Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Course | Lech Lecha

Lech-Lecha partners with Nathan Duclos, a certified SOLO WFR instructor. Nathan has led expeditions in Argentina, Nepal, Iceland, Peru, the Alps, Mongolia, Alaska and beyond. He is a Wilderness Paramedic and licensed EMS instructor; he teaches wilderness medicine classes domestically and around the world.

Our WFR courses are typically held within a few hours of the New York / New Jersey area, making them accessible for participants searching for a WFR course near NYC.

Our immersive in-person training takes place Sunday through Tuesday, and is combined with one additional day of online coursework required for certification.

To learn more about these courses, please email noam@lechlechajourneys.org.

Lech-Lecha is a nonprofit organization, and we run our Wilderness First Responder courses at cost in order to make wilderness medical training accessible to outdoor leaders.

Participants pay the instructor directly for the certification portion of the course, while the Lech-Lecha fee only covers food, lodging, and logistical costs.

This structure allows us to offer a high-quality WFR course at a lower cost than most commercial programs.

All food and course materials are included. Tents are also provided. Participants must bring their own sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and personal gear (sleeping bags and pads can be rented for an additional fee).

Yes. All food is kosher, and the course schedule is structured to be Shomer Shabbat friendly. We are one of the few organizations in North America offering a kosher, Shabbat-observant WFR course.

WFR certification is typically valid for two years. Recertification courses are available to maintain certification (generally about $200).

WFR training is designed for outdoor leaders, backpacking guides, camp staff, trip leaders, and anyone responsible for safety in remote environments.

No prior medical training is required. The course is designed to teach wilderness medicine from the ground up.

Participants who successfully complete the course receive Wilderness First Responder certification through SOLO.

Yes. Our course schedule and logistics are designed to be Shomer Shabbat friendly (i.e. not being scheduled over a Saturday), and all food provided is kosher.