WILD Institute, Inc.

WILD Institute, Inc. Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from WILD Institute, Inc., Nonprofit Organization, 120 Kingfisher Road, Minden, WV.

W.I.L.D.'s mission is to provide opportunities for outdoor professionals and first responders to learn the necessary skills to help them progress with technical, medical, and educational courses and training in their respective fields.

We are very excited to share that the one and only one-named wonder Foster will be presenting on her cancer research at ...
09/02/2026

We are very excited to share that the one and only one-named wonder Foster will be presenting on her cancer research at our 2026 Women of Rescue Conference!

Foster was part of our very first Conference and has been a big part of our annual Female Firefighter Camps. She is the ultimate hype woman, an enthusiastic helper, and an all-around phenomenal woman. She works extensively to serve her community, volunteering as a firefighter, paramedic, and a board member on both the Green Valley Vol. Fire Department and West Virginians for Affordable Healthcare. She also volunteers on the WVU Firefighter Cancer Coalition.

Foster is a dedicated public service professional, helping not only guide individuals, communities, and businesses into the future but also preparing them to overcome adversity. Ten years as a fire service professional has taught her some things but she continues to yearn for more knowledge and experience. Be sure to congratulate her on her recently received Instructor certificate! We cannot wait to have her teach for us more!

She will be presenting on cancer prevention research from her University of Miami Training in Occupational Research on Cancer via Heterogenous Epidemiology Skills (TORCHES) Firefighter Cancer Prevention Fellowship. With this work, Foster aims to expand ways in which female firefighters can serve and be well.

08/31/2026

Women support women and we spent the last weekend in Virginia at the Women of Fire and EMS Professional Development Conference. It was great to build relationships with other women first responders and others also working on increasing availability of hands-on trainings and professional development opportunities.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1DXnGxGtXJ/

This is what Swiftwater Rescue training looks like before it becomes experience. 🌊A little instruction under the trees.A...
08/24/2026

This is what Swiftwater Rescue training looks like before it becomes experience. 🌊

A little instruction under the trees.
A lot of questions.
Hands-on practice.
Time in the current.

And eventually, a whole group standing in the river with a few more skills than they showed up with. 💜

These photos are from our last SWR course.

Next stops: California + West Virginia.

September 14–15: WWoW returns to the American River in Coloma, California with American Whitewater Expeditions.

September 15–16: We head to the New & Gauley Rivers in West Virginia with WILD Institute, Inc. and ACE Adventure Resort.

Earlier this week, we mentioned Laura Arrington and her work the 2nd Annual Women of Fire & EMS Professional Development...
08/13/2026

Earlier this week, we mentioned Laura Arrington and her work the 2nd Annual Women of Fire & EMS Professional Development Conference. We are very excited to share that she is one of our speakers for the 2026 Women of Rescue Conference!

Laura Arrington began her fire service career in 2004 as a 16-year-old cadet, beginning a journey that has now spanned 22 years of fire service experience across municipal, volunteer, contract, military, and federal fire service.

Her career has taken her from working for the City of St. Robert, Missouri, and volunteering with the Waynesville Rural Fire Protection District, to serving as a contract firefighter at locations including Wake Island and Morón Air Base, Spain. Today, she serves as a Battalion Chief of Training with Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Fire & Emergency Services, where she focuses on training, professional development, leadership, and organizational readiness.

A licensed Paramedic with a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration, Laura is passionate about developing people and creating opportunities for the next generation of firefighters and leaders. She strongly supports and participates in Girls Firefighter Camps, helping young women discover the fire service, build confidence, and envision themselves in roles they may not have previously considered possible. She is also currently working toward establishing a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping young people find direction, identify their strengths, and discover career pathways in the fire service, EMS, military, and law enforcement. She also serves as President of the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association Women’s Fire & EMS Section and remains actively involved in fire and EMS education and professional development.

Laura’s career has taught her that leadership is about more than earning a title or waiting for an opportunity. It is about creating opportunities, building relationships, claiming your place, and making sure there is room for the person coming behind you.

Exited to share the 2nd Annual Women of Fire & EMS Professional Development Conference! One of the driving women behind ...
08/11/2026

Exited to share the 2nd Annual Women of Fire & EMS Professional Development Conference! One of the driving women behind this effort, Laura Arrington, was one of our instructors for our Female Firefighter Camp this year.

Our Women of Rescue work in our Camp and Conference is all about women supporting women! We are excited to see the work of VFCA Women of Fire, and we will be in attendance at their conference in Virginia. Hope to see you there!

Want to register? https://bit.ly/4pH7Kri

This past week, I had the pleasure of presenting on our Women of Rescue Conference at the annual West Virginia State Fir...
08/10/2026

This past week, I had the pleasure of presenting on our Women of Rescue Conference at the annual West Virginia State Firemen's Association Convention. The WVSFA has been a strong supporter of our Conference since our very first year. Last year I was blown away by their passionate encouragement in discussing the event. I enjoy sharing our progress so they can see the impact of partnerships like this.

This year I shared that we had 60% growth in attendance from year one to year two of the Conference! We are hoping for similar growth this year - we have a conference room to fill!

Make sure your department is a member of the Association and send people to this annual meeting of the minds. The Convention brings together some of the most engaged, compassionate, and intelligent firefighters in our state. It is a great place to hear about policy updates, legislative changes, and trainings and other opportunities throughout the state.

Save the date for next year - August 10-14, hosted by McMechen Vol. Fire Department

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120 Kingfisher Road
Minden, WV
25879

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