If you got lost on your next hike… could you stay alive for 72 hours? Search and rescue teams typically locate missing hikers within 72 hours. What you do in that window determines everything. This extended weekend training prepares you for that exact moment—with the gear you carry… and the knowledge to survive without it.
Survival Skills Weekend
If You Got Lost On Your Next Trip...What Would You Do?
You step off the trail for a moment.
You turn back and nothing looks familiar.
Your phone has no signal.
The light is fading
And suddenly, it doesen't feel like you have enough gear.
What you do in that 72 hour window determines everything
This weekend is designed to prepare you for that exact situation.
Survival Training That’s Worth Every Penny
We have taken both the Survival Skills Weekend course and the Fire Starting one-day course with Mark at Lifesong Wilderness Adventures, and there's a reason we keep coming back for more! Mark is a phenomenal teacher who is exceedingly knowledgeable, and he conveys that knowledge in a way that is hands on, interesting, tangible, and relevant. The weekend class was safe and comfortable and we learned a TON, and had a ton of fun on top of it! It was worth every penny and we'll be watching Lifesong's website for future courses. I would recommend his courses to anyone!
Train For The Moment It Actually Matters
This is not a classroom course. This is not theory.
Real-World Survival Training
Built specifically for hikers and backpackers, young or mature, who want to:
- Stay found-or recover quickly
- Make the right decisions under stress
- Survive with your gear...or without it
1. Confidence in Your Gear
- Know exactly what to carry - and why
- Build a survival kit that actually works
- Gid rid of extra weight and guesswork
- Understand how each items function in a real emergency
2. Survival Confidence
If your gear is lost, broken, or left behind...
You'll know how to:
- Find and treat water
- Build emergency shelter
- Make do without fire if necessary
- Stay oriented
- Make smart movement decisions - stay put or hike out
Because Gear Fails. Knowledge Doesn't
"I Want to thank my friends and family" ~Caroline Barnes
SIGNUP
Survival Skills Weekend
Friday afternoon thru Sunday afternoon
Date: June 19-21, 2026
Location: McKenzie Bridge, Oregon
Tuition: $395.00 purchase by check
Or purchase via PayPal using the drop down menu below.
NOTE: Suitable for Adults and youth 16 years of age and older with parental approval.
READ: Registration Policies before purchasing. Purchase by CHECK or Buy Now with PayPal
Survival Skills Weekend Curriculum
Psychology of Survival
- The sympathetic nervous system and how it works
- a prepared mind
- action
Fire Craft
- one-match fire - emergency fire craft
- basic camp cooking
- using a backpacking stove
Emergency Shelter
- shelter - clothing-layering
- shelter - emergency - location
- tent, tarp, and knots
Useful Wild Plants
- common edible & useful plants & trees
Knife Craft
- carving knives
- safety, use, and technique
Wildlife
- human and wildlife interaction
- track awareness
- predator awareness
Water
- hydration - filtering
- locating water
Real Skills, Real Confidence
Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants
As a group, we do several nature walks in the area for wild plant identification. Course time is held at our Base Camp and surrounding area with lectures and practicing survival skills.
Backpack and Gear
Bring a backpack if you have one. If you don't, you can learn about the backpacks other students bring. And hear the pros and cons of what folks think about their packs.
Feel free to bring any gear you would like to practice with during camp. A backpacking stove and water filters are examples.
Camping Gear
Having reliable camping gear is key to a comfortable overnight experience. The last thing you want when you are 5 miles out from the trailhead is equipment failure; so, choosing the right gear for your activity and knowing how to use it is critical.
Survival Gear
Did you know that your camping gear is your survival gear?
For the solo traveler, couples, and family groups the gear you pack is the gear that protects you from cold nights to summer heat. The gear you choose, from head to toe, determines your camping experience.
Knowledge and Experience
"Safe and comfortable and we learned a TON!"
More Details
Additional Information
- Students: adults and teens 16 and older with parental consent - enrollment maximum ten
- Camp duration: Friday afternoon - Sunday afternoon
- Location: east of Eugene, OR near McKenzie Bridge
- Accommodations: camping included
- Meals not provided. A recommended food and gear list will be provided upon registration.
- Equipment: an email registration packet will be supplied after enrollment
- Parking: included
- Transport: see additional services for airport & bus shuttle
- Registration policies
We reserve the right to add to or omit any of the course topics listed.
Mark J. Wienert Instructor
Mark J. Wienert is a professional survival instructor. Mark has been instructing adults and teenagers since 1994. He specializes in wilderness living, survival, nature awareness, bushcraft, and wildlife tracking. His mission? ‘To help you gain a deeper awareness and enjoyment of the natural world and to dramatically increase your wilderness survival skills.’ ABOUTNo prior experience required
This training is:
- Coed
- First time friendly
- For the beginner
- Or with intermediate experience
How Physically Demanding?
- Moderate to active (Walking, to moderate exertion)
- Active (Full days, uneven, ground)
- Tent (Never slept in a tent? No worries, we will get you started)
- Car camping on site
How's the instructor support
- Highly rated
- Guided
- Professional
What's the learning Pace
- Relaxed
- Balanced
Leave No Trace camping. Pack it in and Pack it out!
Thank you!
Our recommended gear and food list for the Weekend Survival School Gear List
Previous students are welcome and encouraged to volunteer and help support new students and camp. Volunteering is hard work! If you wish to be a volunteer for this course, contact Mark with your request to volunteer.
Contact Us
Please Contact Mark J. Wienert with any questions you have.
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