As full-fledged winter descends on Waldo County, Unity College invites the community to think spring and register for wilderness certification courses through January to May as part of the school’s upcoming Certification and Training Center offerings.

Programs through the center are hands-on and experiential, with instructors who are experienced leaders and passionate educators. Students will get the skills they need to be competent, responsible leaders long after their course ends.

This season’s certification courses include, among others:

  • Warden Skills Course

Every Monday, Jan 22 – May 7 from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

State of Maine Wardens Sgt Chris Simmons and Warden Tom McKenney will share a combined 40 years’ experience with participants of this course, designed to introduce future Warden Candidates to the activities and enforcement skills needed to become an effective Game Warden. Students will actively participate in various activities that Wardens around the country routinely work and interact with a variety of instructors that are passionate about their activities and experts in their fields.  A discussion of enforcement and patrol techniques will occur after each course activity.

FEE: $700 – SAVE 10% until December 25!

  • Wilderness First Aid

Saturday, Feb. 3 – Sunday, Feb. 4 from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Learn advanced skills to give care for potentially life-threatening emergencies when help from professional first responders may be far away. All WRFA students must have a current CPR card or will also include an Adult CPR/AED course on Saturday evening. All students that register for this course will be automatically enrolled in the CPR course.

FEE:  $150 (Includes course fees and books)

  • Wilderness First Responder

Thursday, March 22 – Friday, March 30 from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

A comprehensive and in-depth look at the standards and skills of dealing with Response and Assessment, Musculoskeletal Injuries, Environmental Emergencies and Survival Skills, Soft Tissue Injuries, and Medical Emergencies. All WFR students must have a current CPR card or will need to take an Adult CPR/AED course in an evening session. This course includes 72 – 80 hours in-class sessions, out of class reading, and a final exam.

FEE:  $650 (Includes course fees and books)

  • American Red Cross Dog and Cat First Aid

Feb. 20 from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. OR April 24 from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Learn how to respond to health emergencies and provide basic first aid for the four-legged members of your family. Practice and preparation will help you be calm and effective in an emergency, protecting you and your animal from further injury or suffering.

FEE:  $60 (Includes either a dog or cat first aid book and dvd)

Maine is our classroom. Courses are generally small at 6 – 30 participants. Depending on the type of course, all back-country trips will be a 1:6 ratio (staff: student). Our outdoor programs incorporate Leave No Trace ethics. Risk management and thoughtful planning are at the forefront of our courses, and we collaborate with State and National organizations to provide the best possible program. Programs can be tailored to fit the needs of the students, including one-on-one guidance and support.