Become a WGA member outdoor organization

Become a WGA Approved Organization

What is a WGA Approved Organization?

A WGA Approved Organization is an outdoor organization that operates within the professional framework of the Wilderness Guides Association (WGA) and actively supports high standards in wilderness guiding, safety, leadership and ethical conduct.

Approved Organizations provide a professional operational environment in which WGA-certified guides can work, gain experience and support the development of future wilderness guides through field practice and stage placements.

Recognition as a WGA Approved Organization signals alignment with the WGA mission, Code of Ethics and standards framework, and demonstrates a commitment to responsible and professional wilderness operations.

Relationship between Training Institutes and Approved Organizations

All WGA Approved Training Institutes automatically hold the status of WGA Approved Organization.

This reflects the fact that Training Institutes operate not only as educational entities, but also as professional field organizations that meet the operational, ethical and organizational requirements of the WGA framework.

Organizations that are not Training Institutes may apply separately to become a WGA Approved Organization, provided they meet the requirements outlined below.

Who is this membership for?

  • Outdoor organizations offering guided wilderness trips, expeditions or outdoor programs
  • Organizations employing or contracting professional wilderness guides
  • Companies providing a field-based environment suitable for guide development and assessment
  • Organizations wishing to formally align with the WGA professional framework

Requirements for WGA Approved Organizations

To qualify as a WGA Approved Organization, the following minimum requirements apply:

Guide competence and staffing

  • A minimum of one active WGA Wilderness Guide Level 1 must be working within the organization.
    This is required to support and host Level 1 stage placements.
  • For organizations facilitating Level 2 stage placements, a minimum of one active WGA Wilderness Guide Level 2 must be employed or contracted.
  • The Level 2 guide must be specialized and operationally active in the relevant ecoregion for which the stage is offered.

Operational alignment

  • Activities must be consistent with WGA standards and ethical principles
  • The organization must operate within applicable legal and regulatory frameworks
  • Safety, risk management and professional conduct must be demonstrable in practice

What this membership includes

  • Official recognition as a WGA Approved Organization
  • A dedicated listing on the WGA website, including:
    • An organization profile page
    • Links to the organization’s website
    • Links to social media channels (e.g. Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook)
  • Permission to use the WGA Approved Organization logo on the organization’s website and communication materials, in accordance with WGA brand guidelines
  • Connection to the WGA professional network
  • Alignment with the WGA standards and ecoregion framework

What this membership does not include

  • Authorization to issue WGA certifications (unless approved as a Training Institute)
  • Automatic approval for hosting stages without meeting the stated requirements

How to apply as a WGA Approved Organization

  1. Complete the online application form below
  2. Your application will be reviewed by the WGA Applications Team
  3. If approved, you will receive a payment request for the organization membership fee
  4. Upon payment, your membership becomes active and your organization will be listed on the WGA website

WGA Approved Organization application form

Please complete the form carefully and provide accurate organizational information. Incomplete or unclear submissions may delay the review process.