﻿<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<Return returnVersion="2023v6.0" xmlns="http://www.irs.gov/efile" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <ReturnHeader binaryAttachmentCnt="0">
    <ReturnTs>2025-08-15T19:11:28-07:00</ReturnTs>
    <TaxPeriodEndDt>2024-09-30</TaxPeriodEndDt>
    <ReturnTypeCd>990EZ</ReturnTypeCd>
    <TaxPeriodBeginDt>2023-10-01</TaxPeriodBeginDt>
    <Filer>
      <EIN>953993869</EIN>
      <BusinessName>
        <BusinessNameLine1Txt>WILDERNESS INSTITUTE</BusinessNameLine1Txt>
      </BusinessName>
      <BusinessNameControlTxt>WILD</BusinessNameControlTxt>
      <PhoneNum>5056991695</PhoneNum>
      <USAddress>
        <AddressLine1Txt>4604 Date Ave</AddressLine1Txt>
        <CityNm>La Mesa</CityNm>
        <StateAbbreviationCd>CA</StateAbbreviationCd>
        <ZIPCd>91941</ZIPCd>
      </USAddress>
    </Filer>
    <BusinessOfficerGrp>
      <PersonNm>Brad Childs</PersonNm>
      <PersonTitleTxt>Executive Director</PersonTitleTxt>
      <PhoneNum>5056991695</PhoneNum>
      <SignatureDt>2025-01-24</SignatureDt>
    </BusinessOfficerGrp>
    <IRSResponsiblePrtyInfoCurrInd>1</IRSResponsiblePrtyInfoCurrInd>
    <TaxYr>2023</TaxYr>
    <BuildTS>2025-03-06 01:10:19Z</BuildTS>
  </ReturnHeader>
  <ReturnData documentCnt="4">
    <IRS990EZ documentId="R000001" referenceDocumentId="R000003 R000004" softwareId="23018249" softwareVersionNum="v1.00">
      <MethodOfAccountingCashInd>X</MethodOfAccountingCashInd>
      <ScheduleBNotRequiredInd>X</ScheduleBNotRequiredInd>
      <WebsiteAddressTxt>www.wildernessinstitute.com</WebsiteAddressTxt>
      <Organization501c3Ind referenceDocumentId="R000002">X</Organization501c3Ind>
      <TypeOfOrganizationCorpInd>X</TypeOfOrganizationCorpInd>
      <GrossReceiptsAmt>78812</GrossReceiptsAmt>
      <InfoInScheduleOPartIInd>X</InfoInScheduleOPartIInd>
      <ContributionsGiftsGrantsEtcAmt>1271</ContributionsGiftsGrantsEtcAmt>
      <ProgramServiceRevenueAmt>77539</ProgramServiceRevenueAmt>
      <MembershipDuesAmt>0</MembershipDuesAmt>
      <InvestmentIncomeAmt>2</InvestmentIncomeAmt>
      <SaleOfAssetsGrossAmt>0</SaleOfAssetsGrossAmt>
      <CostOrOtherBasisExpenseSaleAmt>0</CostOrOtherBasisExpenseSaleAmt>
      <GainOrLossFromSaleOfAssetsAmt>0</GainOrLossFromSaleOfAssetsAmt>
      <GamingGrossIncomeAmt>0</GamingGrossIncomeAmt>
      <FundraisingGrossIncomeAmt fndrsngEventContriPrevRptAmt="0">0</FundraisingGrossIncomeAmt>
      <SpecialEventsDirectExpensesAmt>0</SpecialEventsDirectExpensesAmt>
      <SpecialEventsNetIncomeLossAmt>0</SpecialEventsNetIncomeLossAmt>
      <GrossSalesOfInventoryAmt>0</GrossSalesOfInventoryAmt>
      <CostOfGoodsSoldAmt>0</CostOfGoodsSoldAmt>
      <GrossProfitLossSlsOfInvntryAmt>0</GrossProfitLossSlsOfInvntryAmt>
      <OtherRevenueTotalAmt>0</OtherRevenueTotalAmt>
      <TotalRevenueAmt>78812</TotalRevenueAmt>
      <GrantsAndSimilarAmountsPaidAmt>0</GrantsAndSimilarAmountsPaidAmt>
      <BenefitsPaidToOrForMembersAmt>0</BenefitsPaidToOrForMembersAmt>
      <SalariesOtherCompEmplBnftAmt>0</SalariesOtherCompEmplBnftAmt>
      <FeesAndOtherPymtToIndCntrctAmt>14590</FeesAndOtherPymtToIndCntrctAmt>
      <OccupancyRentUtltsAndMaintAmt>1942</OccupancyRentUtltsAndMaintAmt>
      <PrintingPublicationsPostageAmt>100</PrintingPublicationsPostageAmt>
      <OtherExpensesTotalAmt>31887</OtherExpensesTotalAmt>
      <TotalExpensesAmt>48519</TotalExpensesAmt>
      <ExcessOrDeficitForYearAmt>30293</ExcessOrDeficitForYearAmt>
      <NetAssetsOrFundBalancesBOYAmt>43386</NetAssetsOrFundBalancesBOYAmt>
      <OtherChangesInNetAssetsAmt>0</OtherChangesInNetAssetsAmt>
      <NetAssetsOrFundBalancesEOYAmt>73679</NetAssetsOrFundBalancesEOYAmt>
      <InfoInScheduleOPartIIInd>X</InfoInScheduleOPartIIInd>
