A cairn is a manmade pile of stones, often in a conical form. They may mark the summit of a mountain or a memorial. Placed at regular intervals, they indicate a path across barren terrain or climbing routes. The Jon Francis Foundation (JFF), like a cairn, provides knowledge and acts as a guide to others who find themselves unwilling travelers on an unfamiliar path.

Wilderness Safety Education (WSE)

Did you know…
That every day more and more people, many of them children, travel into the wilderness poorly prepared?  Many incidents of loss, injury and death could have been prevented had the person been better trained and better prepared. 

We are in the business of educating to save lives because there is an unmet public need and a national public health problem. There are no local, state or federal public education courses on backcountry safety and loss prevention. 

With the help of our community partners, JFF serves an at-risk population of backcountry enthusiasts (hikers, climbers, campers and hunters) who continue to go out into the wilderness inadequately informed and poorly prepared. 

Read more about our Wilderness Safety Classes.

1. The Father who never gave up. Kevin Giles, Star Tribune Jason Bird 13-Nov-2013
2. Road races will recall 'selfless service' of Jon Francis Jason Bird 11-Nov-2013
3. Minnetonka couple's dream canoe trip turns to nightmare Jason Bird 11-Nov-2013