Our Training and Education Program was born out of necessity. The Purple Heart recipients we serve each face unique physical and emotional challenges stemming from their wartime experiences and the wounds they sustained in combat. Early on, as the Foundation continued to grow, it became clear that we needed to build a dedicated team of skilled professionals who could coach, teach, mentor and guide the Heroes we serve to maximize participation, success, and satisfaction. Thus was born our Training and Education Program which now consists of WWIA Guide School, Adaptive Sports Training and Safety Symposium, and our Leadership Development Program.
WWIA Guide School
The WWIA Guide School is the world’s first multidisciplinary adaptive sporting guide program created exclusively for Purple Heart recipients. Made possible in part by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Adaptive Sports Program. This unique 8-day course provides specialized training in adaptive hunting and fishing techniques while reinforcing the fundamentals and best practices for sportsmen.
Led by some of the nation’s most accomplished outdoor recreation instructors—each an expert in their field—our program leverages Maine’s Master Guide School which is widely recognized as the gold standard in outdoor guide training.
Participants receive hands-on instruction across a comprehensive range of core disciplines, including:
- Dangerous game animals
- Large and small game animals
- Upland bird
- Turkey hunting
- Waterfowl hunting
- Freshwater and saltwater fishing techniques
- Firearm safety and handling
- Land navigation
- Advanced knot tying
- Archery and use of crossbows
- Handling, processing, and preparing fish and wild game
- Tree stand safety
- Benefits of recreational therapy
- Guide responsibilities and etiquette
- Effective communication
- Emergency procedures and protocols
- CPR and basic first aid
Together, these skills provide a strong foundation for safe, effective, and confident leadership in the field.
Guide School candidates are Purple Heart recipients who have been identified and nominated by our existing cadre of Guides. These select veterans demonstrate leadership potential, a passion to help their fellow combat-wounded Veterans, and a strong desire to advance the WWIA mission.
Adaptive Sports Training and Safety Symposium
Our Adaptive Sports Training and Safety Symposium is a six-day course which refines best practices regarding the safe conduct of our adaptive sports program. This bi-annual course complements the Guide School curriculum and is a requirement for all WWIA certified Guides.
At WWIA, nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of the Purple Heart Veterans we serve. Ongoing education and training ensure that every participant in a WWIA event can engage confidently and safely in all activities.
Because many of our events involve the use of firearms, crossbows, tree stands, boats, and other specialized equipment, it is essential that our Guides maintain the highest standards of safety and professionalism. This symposium provides in-depth instruction and hands-on learning in the most current safety methods, ensuring that all WWIA events are conducted responsibly and effectively.
Participants also have the opportunity to renew First Aid and CPR certifications and review updated emergency response and preparedness protocols, reinforcing WWIA’s commitment to safety, excellence, and the continued wellbeing of the Heroes we serve.
Leadership Development Program
The Leadership Development Program is designed to identify, train, and develop key leaders within WWIA. Few have the opportunity to fully understand the inner workings of the organization—how events are planned, resources are managed, and operations are developed. This program bridges that gap by providing personalized leadership development experiences led directly by WWIA’s Founder and CEO.
Participants will gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to plan, resource, and execute complex WWIA events and activities, as well as manage the day-to-day functions that keep the organization thriving.
At the conclusion of the Leadership Development Program, participants will have developed a broader perspective, enhanced leadership skills, and a clearer understanding of organization’s structure, inner-workings, and vision for the future.