      <CashSavingsAndInvestmentsGrp>
        <BOYAmt>67586</BOYAmt>
        <EOYAmt>97574</EOYAmt>
      </CashSavingsAndInvestmentsGrp>
      <LandAndBuildingsGrp>
        <BOYAmt>0</BOYAmt>
        <EOYAmt>0</EOYAmt>
      </LandAndBuildingsGrp>
      <OtherAssetsTotalDetail>
        <BOYAmt>0</BOYAmt>
        <EOYAmt>0</EOYAmt>
      </OtherAssetsTotalDetail>
      <Form990TotalAssetsGrp>
        <BOYAmt>67586</BOYAmt>
        <EOYAmt>97574</EOYAmt>
      </Form990TotalAssetsGrp>
      <SumOfTotalLiabilitiesGrp>
        <BOYAmt>24200</BOYAmt>
        <EOYAmt>23895</EOYAmt>
      </SumOfTotalLiabilitiesGrp>
      <NetAssetsOrFundBalancesGrp>
        <BOYAmt>43386</BOYAmt>
        <EOYAmt>73679</EOYAmt>
      </NetAssetsOrFundBalancesGrp>
      <PrimaryExemptPurposeTxt>Education &amp; Training</PrimaryExemptPurposeTxt>
      <ProgramSrvcAccomplishmentGrp>
        <DescriptionProgramSrvcAccomTxt>Wheel to the Sea events: An outdoor, naturalist led hike for people with physical disabilities, in wheelchairs, and volunteers. Approximately 80 people.</DescriptionProgramSrvcAccomTxt>
        <GrantsAndAllocationsAmt>0</GrantsAndAllocationsAmt>
        <ProgramServiceExpensesAmt>2100</ProgramServiceExpensesAmt>
      </ProgramSrvcAccomplishmentGrp>
      <ProgramSrvcAccomplishmentGrp>
        <DescriptionProgramSrvcAccomTxt>Group Services: Schools, camps, public and private groups. Providing therapeutic outdoor educational and training programs. Approximately 1,000 people</DescriptionProgramSrvcAccomTxt>
        <GrantsAndAllocationsAmt>0</GrantsAndAllocationsAmt>
        <ProgramServiceExpensesAmt>34875</ProgramServiceExpensesAmt>
      </ProgramSrvcAccomplishmentGrp>
      <TotalProgramServiceExpensesAmt>36975</TotalProgramServiceExpensesAmt>
      <OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
        <PersonNm>Bradley V Childs</PersonNm>
        <TitleTxt>President</TitleTxt>
        <AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>20</AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>
        <CompensationAmt>0</CompensationAmt>
        <EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>0</EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>
        <ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>0</ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>
      </OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
      <OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
        <PersonNm>Michael Tardif</PersonNm>
        <TitleTxt>Secretary</TitleTxt>
        <AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>1</AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>
        <CompensationAmt>0</CompensationAmt>
        <EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>0</EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>
        <ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>0</ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>
      </OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
      <OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
        <PersonNm>Gwendolyn Clouser</PersonNm>
        <TitleTxt>Treasurer</TitleTxt>
        <AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>1</AverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt>
        <CompensationAmt>0</CompensationAmt>
        <EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>0</EmployeeBenefitProgramAmt>
        <ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>0</ExpenseAccountOtherAllwncAmt>
      </OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp>
      <ActivitiesNotPreviouslyRptInd>0</ActivitiesNotPreviouslyRptInd>
      <ChgMadeToOrgnzngDocNotRptInd>0</ChgMadeToOrgnzngDocNotRptInd>
      <OrganizationHadUBIInd>0</OrganizationHadUBIInd>
