Northwest School of Survival
International Training Programs
(NWSOS-ITP, Inc.)
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Policies and Preliminary Registration Information for Public Programs Only
(for Corp/Mil/Gov't Agency Policy & Registration Info please call or email us for details)
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Northwest School of Survival – International Training Programs, Inc. has been setting the safety standards for outdoor recreation since 1983. We train corporate, military, law enforcement and other government agencies, guides, instructors, and safety personnel nationwide, as well as the general public. You can book private training for yourself or for your own group year-round. Private training, open to your party only, is our most-often-preferred method of training. No group is too large or too small for us. Keep in mind that we can customize events to meet your needs and provide this training almost anywhere you desire. However, we also offer pre-designed programs for the general public on an open enrollment basis, where our guide to client ratio is 1:6 per event, unless otherwise noted. Register for training as soon as possible, as our programs often fill months in advance.
The following courses and dates are our Adventure Training Programs for the general public. For all corporate, military, law enforcement, and other state and federal agency programs we offer nationally, please call for details. |
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| I. A Note About Liability Insurance |
| NWSOS-ITP is fully insured for all operations. This note is to inform you that since the terrorist attacks on the United States, the insurance industry has taken a huge hit, and virtually every policy underwritten since then has been affected by those incidents. While insurance rates were on the increase prior to that time, there hasn't been an entity unaffected by this dilemma. In the outdoor recreation industry alone, rates have more than doubled in the last 3 years. And while NWSOS-ITP maintains one of the best safety records in the industry, our liability insurance coverage costs literally thousands of dollars every year. Unfortunately, high insurance rates for this industry is one key factor that fuels the price for training. |
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II. Training Overview |
1. Register for courses and dates we advertise: these are scheduled year-round and are referred to as our "open-enrollment" courses, where you will team up with others from around the U.S. – see below.
Note: When registering for Mountain Climbs on dates we advertise (open enrollment), you will be scheduled with others from around the country. That is why you are getting a “group rate” on the price. We will make every effort to combine you with clients of similar experience/fitness levels. However, realize that our policy, for safety reasons, is that if a person becomes ill, and/or your guide determines that this person(s) cannot proceed further on the climb, then the entire group must turn around. We do not send anyone down the mountain, or up the mountain, without a guide. So, that being said, you always have a greater chance of reaching the summit if you book your own private individual or group event. While it does cost more, it may be worthwhile for you. Refer to our “Design Your Own Program” info for pricing.
2. Choose your format from our Open Enrollment Programs: from indoor seminars, to 1-3 day series of courses in each specialty, or 5-8 day comprehensive programs. Many scheduled programs can also be taken back to back, for those who can train longer during one trip.
3. Book your own private events: Confidential and private instruction/events may be booked anytime, anywhere, for all specialties year-round for yourself, for you and your family and friends, or for your corporate, military, or government agency team. These events can be custom-made to meet your exact training needs. Call (503) 668-8264 for details, or email us at info@nwsos.com to discuss your options.
4. Customize and Design Your Own Program: This is becoming the most popular form of training, as it allows you, the client(s), as a private individual or group, to build only the knowledge and skill into the training that you desire. There are prescribed amounts of time slotted for each knowledge and skill set. You simply choose from a list we provide you as you book your training, exactly what you want to learn. These elements of training determine the duration of your course. It could be as short as 2 hours, or as long as 2 months! But you get to determine all the variables…even the location of the training. For example, you may want desert survival training, adaptable to one of the North American Desert Regions: Great Basin, Mojave, Sonoran, or Chihuahuan Deserts . Many desert environments worldwide reflect what you could learn here in America . You cannot get any more custom that this: You choose the exact training dates, location and content. It's that simple. No need to learn anything you don't have to know…or spend time in a course where you possibly know most of what is offered. Simply request information for this Customizable Training, and we will be glad to send it out to you. Once you review the information, we will continue to design your training by phone…and assist you in setting up exactly what you need and want.
5. We can design and bring training to you – anytime, anywhere in the world.
6. Our “base of operations:” the Mt Hood, Oregon area, yet we operate nationally & internationally.
7. Misc. details: A ll indoor training, pre-trip meetings, rentals, and retail sales take place as indicated in paperwork that will be sent to you upon receipt of your registration info – unless stated otherwise. |
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III. Registration and Payment Procedure Checklist |
1. Apply early, as open-enrollment courses (and private events) often book months in advance.
2. Complete the Preliminary Registration form for your desired event(s) and dates.
3. Mail it to: NWSOS-ITP, Inc.; 2870 NE Hogan Rd, E -461, Gresham , OR 97030 .
4. Include your 50% nonrefundable deposit (or full payment-see below) for each course/event.
5. Or you can call us at (503) 668-8264 to register over the phone with your Visa/MasterCard/American Express. You can then fax or mail your registration information.
