Survival Skills Weekend

Develop Essential Survival Skills

Learning survival skills is essential if you spend any time in nature. We help you begin your training in the skills needed to enjoy the outdoors safely.

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

Knowledge and experience trump gear.

The more time you invest in outdoor learning and training; the more experience and confidence you gain.

Survival Skills Weekend Curriculum

Survival training in bushcraft dramatically enhances your outdoor experience.

Psychology of Survival

• 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 - location
• setting up a tent - tarp - knots

Water

• hydration - filtering
• locating water - plants

Useful Wild Plants

• common useful plants & trees
• alternative lightweight nutritional foods for backpacking

Knife Craft

• carving knives
• safety, use, and technique

Wildlife Behavior

• human and wildlife interaction
• track awareness
• predator awareness

Discover Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants

As a group, we do several nature walks in the area for animal and wild plant identification. Course time will be held at the campsite and surrounding area for 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 like about their packs.

Feel free to bring any gear you would like to practice with, during camp. A backpacking stove and a water filter are examples.

Recommended gear and Food List

Here is our recommended gear and food list for the Weekend Survival School Gear List