Wilderness Survival 101
Overview
The goal of Wilderness Survival 101 is to introduce you to the skills and information that you’ll need to better deal with an emergency in the outdoors. We will accomplish this by teaching you the same “modern” approach to wilderness survival that is taught in U.S. military survival schools. Whether you are new to the outdoors or highly experienced, we’re confident that you’ll walk away feeling better prepared for your next outdoor adventure.
You will accomplish this by learning about basic skills, equipment, and preparedness in an active and hands-on way. You will learn about the Seven Priorities of dealing with any emergency, anywhere, anytime. Your training will place particular emphasis on shelter construction, fire-craft, and signaling. By the end of the day you’ll feel confident and more comfortable in the outdoors - and eager to continue your learning!
Highlights
And don’t worry, just like all of our other survival courses, you’ll get the best of military survival training without the hardships! You will learn during a mix of “classroom” time and field training in an easily accessible, central location. You’ll really like our instructors, who each work hard to provide a comfortable learning environment. And you’ll get a chance to work with a diverse mix of other clients, who typically share the same passion for learning and the outdoors.
- Learn how to quickly and confidently deal with an emergency in the outdoors
- Learn critical skills including shelter construction, fire-craft, and signaling
- Learn the wilderness survival skills taught to our service people in the U.S. Military
This course is geared towards participants of varying skill, experience levels, and backgrounds, so no prerequisites are required. We only require that you bring the necessary equipment, your sense of adventure, and plenty of Positive Mental Attitude. From there, we will work together to take care of the rest. Please note the “Level of Physical Difficulty” description below so that we can all get the most out of the program.
Course Overview
Description of the Level of Physical Difficulty – Easy: This course involves some walking and other activities over short distances at a steady pace over varying terrain that may include off-trail sections, rough spots, unexpected obstacles, and low to steep inclines and declines. This course is conducted in varying weather conditions, including hot, cold, humid, rain, wind, and snow, or a mixed combination. This course is best suited for those ready for an active day. If you have any questions, or would like some guidance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Start/End Times: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Minimum Age: Children 15-17 years old are welcome when accompanied by a parent or guardian. In our private courses, there is no set age requirement as it depends on the specific group’s needs and goals.
Note: The course requires a minimum of four persons to run this training. If we are unable to meet this size, True North will fully refund your payment with as much advance notice as possible.
With all of our wilderness survival courses, you’ll get the best of military survival training without the hardships!
What should you bring?
Items to Bring
- Hiking Boots or Sturdy Footwear
- Sturdy closed-toe footwear (ideally with ankle support)
- Appropriate Clothing (for season and conditions, non-cotton recommended)
- Appropriate Outerwear (for season and conditions)
- Water – 1L minimum
- Watch or other timepiece
- Lunch and Snacks
- Any necessary medications
Optional Items
- Extra under/outer garments
- Daypack (for back or waist to carry any related gear)
- Camp Chair
- Hat / Bandana
- Knife (fixed or folding)
- Multi-tool
- Camp Saw
- Gloves
- Pencil and Notepad (“Rite in Rain” type recommended)
- Camera
- Insect Repellant
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hand disinfectant/wipes
What a great introductory course! Erik’s extensive knowledge and great personality made it a truly enjoyable, as well as educational day.
Course Gallery
This 1-Day course is designed to provide the perfect introduction to wilderness survival.
We’re often asked these questions about this course...
We will personally follow up with you with three quick and easy forms for you to complete and return. We will send you a detailed course information sheet which will contain all of the applicable details that you’ll need to prepare and arrive for your training.
Since our primary goal is to provide you a safe and comfortable learning experience that helps to minimize your costs, we really don’t require much beyond appropriate clothing and footwear, your snacks and lunch. When you register, we’ll send you a detailed course information sheet that will list the required and suggested items. Additionally, one of our goals is to give you a chance to “test drive” the gear and supplies that we bring so that you can make better purchases after the course.
Yes, there are bathroom facilities at this location, which will be available throughout the day.
Our students truly come from all backgrounds and represent a wide variety of interests. In a class of ten people, it is common that the youngest is 16 and the oldest 70, with a broad mix of ages in between. Also, our courses are fairly consistently comprised of 50% female students. Certainly, many hikers and backpackers register, but we also get many rock climbers, hunters, scout leaders, outdoor educators, adventure racers, and forest rangers.
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!
