Communications Center

Saturday and Sunday, March 28 - 29 | 8am - 5pm | Outdoor Pursuits | $200

Accidents happen. People get hurt, sick, or lost. The temperature drops, the wind picks up, and it starts to rain. Would you know what to do? Many backcountry emergencies are preventable, and even when bad things happen, sometimes the wrong care can make things worse. By learning a few basic skills, you can make the difference between a good outcome and a bad one and maybe even save a life.

The WFA is the perfect course for the outdoor enthusiast or trip leader who wants a basic level of first aid training for short trips with family, friends, and outdoor groups. It also meets the ACA guidelines.

The WFA is 16 hours long (two days), and focuses on the basic skills of: Response and Assessment, Musculoskeletal Injuries, Environmental Emergencies, Survival Skills, Soft Tissue Injuries, and Medical Emergencies.

Yes, there is ongoing evaluation of practical skills, and there are written assessments throughout the course.

Yes. You will receive a SOLO WFA certification, which is good for two years.

This course does not include CPR. CPR and AED courses are scheduled on the first night of the WFA. Participants can take the course for an additional $45.00.

Additional On-Campus Workshops........

Scuba Open Water Dive Course Workshop

Wednesdays, February 5 – April 1 | 6p – 10p | Lewellen Pool | $175

Gain a lifetime skill and get access to a whole new underwater world! Take a course to become a certified Open Water SCUBA Diver. Instructors work with students to gain the necessary knowledge to make you competent and responsible divers, and share their love of the underwater environment with you. Additional fees include purchase of mask, fins, and snorkel (provided for you the first 4 sessions) and outdoor checkout dive equipment fee.

Outdoor Essentials Workshop

Wednesday, February 19 | 6p – 7p | Outdoor Pursuits | FREE

Every good outdoor trip starts the same way: with the right gear! In this workshop, we will discuss how to build an outdoor "ten essentials" kit, what types of clothing work best in the outdoors in different environments, and how to create an efficient sleeping system to keep you comfortable while you sleep.

Shelter Building & Campsite Workshop

Wednesday, March 18 | 6p – 7p | Outdoor Pursuits | FREE

Shelter is one of three basic human needs. Learn to build an effective shelter for the environment you choose for your next adventure! In addition to learning guidelines for creating shelters, this workshop will cover choosing a suitable location for a campsite, setting up camp, and minimizing your environmental impact while outdoors.

Map & Compass Workshop

Wednesday, April 1 | 6p – 7p | Outdoor Pursuits | FREE

Before departing on your next adventure, be sure you know how to get back home! Map and compass navigation is frequently overlooked but necessary for staying found. Outdoor Pursuits trip leaders will guide participants through the process of identifying parts of maps and compasses, as well as translating the information on maps into the real world.

Fly Fishing

Tuesdays, April 7 - 28 | 7p - 8:30p | Worthen Arena | $50

The main goal of this class is to introduce you to the "gentle arts" of fly casting and fly fishing as part of Outdoor Pursuits philosophy of helping people develop interests designed to promote emotional and physical well-being as well as lifelong recreational interests. Speaking from personal experience, fly casting and fly fishing - one cannot do the latter without learning how to do the former - can indeed help you become more involved in a world that ranges from a unique form of outdoor recreation to some excellent literature.

The class will consist of individualized instruction about basic fly casting techniques; introductory material on fly fishing for trout, bass, and panfish which will include "arcane" topics ranging from appropriate equipment to appropriate knots; and, perhaps, a comment or two about the best in fly fishing literature and DVDs - something one needs to get through Muncie winters.

Knot Tying

Wednesday, April 22 | 6p – 7p | Outdoor Pursuits | FREE

Whether you are building a shelter, strapping gear down in your boat, fishing, or rock climbing, knot tying is a critical skill for spending time in the outdoors. This workshop will introduce and demonstrate various knots that can be utilized in a variety of outdoor settings.

To complete your payment with cash, check or wellness voucher (professional staff only), stop by the Outdoor Pursuits Office between 12pm-6pm Mon-Fri. All payments must be received in full to confirm a registration.

*Non-Affiliate participants will pay a 30% cost increase on registration.

*Proof of insurance is required for all Outdoor Pursuits trips.

Contact us at outdrpursuit@bsu.edu, 765-285-1164, or swing by our office located in the east lobby entrance across from the Climbing Wall. Like us at Ball State Outdoor Pursuits!