Jim Ratz (1952-2005) was a passionate mountaineer, father, and husband dedicated to outdoor education and the preservation of wilderness. As NOLS Executive Director (1984-1995), Jim was instrumental in the creation and vision of the inaugural Wilderness Risk Management Conference. The WRMC has since gone on to educate thousands and raise standards of practice across outdoor and wilderness education.
WRMC Legacy Partners sponsor an annual scholarship in Jim's name, and are always looking for other generous organizations and individuals to support this program. There are many inspiring organizations and passionate people in our industry who need financial support to attend a conference like the WRMC. Consider donating to the scholarship fund today. Here's how:
A scholarship for one attendee is $645, though any amount is appreciated. As a thank you for donating at least one scholarship, we will recognize you as a supporter in the printed conference program. Curious about what people get out of this scholarship? Read letters of gratitude from a few of the 2019 Jim Ratz Memorial Scholarship recipients.
Recipients of a Jim Ratz Memorial Scholarship are awarded one Regular Registration to the WRMC, which includes access to conference workshops, events, and the Keynote dinner. All recipients are responsible for their own travel and lodging expenses.
These scholarships are awarded to current instructors or practitioners of adventure education or adventure program administrators or directors. Employees of WRMC Legacy Partners organizations (NOLS, OB, and SCA) are not eligible for Jim Ratz Memorial Scholarships. Applications are due by July 3, 2020.
The WRMC Exhibit Hall welcomes a variety of companies and organizations, from large outdoor brands to local nonprofits to organizations serving communities traditionally underrepresented in the outdoors. Are you interested in exhibiting at the WRMC but need financial assistance? Consider applying for an Exhibitor Scholarship.
Recipients of an Exhibitor Scholarship are awarded one booth in the exhibitor hall; the organization's logo and description in the conference program; and two registrations for access to conference workshops, events, and the Keynote dinner. All recipients are responsible for their own travel and lodging expenses.
Any outdoor-focused company or organization wanting to exhibit at the WRMC and in need of financial assistance to do so may apply for an Exhibitor Scholarship. There is a very limited number of scholarships available and preference is given to local nonprofits and/or organizations serving communities traditionally underrepresented in the outdoors. Applications are due by July 3, 2020.
"One of my favorite sessions from the conference was “Walking Towards the Storm: Lessons from a Crisis” with Jonathan Igoe.
During this session, I started to feel connected to the WRMC community; it was clear to me that this community is one that supports each other, collaborates with one another, and is always pushing to grow and be better, together.
I am so grateful to be part of the WRMC community, the lessons I learned from this conference will help me grow my knowledge and skills, and will help me to make more informed decisions down the road."
