Preventing Harassment and Abuse in Outdoor Communities - Online Classroom

This session zooms out to look at the behavioral science of abuse and harm, with a focus on how patterns of inappropriate behavior, coercion, and misuse of power develop and become normalized over time in outdoor communities. The goal is to help people recognize these patterns earlier and feel more empowered to intervene before harm escalates.

We cover how abuse often starts subtly, how power and access play a role, and how group culture and silence allow harmful behavior to continue. We also look at the behavioral science of why communities protect harm, including loyalty, status, fear of conflict, and the desire to keep things comfortable or fun.

Participants practice identifying early warning signs and responding in ways that interrupt patterns of harm. Through role play, they practice naming concerns, checking in with others, and addressing behavior directly or indirectly. There is explicit space to practice having uncomfortable conversations and to reflect on what makes intervention feel risky in real life.

This session helps people build both the awareness and the skills to speak up earlier, not just in crisis moments, and to contribute to safer, more accountable outdoor communities.

Presenter 

Kallie Kurtz is a Behavioral Health Clinician specializing in trauma, ADHD, and crisis response in emergency departments, individual therapy, and public health policy. An avid whitewater kayaker and mountain enthusiast, she has been exploring the outdoors for over 30 years. Bringing together her passions for the outdoors, wilderness medicine, and behavioral health, she has been working to ensure Backcountry Behavioral Health is fully incorporated into wilderness medicine and outdoor adventure fields. A Wilderness First Responder since 2009, she spent nearly a decade instructing and guiding outdoor expeditions, where she witnessed firsthand the profound connection between mental health, risk, and resilience in remote environments. With expertise in trauma, PTSD recovery, and resilience building, Kallie equips outdoor enthusiasts to understand behavioral health, navigate high-stress incidents and foster post-traumatic growth in wilderness settings.

Lead Photo by Luke Hollister

Presenter Photo Courtesy of Kallie Kurtz