      <SubjectToProxyTaxInd>0</SubjectToProxyTaxInd>
      <OrganizationDissolvedEtcInd>0</OrganizationDissolvedEtcInd>
      <DirectIndirectPltclExpendAmt>0</DirectIndirectPltclExpendAmt>
      <Form1120PolFiledInd>0</Form1120PolFiledInd>
      <MadeLoansToFromOfficersInd>0</MadeLoansToFromOfficersInd>
      <TaxImposedUnderIRC4911Amt>0</TaxImposedUnderIRC4911Amt>
      <TaxImposedUnderIRC4912Amt>0</TaxImposedUnderIRC4912Amt>
      <TaxImposedUnderIRC4955Amt>0</TaxImposedUnderIRC4955Amt>
      <EngagedInExcessBenefitTransInd>0</EngagedInExcessBenefitTransInd>
      <TaxImposedOnOrganizationMgrAmt>0</TaxImposedOnOrganizationMgrAmt>
      <TaxReimbursedByOrganizationAmt>0</TaxReimbursedByOrganizationAmt>
      <ProhibitedTaxShelterTransInd>0</ProhibitedTaxShelterTransInd>
      <StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd>CA</StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd>
      <StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd>NM</StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd>
      <BooksInCareOfDetail>
        <PersonNm>Bradley V Childs</PersonNm>
        <USAddress>
          <AddressLine1Txt>46 Treehouse Rd</AddressLine1Txt>
          <CityNm>Santa Fe</CityNm>
          <StateAbbreviationCd>NM</StateAbbreviationCd>
          <ZIPCd>87505</ZIPCd>
        </USAddress>
        <PhoneNum>5056991695</PhoneNum>
      </BooksInCareOfDetail>
      <ForeignFinancialAccountInd>0</ForeignFinancialAccountInd>
      <ForeignOfficeInd>0</ForeignOfficeInd>
      <DonorAdvisedFndsInd>0</DonorAdvisedFndsInd>
      <OperateHospitalInd>0</OperateHospitalInd>
      <TanningServicesProvidedInd>0</TanningServicesProvidedInd>
      <RelatedOrganizationCtrlEntInd>0</RelatedOrganizationCtrlEntInd>
      <TransactionWithControlEntInd>0</TransactionWithControlEntInd>
      <PoliticalCampaignActyInd>0</PoliticalCampaignActyInd>
      <LobbyingActivitiesInd>0</LobbyingActivitiesInd>
      <SchoolOperatingInd>0</SchoolOperatingInd>
      <TrnsfrExmptNonChrtblRltdOrgInd>0</TrnsfrExmptNonChrtblRltdOrgInd>
      <PartVIOfCompOfHghstPdEmplTxt>NONE</PartVIOfCompOfHghstPdEmplTxt>
      <PartVIHghstPdCntrctProfSrvcTxt>NONE</PartVIHghstPdCntrctProfSrvcTxt>
      <FiledScheduleAInd>1</FiledScheduleAInd>
    </IRS990EZ>
    <IRS990ScheduleA documentId="R000002" softwareId="23018249" softwareVersionNum="v1.00">
      <PublicOrganization170Ind>X</PublicOrganization170Ind>
      <GiftsGrantsContriRcvd170Grp>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt>2230</CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt>129</CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt>45</CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt>146</CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearAmt>1271</CurrentTaxYearAmt>
        <TotalAmt>3821</TotalAmt>
      </GiftsGrantsContriRcvd170Grp>
      <TaxRevLeviedOrgnztnlBnft170Grp>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt>0</CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt>0</CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt>0</CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt>0</CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt>
        <TotalAmt>0</TotalAmt>
      </TaxRevLeviedOrgnztnlBnft170Grp>
      <GovtFurnSrvcFcltsVl170Grp>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt>0</CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt>0</CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt>0</CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt>0</CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt>
        <TotalAmt>0</TotalAmt>
      </GovtFurnSrvcFcltsVl170Grp>
