Overview
This is for you if: You want to develop a more comprehensive foundation and greater proficiency in wilderness survival skills over two days.
Despite our best efforts we may find ourselves lost or injured in the backcountry where help or rescue is not immediately available and all we have to rely on is our wits, training and attitude to make it through safely. This comprehensive and fun two-day course goes into greater detail on the essential concepts of wilderness survival that will help you stack the odds in your favor including preparation, prevention, attitude, shelter, firecraft, craftmanship, water procurement, knot tying, aidless navigation and rescue signaling. Most survival situations resolve within the first 72 hours so, in this course, our focus is on providing practical, real-world skills to use if lost or injured in a wilderness setting to help you find your way to safety by self-rescue or rescue by others. Our two-day class provides participants with significantly more time than our one-day class to practice and gain proficiency in hands-on skills such as shelter building, knots, knife use and fire making.
Held at our rustic camp on Survival Island, participants use a handline to cross the shallow creek to reach camp under the direction of our instructors as they embark on a fun-filled and memorable experience. Class is led by former Ranger-qualified Army officer Scott Fisher who has been teaching wilderness skills for decades. All equipment provided. No experience necessary. Minimum age is 10. Participants come away with their own bow drill fire making kit that they will have created during class.
Custom survival classes tailored to companies, groups, families and friends also available upon request.
Highlights
Highlights:
- 2 days of hands-on survival training that is comprehensive, professional and fun
- Exposure to the 7 Priorities of Survival, including shelter-building, firecraft, water procurement and more
- Greater opportunity to develop knowledge and skills that will enrich your outdoor experience and help keep you safe
- A supportive learning environment
- Participants leave with a bow drill fire making kit they will have created
Location
USA Raft
What to Expect
- Go into detail on the causes of survival situations and ways we can prevent them
- Identify what we need to survive
- Review suggested items to carry when heading to the backcountry or your local trail
- Learn and go into greater detail on the 7 Priorities of Survival
- Gain proficiency in survival skills such as shelter building, knot tying, knife use, fire making, signaling, water procurement and aidless navigation
Prerequisites
- Age 10+
- Good overall health and fitness
- Able to walk across a shallow creek using a handline for support
- Participants should dress appropriately for weather and temperature
Includes
- 2 days (16 hours) of wilderness survival training
- All equipment including knives, fire starting tools, shelter material, cordage, etc
What to Bring
Closed-toe water shoes or an extra pair of shoes you don't mind getting wet (you will use these to cross a creek and then put on you regular shoes), towel, clothing appropriate for extended periods outside, rain jacket (weather dependent), drinking water or sports drink, bagged lunch, day pack (optional, may be helpful in carrying personal items to camp).
Meeting Location
We will meet at USA Raft by the NOLI boat shed. Directions can be found here. When driving onto the property stay to your right and look for a shed with the NOLI sign on the side across from the restrooms.
Additional Information
Food and lodging are the responsibility of participants. Riverside lodging and camping is available onsite and can be reserved directly with either USA Raft or Nolichucky Gorge Campground.
Testimonials
"What a great class! I found Scott to be very thorough and willing to fully explain, demonstrate and review anything we questioned. His knowledge on wilderness survival was very evident and he has excellent teaching skills to pass that knowledge to the students. I left the class feeling more empowered and with information and skills that will definitely help if I am ever faced with a wilderness survival situation. I strongly recommend this class for anyone who hikes alone or leads hikes. I hope to never have to use these skills, but knowledge is power. I look forward to taking more classes with Scott and his team."
~ Cindy C.