Wilderness Survival Workshop
The next scheduled workshop will be early spring 2024. I am available this winter for a private workshop at your location with at least 5 people.
You've lost your backpack and are caught in a survival situation; could you survive for a week or more using nothing but a knife and the supplies that nature provides ? With the knowledge gained in this workshop and some practice on your part, you should be able to make it indefinitely until help arrives. Whether you're new to bushcraft or a seasoned veteran, you'll learn something valuable in this workshop.
Everyone should have a tarp/poncho, water filter, several fire starting devices, 550 paracord and food in their pack or vehicle but things can happen and you could be separated from them. This workshop will cover the skills needed to stay alive using nothing but primitive technology and natural materials that you source from the outdoors. Having said that, we'll go over some of the best modern gear that will help keep you alive. I would rather you be alive than a purist. We'll cover the skill-sets listed below but we'll also discuss the mental/emotional aspects of survival. Being in good physical shape will help you, but attitude, discipline, and practice are a must. Darwin said, "It isn't the strongest or most intelligent that survive, it is those that are most adaptable to change."
The four basic skill sets that we'll cover:
SHELTER The class will make a shelter, made with natural materials and with no tools, that will keep you alive down to +10 degrees without an internal heat source.
WATER We will discuss sourcing water and show ways to collect and purify it using nothing but what is found in nature. Some natural containers will be shown and you'll learn how to burn out your own container and boil water without a stove or pot.
FIRE We'll start out showing several fire setups that I feel work best and discuss fire pit specs and location. Friction fire will be made with the bow drill, pump drill, and hand drill. We'll discuss all the native trees and plants that are suitable for fire boards, spindles and tinder bundles. Materials will be supplied for your own personal bow drill setups that you will make in class and there will be plenty of time for hands on practice. We will also go over the more common, modern methods of starting fires and which ones I feel are best for your outdoor/BOB/EDC bag.
FOOD There will be a discussion of the major food groups that are in the wild. Traps, snares and throwing/digging sticks will be demonstrated. We'll walk and sample/identify some of the local wild edibles and cover local utilitarian plants and their uses.
CORDAGE Finally, to 'tie' everything together, we will make cordage from natural, native materials.
My guarantee, if you don't feel that you got $90 worth of knowledge from this workshop I will refund in cash at the end of the day.
This will be a fun, busy, hands-on workshop that runs from 9AM to 4PM. All materials will be provided for making your own bow drill setup. Please wear appropriate clothes and bring food, water and a sharp fixed blade knife. If you don't have an adequate knife I will have some extras plus some for sale ( $20 ) Completed bow drill and pump drill setups will be available for purchase. The next Primitive Technology/Wilderness Survival workshop will be spring 2024 at Pleasant Grove Park in Fluvanna County, Va. 22963. This workshop can also be held at a location/date of your choice with a minimum of 5 attendees.
Class size is limited to 15 students ( adults and children aged - mature 10 years old to 17 w/guardian, please email for any questions ) and the cost is $90 per student, child or adult.