6. Carefully read the following information before registering for training. |
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IV. Additional Registration and Payment Information |
- We accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express, checks and cash.
- You are considered definitely registered for an event only after we receive a) your 50% nonrefundable deposit, or nonrefundable full payment for that event (refer to "Refunds and Cancellations" below), and b) your Preliminary Registration Form.
- The balance for each event is due 30 days prior to the first date of that event.
- You must pay in full if you are registering within 30 days of an event. The entire amount is nonrefundable since we turn away other clients after you register.
- Payment plans are possible for those who need them. These are handled on a case by case basis. Simply call for details.
- After receipt of your Preliminary Registration and nonrefundable deposit/payment, we will send you a “Required Equipment List,” a “Rental Equipment List,” a Waiver (fill out and return), and other pertinent information regarding your event within 14 business days. If your course is within two weeks of registration, we will send you information within 48-72 hours, unless specified otherwise.
- Your safety is our top priority during all events. Since the weather is unpredictable, NWSOS-ITP requires specific clothing and equipment. Carefully review and bring all the items on the equipment list we send to you. If you fail to do this, you will not be allowed to participate and you will forfeit your entire course fees.
- If you need rentals or equipment for any event, please make your reservations early in the process to ensure we have it available for you upon your arrival.
- Due to inflation and operational costs, prices are subject to change without notice.
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V. Refunds and Cancellations |
1. If NWSOS-ITP cancels an event for which you have paid, due to low enrollment or instructor illness, you have two options. You can: 1) Reschedule your training to a mutually agreed date between yourself and NWSOS-ITP. Note - once you agree to a rescheduled date(s), either in writing or over the phone, all fees are subject to the following stipulations, and apply only to the new date(s); or you can 2) Receive a full refund of all fees paid.
2. If you cancel your participation in an event, for any reason, within 30 days of your scheduled event(s), no refund or credit for any amount will be given.
3. If you cancel your participation in an event, for any reason, within 31 days or more in advance of your scheduled event(s), you will be issued a credit (not a refund) for the amount paid minus a $100.00 registration fee. You may apply that the remaining credit to the same type of event for a period of 12 months from the date we receive your cancellation request in our office. You must cancel in writing, by letter or fax, as stated above. Otherwise, no credit will be given. Your credit will be honored on a space availability basis for the new date(s) you choose.
4. For all courses, travel insurance is highly recommended on all trips (inquire with your travel agent), due to potential changes in itineraries or severe weather that could preclude an event. It costs a bit more, but is worth it when needed. NWSOS-ITP is not responsible for fare changes, nor any other travel-related costs (meals, lodging, rentals, airfare, car rentals, etc) if a course is postponed or cancelled due to unforeseen or unpredictable circumstances.
5. Once a course/event has begun, i f the weather prohibits the continuation of an event, which rarely happens, no refunds or credits will be given.
6. If you are unfit or are unable to complete an event for which you have registered, for any reason, no refunds or credits will be given.
7. NWSOS-ITP refunds do not include food, lodging, transportation, equipment rentals or purchases you may have secured for your scheduled event. We recommend you check into travel insurance for these additional expenses (for air travel, etc), as the weather could cancel an event…and your trip could postpone or cancel. |
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VI. Certifications |
NWSOS-ITP has been instrumental in developing and implementing national standards for training in many specialties for the past 20 years . Not everyone who trains with us needs nor desires certification. For those we say, “come and join us and plan on lots of skill and learning, along with loads of fun.” However, for those that are more serious about their training, and need to build a resume with important credentials, we provide testing and certification in all courses of instruction, including: 1) General Course Certifications – for example: Comprehensive Wilderness Survival; 2) Instructor/ Guide Certifications for varied applications (Mountain, Desert, Rock, Survival, Navigation, etc). Certifications cover Basic to Advanced Levels of Training, Instruction and Trainer Certification. For example, you can certify all the way up to “Master Level Instructor” levels in all specialties.
