Maybe it's time you learned about wilderness survival.
Explore Courses
We provide the skills and knowledge you need to confidently navigate in the wilderness and deal with emergencies, improving your ability to explore the world, help others, and be a more effective leader.
True North Wilderness Survival School is ranked as one of the finest survival training programs in the United States. Featured in Backpacker, Associated Press, CNN, and many other national and international media publications, True North provides those who work or play in wilderness environments with the skills and knowledge to confidently deal with emergencies in remote, austere, and hostile environments while awaiting rescue or back up.
The heart of our programs are wilderness medicine, land navigation, and survival courses that are open to and can be completed by students of all backgrounds and experience levels. We also offer traditional navigation training, map and compass training, and various types of urban first-aid certifications, including CPR, for lay and professional responders alike.
Many of our courses are available for private instruction, either as an individual or an organization, and they can be customized to fit your needs or requirements. True North is also available for workshops and lectures.
True North trains individuals as well as professional rescuers, emergency responders, law enforcement, and members of the military. True North is an accredited provider of the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
Based in Pittsburgh, True North conducts its programs and courses in a mix of state, county and municipal parks, including private lands, all around Pennsylvania and the Northeast.
Training Courses
We offer a wide range of introductory and advanced courses in wilderness survival, land navigation, and wilderness medicine, as well as specific courses for members of the military and law enforcement.
Why Choose Us?
True North has been consistently ranked as one of the top wilderness training programs in the country due to the unique expertise and commitment to student success that we bring to every course. We provide small class sizes, hands-on learning, skilled and passionate instructors, and courses for explorers at every level of experience.
Skilled Instructors
Founder Erik Kulick brings a lifetime of unique personal experience and expertise to every training course, as a police officer, EMS provider, a Wilderness EMT, and a Fellow of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine.
Hands-on Learning
We believe the best way to learn and retain knowledge is to develop the skills through hands-on training and application. This is especially true in emergency situations, where instinct and training provide calm and focus.
No Experience Required
We provide wilderness survival, land navigation, and emergency medicine training for explorers of all experience levels - from novice to professional or military. Every student can acquire the skills and mindset needed to master the outdoors.
Small Class Size
Our small class sizes enable us to focus on each individual student and ensure that they receive the instruction they need to both understand and retain the knowledge provided, ensuring that they will be able to access and harness these skills in the future.
Who do we teach?
We provide training to a wide variety of individuals, teams, and leaders who want to learn about wilderness survival and become more effective in both exploring the outdoors and in responding during emergencies.
Individuals
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, experienced adventurer, or professional looking to further hone your skills, we have a program suited to your needs.
Teams and Organizations
Wilderness survival training provides an excellent opportunity for team building, professional development, and leadership training for your organization.
Military and Law Enforcement
Many of our programs are specifically designed to cater to the unique training needs and advanced requirements for members of the military and law enforcement.
Some of our outdoor customers
True North works with a diverse mix of clients, including individuals, organizations, educational institutions, members of the military, and professional emergency responders, such as EMS, search-and-rescue, and law enforcement.
Hear what clients have to say about their experience.
Erik is excellent and his methods of teaching are spot on. He is VERY knowledgable and you will be in excellent care when taking this course.
The whole experience made for a great “family friendly” event that was not only fun but involved everyone.
I really appreciate your dedication to establishing the basics, no matter how complex, through your obvious broad knowledge base peppered with fun facts.
I had such a wonderful experience this weekend while taking the wilderness survival course. Taking a class like this really changes my view of my world and surroundings.
Never have I seen a man so passionate as myself in his desire to provide top-notch training and outstanding wilderness experiences to youth and adults.
I have completed several of Erik’s field courses, and thoroughly enjoyed the hands-on learning exercises and partnering with group members to complete a task. Best of all, Erik loves teaching, and works with a big smile!
Ready for an Adventure
Because Mother Nature doesn't care about your skill level. And She doesn't just give up because you've had enough. Get the skills you need to survive and conquer any situation!