      <TotalCalendarYear170Grp>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt>2230</CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt>129</CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt>45</CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt>146</CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearAmt>1271</CurrentTaxYearAmt>
        <TotalAmt>3821</TotalAmt>
      </TotalCalendarYear170Grp>
      <SubstantialContributorsTotAmt>0</SubstantialContributorsTotAmt>
      <PublicSupportTotal170Amt>3821</PublicSupportTotal170Amt>
      <GrossInvestmentIncome170Grp>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt>0</CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt>4</CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt>2</CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt>3</CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearAmt>2</CurrentTaxYearAmt>
        <TotalAmt>11</TotalAmt>
      </GrossInvestmentIncome170Grp>
      <UnrelatedBusinessNetIncm170Grp>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt>0</CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt>0</CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt>0</CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt>0</CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearAmt>0</CurrentTaxYearAmt>
        <TotalAmt>0</TotalAmt>
      </UnrelatedBusinessNetIncm170Grp>
      <OtherIncome170Grp>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt>0</CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt>0</CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt>0</CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt>0</CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt>
        <CurrentTaxYearAmt>0</CurrentTaxYearAmt>
        <TotalAmt>0</TotalAmt>
      </OtherIncome170Grp>
      <TotalSupportAmt>3832</TotalSupportAmt>
      <GrossReceiptsRltdActivitiesAmt>77539</GrossReceiptsRltdActivitiesAmt>
      <PublicSupportCY170Pct>0.99713</PublicSupportCY170Pct>
      <PublicSupportPY170Pct>0.9994</PublicSupportPY170Pct>
      <ThirtyThrPctSuprtTestsPY170Ind>X</ThirtyThrPctSuprtTestsPY170Ind>
    </IRS990ScheduleA>
    <IRS990ScheduleO documentId="R000003" softwareId="23018249" softwareVersionNum="v1.00">
      <SupplementalInformationDetail>
        <FormAndLineReferenceDesc>Form 990-EZ, Part I, Line 16</FormAndLineReferenceDesc>
        <ExplanationTxt>Description;Amount^Auto;384|Education;466|Insurance;7318|Marketing;259|Memberships;25|Program Supplies;7894|Reimbursement;12165|Program Facility Rental;2700|Taxes and Fees;676^Total;31887^</ExplanationTxt>
      </SupplementalInformationDetail>
      <SupplementalInformationDetail>
        <FormAndLineReferenceDesc>Form 990-EZ, Part II, Line 26</FormAndLineReferenceDesc>
        <ExplanationTxt>Description;EOY Amount^SBA Loan;23895^Total;23895^</ExplanationTxt>
      </SupplementalInformationDetail>
    </IRS990ScheduleO>
    <ReasonableCauseExplanation documentId="R000004" softwareId="23018249" softwareVersionNum="v1.00">
      <ExplanationTxt>Please forgive our lateness in filing the enclosed 990 EZ form for our organization. We did file for an extension to the deadline since we were unable to complete the form and submit timely due to circumstances beyond our control. That we intended to comply timely, that the failure was not due to any willful neglect on our part and despite the exercise of reasonable business care, and that we are taking action to get back on track with timely future deadlines. As the President and Executive Director, I state under penalties of perjury that all the facts as set forth above are true and request that this request for abatement of any late penalties be considered due to the afore mentioned reasonable causes. Thank you for your consideration of this request.</ExplanationTxt>
    </ReasonableCauseExplanation>
  </ReturnData>
</Return>