Varying elements of certification are open to the general public, search and rescue teams, corporate safety managers and their colleagues, along with their rank-and-file employees, all branches of the U. S. Military and critical Special Ops teams, the CIA, the Secret Service, the FBI, the US Marshall's, and other federal and state law enforcement agencies. Other entities include other government agencies who have employees that work in the field, including the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, and many others.
Please contact us directly for details about all Certification testing well in advance of your desire to certify. Each certifying program is different and may be important to you and your future endeavors. They can boost your confidence in your own abilities as you “prove your salt,” or provide credentials you need for your resume or employment. They can even reduce your insurance premiums if you currently instruct/guide, or desire to do so in the future, and need to seek your own liability insurance. Each Certification Program is different than the others. We will be glad to send you information on these, each of which carries additional credentials vital to those who teach, work and recreate in the following and related specialties. |
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VII. Discounts and Scholarships Available |
| Discounts |
Two ways to save:
• Register for at least 2 two-day programs – and you will receive a 10% discount on each course after the initial course for which you register. For example, you sign up for 3 two-day courses - pay the listed rate for the first course, and then receive a 10% discount on each additional course for which you register. You only need to pay your nonrefundable deposit on each of the three courses at the same time to guarantee these discounts.
• Referrals - we like to honor those who bring us other business. So, if you register other attendees for the same course as yourself (as stated above), you will save an additional 5% for your course(s) for each additional person you register.
Note: If NWSOS-ITP needs to travel to provide the training (for your own event you book), then a minimum number for training will be specified, along with possible additional costs for expenses, set-up, and other related fees.
Note: Search and Rescue (& related organizations) group discounts are available. Proof of affiliation is required. Call for details. |
| Scholarships |
Partial scholarships (not loans) are available for some programs. We recognize that some people may not be able to afford the entire cost of training. At times, there are monies set aside to assist those in paying for their program needs. Proof of income is required to determine whether or not you may qualify for financial assistance. Feel free to call for details. |
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VIII. Age Requirements |
For most scheduled courses, registrants must be at least 14 years of age unless accompanied by a paid adult and/or with prior approval from NWSOS-ITP – unless otherwise noted in a course/event description. |
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IX. Provided Equipment and Rental Gear |
To make event preparations easy for our clients, we provide most of the gear for all programs. However, all items must be reserved ahead of time. All registrants will receive a list of required equipment, including what we will provide, along with a list of clothing and equipment requirements. Guided Mt Hood Climbs will include the following rental gear, at no charge, if you should need them: Day Pack, Ice Axe, Helmet, Sit Harness, Caribiner(s), Rope, Head Lamp with Extra Batteries, Gaiters, Climbing Boots, and Crampons. Snowcat Fees for your climb are also included in the price, when 4 or more people register for the same date(s). |
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X. Gift Certificates |
These are available for all events.
You choose the price range and type of event.
The recipient can choose the dates.
Order in person, over the phone, or by email.
All gift certificates must be paid for in full at the time of purchase.
These purchases are nonrefundable, but are transferable.
The certificates are usable only for the listed specialty requested. |
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XI. How to Contact Us |
Phone: Oregon (503) 668-8264.
Email: info@nwsos.com
One of our staff is usually available Monday-Friday. Due to our busy training and travel schedule, we are often out of the office…so please be prepared to leave a message when you call, and we will get back to you as soon as we return. Your understanding is very much appreciated.
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XII. Transportation, Lodging & Meals |
Transportation
For Oregon training, professional shuttle services are available for hire from Portland Int'l Airport (PDX) to recommended lodging prior to training. And of course, all major car rental agencies serve PDX. For other training locations around the country, lodging and airport details will be sent to you upon registration. Youth Programs can include shuttle service from the airport, whereas adult programs require each registrant to provide his/her own transportation to and from the field sites. Some exceptions are possible – you will receive details once you register.
Lodging and Meals
Recommended hotels in the area will be provided for you once you register, should you need them prior to, during or following your training. If specific food-types will be necessary for the course(s) for which you register, this will be detailed in the information sent to you once you register.
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XIV. Special Use Permits |
N WSOS-ITP is fully licensed and insured and operates under special use permits issued by Mt. Hood National Forest .
W e would also like to thank: Gifford-Pinchot National Forest, Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, Boise National Forest, Custer National Forest, Santa Fe National Forest, George Washington National Forest, Flathead National Forest, Bighorn National Forest, White River National Forest, Kaibab National Forest, Tonto National Forest, Sand Ridge State Forest, Smith Rocks State Park, Horsethief Butte State Park, Buffalo River State Park, and the Bureau of Land Management. |
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