Our Commitment to Safety, Respect, & Belonging


At the Wilderness Basics Course, we believe everyone belongs in nature.


We’re committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment for all participants—whether you’re in class, on the trail, or connecting with us online. Everyone—students, staff, and volunteers—deserves to feel supported and valued as they explore the outdoors.


This page outlines our Harassment Policy, how to report concerns, and our shared values in building a more equitable outdoor community.



What a Welcoming Community Means


A welcoming outdoor community is one where—

  • Everyone feels safe and respected

  • Differences in identity, ability, and background are honored

  • Barriers to access are recognized and actively addressed

  • Harmful behavior is not tolerated


We celebrate diversity in all its forms, including race, gender identity, sexuality, age, body size, ability, and economic background. We believe these values strengthen our connections to nature and to each other.



Understanding Harassment & Unacceptable Behavior


Per our harassment policy, the WBC strictly prohibits—

  • Sexual harassment, including unwanted touching, sexual comments, or advances

  • Verbal harassment, such as slurs, mocking accents, or stereotypes

  • Physical intimidation or threats

  • Cyberbullying, including harmful messages or images online

  • Discrimination or exclusion based on race, gender, ability, age, or any protected status

  • Retaliation against anyone who reports or witnesses harassment


We also recognize that some forms of harm are rooted in power, bias, and systemic exclusion. We commit to addressing both individual behaviors and broader patterns that make people feel unsafe or unwelcome.



Expectations for Everyone


We invite all WBC participants to—

  • Treat others with kindness, respect, and dignity

  • Avoid any behavior that could be interpreted as harassment or bullying

  • Be mindful of power dynamics, especially in outdoor or secluded settings

  • Listen without judgment when someone shares a concern

  • Help intervene and report inappropriate behavior when it’s safe to do so

  • Honor personal boundaries and create space for all to participate fully



How to Report Harassment or Safety Concerns


You do not have to confront the person who caused harm. We have systems in place to support you.


Three Ways to Report:

  1. Talk to a trusted staff member or outing leader during class or outings.

  2. Click here to report an incident using our anonymous reporting form (linked below) if you don’t feel safe speaking up directly.

  3. Contact the Teacher of Record, who serves as our trained survivor advocate.

All reports are handled confidentially, with respect for your privacy and safety.

Submit a Report Anonymously – “Say Something” System



What Happens After a Report is Made?


Our Incident Review Committee will review the report with care and sensitivity. This includes—

  • Listening to your wishes and respecting anonymity

  • Investigating the issue if needed

  • Taking appropriate action (e.g. follow-up conversations, removal from class, or referral to Sierra Club or Escondido Adult School leadership)

  • Notifying you of outcomes, within confidentiality limits


No one will face retaliation for speaking up. That’s our promise.



Zero Tolerance


WBC will not tolerate ongoing, severe, or dangerous behavior. This may result in one or more of the following:

  • Removal from outings or class

  • Dismissal from the course

  • Notification to Sierra Club, Escondido Adult School, or legal authorities when appropriate


Our focus is always on survivor safety, healing, and justice.



Culture of Belonging


Creating inclusive outdoor spaces takes all of us. We draw from the “Building Welcoming Outdoor Communities” framework:

  • Speak up when we see harm

  • Invite others to the outdoors across lines of difference

  • Respect personal identities, pronouns, and boundaries

  • Share gear, rides, and knowledge to reduce barriers

  • Acknowledge the historic exclusion of BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, disabled, and plus-sized hikers

  • Center safety and healing for those most impacted by systemic inequities



We’re in This Together


At WBC, we believe accountability is part of care. We’re grateful to everyone—staff, students, volunteers—who shows up with compassion and courage to help build a course where everyone can thrive.


Let’s protect the wild places of the earth and the dignity of everyone who explores them.