About
Behavioral First Responder (BFR) is the definitive course in behavioral healthcare training for outdoor educators, camp counselors, guides, SAR team members, and others who work or play in the outdoors. The curriculum is comprehensive and practical, including all of the essential principles and skills required to assess and manage behavioral problems in Experiential Education. The online format makes the course convenient and flexible and allows you to earn your certification on your own time.
The online certification will take you about 30 hours. It includes modules and assessments on theories and techniques borrowed from social work, psychology, and counseling and will help you understand what is going on, beneath the surface, when your students have behavioral issues and how to best support them at that moment and beyond.
Course Format
This course covers the brand new material and can't be found anywhere else. It is designed for students and professionals who have busy schedules and want the flexibility to complete approximately 30 hours of coursework.
Enrollees will have access to the BFR certification information for three years from the completion of the certification. They are required to complete the assigned reading, case studies, study guide, online videos, and assessments for certification.
The BFR is broken down into several modules. Each module takes about ten to twenty minutes. Some modules include an assessment at the end, which you must pass with an 80% or higher to move on to the next module. The whole certification process usually takes people around 30 hours.
Textbooks
There are no required textbook for this certification. However, if you are interested in the curriculum in textbook form, you can purchase Behavior a
nd Group Management by Dr. Alan Ewert and Dr. Curt Davidson.
Certification
Successful completion with certification is based on 100% completion, an 80% or better on each assessment and a score of 80% or better on final exam. Alpenglow is committed to making reasonable accommodation to any student with special needs.
All eligible students who successfully complete the course will receive their certificate for completion of the Behavioral First Responder which remains valid for three years.
Recertification
Recertification can be earned at anytime during the three years following your course. Recertification involves competing an additional 12 hours of continuing education on the BFR website.
This recertification process is imperative because we'll introduce you to the latest research, tools, and techniques to continue your education in behavior management and mitigation.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for the BFR Certification.
Curriculum
The following are some curriculum topics included in the BFR Certification:
Strengths Based Approach
Ecological Systems Theory
De-escalation Techniques
Students with Suicidal Ideation
ADD/ADHD
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
And much more!
Who Should Enroll?
This certification is for any person wishing to learn more about behavior and group management. The curriculum is specifically designed for Experiential Educators who work in the fields of Outdoor and Adventure Education, Camp Counseling, Wilderness Therapy, or Adventure Therapy. It is important to note that this certification does not make you a therapist or counselor. It is merely designed to give you insight into what is happening on the individual level, and help ensure your student's emotional safety until you can recommend future helpful avenues to them.
Cost
The certification costs $249.00 and is valid for 3 years. After the 3 year certification period, you will need to come back to the website and complete an additional 12 hours to renew your certification.
