Sponsor a Ranger Recruit | Future Guardians of Wildlife

At Global Conservation Force (GCF), we are committed to equipping the next generation of rangers with the skills, training, and gear they need to protect some of the world’s most endangered wildlife.

 

Thanks to a generous grant from the United Methodist Church in Vista, we have secured the base costs for our instructors and the community-selected recruits participating in this year’s Annual Ranger Training Course in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. However, additional funding is still needed to ensure these recruits complete their training fully prepared.

Community Selection & Open Enrollment

Recruits have been selected from the Eastern Cape and surrounding immediate Xhosa communities, providing opportunities for local community members to gain critical skills and work in conservation jobs.

Additionally, there were five spots open for external candidates to apply and participate in this intensive training course.

How You Can Make a Direct Impact

We are seeking individual and business sponsors to cover the final costs for 7 recruits. Your sponsorship will directly fund the essential needs of these future conservation warriors.

 

Sponsorship Options:

 

Full Sponsorship – $1,000

Covers an entire recruit’s remaining costs, including:

  • Transportation to and from the training course

  • Post-graduate professional certifications:

    • PSIRA Security Certification

    • First Aid Certification

    • Weapons Competency for “Business purposes” (Wildlife Protection)

  • Field training gear (Rucksacks, Firing range day, Tents, Hygiene products, etc)

  • Patrol gear (Tracker-pack, Chest webbing, flashlight, pepper spray)

  • Food costs during training

  • Graduation Beret

  • Personal First Aid Kit for field deployment

  • Celebratory meal at the graduation ceremony

  • Patrol Boots

Partial Sponsorship – $500

Helps cover a recruit’s:

  • Field training gear (Rucksacks, Firing range day, Tents, Hygiene products, etc)

  • Patrol gear (Trackerpack, Chest webbing, flashlight, pepper spray)

  • Food costs during training

  • Graduation Beret
  • Personal First Aid Kit for field deployment

  • Celebratory meal at the graduation ceremony

  • Patrol Boots

Ranger Graduation Kit Sponsorship – $250

Supports a recruit’s graduation ceremony and final gear needs, including:

  • Graduation Beret
  • Personal First Aid Kit for field deployment

  • Celebratory meal at the graduation ceremony

  • Patrol Boots

Corporate or Team Sponsorship

Businesses and teams can sponsor one or multiple recruits and be featured as an official supporter of GCF’s ranger training initiatives.

All donations are tax deductible, GCF is a 501c3 non profit organization.

About The GCF Annual Intro to Anti-Poaching Ranger Course

Global Conservation Force’s Introduction to Anti-Poaching Training Course is designed to develop competent, efficient, and effective wildlife protection professionals. This physically demanding and mentally challenging three-week program is tailored to address the real-world needs of wildlife conservation and anti-poaching efforts.

 

Trainees will undergo rigorous preparation akin to a military or law enforcement boot camp. The selection process is highly competitive, with hundreds of applications received annually. Only those who follow every step of the application process will be considered for this elite training opportunity.

 

Graduates of the course will earn an Introduction to Anti-Poaching Course Certification.

Program Length: 3 weeks

 

Program Highlights:

 

Physically and Mentally Demanding Curriculum

  • Structured to simulate the challenges faced in active anti-poaching operations.
  • Focus on endurance, resilience, and operational readiness in the field.

Comprehensive Anti-Poaching Training

  • Foundational skills in wildlife protection and conservation techniques.
  • Hands-on exercises tailored to real-world anti-poaching scenarios.

Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC)

  • Training in life-saving medical response and trauma care.
  • Practical techniques for stabilization and evacuation under high-pressure conditions.

Exclusive and High-Quality Training

  • A maximum of 16 recruits per course ensures personalized instruction.
  • 10 South African resident spots reserved for youth selected from local communities.
  • 6 external application spots available for international participants.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Foundational expertise in anti-poaching operations and wildlife protection.
  • Full training in TECC, enhancing medical readiness in the field.
  • Development of physical and mental endurance for high-stakes conservation work.
  • Practical skills to address wildlife crime and contribute to conservation initiatives.

Who Should Apply:

This course is for dedicated individuals 18 years and up ready to commit to a physically and mentally challenging program with a passion for wildlife conservation and protection. Applicants should treat preparation with the seriousness of military or law enforcement training.

Due to the limited number of spots, applicants are encouraged to submit a complete and detailed application to ensure consideration.