2025 Pre-Con: BEHAVIORAL FIRST RESPONDER LEVEL 1

Mental and behavioral health challenges are becoming increasingly common in outdoor and experiential education settings. The Behavioral First Responder (BFR) Level 1 certification course is designed to meet this moment. This immersive, skills-based training equips outdoor leaders, educators, and field staff with the tools they need to effectively navigate behavioral episodes, de-escalate tense situations, and support participant well-being in real-time.

Throughout the day, participants will explore topics such as anxiety and panic response, grounding techniques, crisis communication, and trauma-informed care—all contextualized for the outdoor environment. The course draws on evidence-based approaches from counseling, psychology, and experiential education, and includes hands-on simulations and scenario-based learning.

No prior mental health training is required, but attendees should have some experience leading or supervising groups in outdoor or experiential settings. This course is ideal for trip leaders, field instructors, camp administrators, and program managers who want to foster safer, more inclusive environments for their staff and participants.

Content Warning: This course includes discussion of mental health topics such as anxiety, panic attacks, and behavioral crisis. Scenarios may reference sensitive experiences in the field. While all content is delivered with care and professionalism, we recognize this material may be activating for some participants. Emotional support resources will be available throughout the session.

Participants will leave with a certification, practical tools, and greater confidence in their ability to lead with compassion and competence.

Dr. Curt Davidson is an experiential educator, researcher, and founder of Alpenglow Education, a mission-driven organization that provides mental and behavioral health training for outdoor professionals. Through Alpenglow’s flagship program, the Behavioral First Responder (BFR) certification, Curt has equipped thousands of field staff, university partners, and camp leaders with the tools to navigate behavioral challenges with confidence, empathy, and clarity.

With a background in outdoor leadership, Curt brings decades of hands-on experience into the classroom and field. His work focuses on the intersection of mental health, experiential learning, and nature’s healing power. He believes outdoor professionals play a critical role in supporting the well-being of participants and that with the right training, they can become first responders for emotional and behavioral health.

Curt also teaches at Utah State University, where he directs the Sustainable Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Lab (SORTL). His recent research explores climate emotions in recreation, resilience development in youth, and how outdoor programs can respond to changing social and ecological conditions.