • Qualified Personal Strengths Trainer (SDI)
  • Certified Practitioner of NLP
  • Institute of Cultural Affairs Group Facilitation
  • Crisis Intervention and Stress Management Provider
Leadership and community involvement

Environmental Leadership

  • Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Advisory Board Member
  • California Sustainable Tourism Symposium Contributor
  • National Geographic Sierra Nevada GeoTourism MapGuide Contributor
  • Outdoor Industry Foundation, Business for Wilderness Contributor

Business and Tourism Leadership

  • Placer County Visitor Council Board Treasurer
  • Sierra North (NorCal Outdoor Recreation Business Alliance) Founding President
  • Multiple Chamber of Commerce Executive Director positions
  • Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce Grant Writer/Committee Chair
Speaking and presentations (partial list)

Loyola Marymount University, School of Business
Executive MBA Leadership Seminar Instructor

Association for Challenge Course Technology International Conference
Crisis Management and Intervention Workshop Presenter

American Camp Association Regional Conferences
Outdoor Skills and Safety, Crisis Management Workshop Presenter

California Department of Education
Outdoor Recreation and Eco-Tourism Presenter

American Society of Training and Development
Adventure-Based Experiential Learning Workshop Presenter

Sunset Magazine Travel “Taste of Sunset Tourism Trade Show”
Eco-Tourism Presenter

Publications and media

Authorship

  • Team-Building and Leadership Challenge training manual
  • Co-author: State of California Outdoor Recreation Performance Standards
  • Executive Editor: Wilderness Guide publication
  • Articles on eco-tourism and outdoor safety for numerous publications

Media credits

  • “California Outdoors” Whitewater Rafting (California Tourism Council/NBC TV)
  • “The Coleman Guide to Camping” Naturalist (with Bruce Jenner)
  • “Rock Climbing” Celebrity/Talent Training (Lonely Planet Productions)
  • “Zig Zag Show” Yosemite Rock Climbing (Tokyo Broadcasting/Sony Television)
  • Multiple corporate training and outdoor adventure productions
Awards

National Park Service Unit Award
Executive MBA Leadership Seminar Instructor

National Environmental Education Award
National Association of Resource Conservation Districts

Golden Eagle Award
Outstanding contribution to The Wilderness Institute

LA County Recognition
Commitment towards facilitating and promoting equality for people with disabilities 

CSU Northridge Scholastic Achievement Honors
Outstanding Department Graduate Scholarship (two consecutive years)