Tess ([info]shaska) wrote in [info]outdoors,
@ 2004-09-27 14:59:00
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Wilderness Survival Classes
Hi All,

Has anyone here ever taken a Wilderness Survival Class?? I'm just wondering what they're like, and what type of skills do they teach you which allows you to do something you wouldn't otherwise be able to do.

Thanks!
8)


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socialistpoet
2004-09-27 04:33 pm UTC (link)
I earned my Wilderness Survival merit badge in Boy Scouts about 10 years ago. It's a little foggy, but I do remember it specifically as being a butt-load of fun.

All I can recall is making a shelter from nothing but what we could find in the woods, then sleeping in it.

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Merit Badge
[info]mdunnbass
2004-09-27 07:50 pm UTC (link)
I was just about to post this exact same thing. Made a shelter, slept in it, made a no match fire, learned a lot about distress signals, prioritizing needs, finding your way out of a forest.
One thing that we never were taught which I had always thought we should have been was how to identify poisonous/edible plants.

But that merit badge was the most fun

Matt
formerly of troop 144
Camden county council

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[info]shadowhawkiv
2004-09-27 07:52 pm UTC (link)
Same here! Just grab an old boy scout handbook. The OLD ones are chock full of ideas and tips for survival and comfort.

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[info]packinsmacky
2004-09-27 10:41 pm UTC (link)
seconded. the new edition (11th i think) is full of good advice about leave no trace and such, but lacking in basic outdoor skills. in my opinion.

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[info]packinsmacky
2004-09-28 12:44 am UTC (link)
actually, i'd advise going against looking into the old-edition boy scout handbook in favor of the wilderness survival merit badge pamphlet. the handbook would be good for if you're ever in a real survival situation, but will be full of things you could do in a pinch but probably shouldn't if you're just going minimalist for a weekend.

the wilderness survival thing teaches you all sorts of fun stuff, like how to kick a charging badger.

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[info]seethroughcanoe
2004-09-28 03:16 am UTC (link)
...and make pemmican from snared rabbits, blackberries, and lard.

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[info]peregrin8
2004-09-28 07:09 am UTC (link)
"how to kick a charging badger."

I was never interested in that, but now suddenly I am.

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[info]jon3
2004-09-28 07:35 am UTC (link)
...are charging badgers a frequent menace in the woods where you live?

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[info]packinsmacky
2004-09-28 08:51 am UTC (link)
ha, you know it!

no, seriously. i don't think i've ever seen a badger that wasn't in a zoo, even though i grew up in wisconsin.

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[info]goldispikes
2004-09-28 07:45 am UTC (link)
To answer your question, there are many organizations who teach wilderness survival. Some good skills to look for:

mapreading and compass use
emergency signalling (mirror, flare, fire)
backcountry first aid
gear selection (especially boot fit and breaking in)
'leave no trace' techniques
bivouac/emergency shelter
backcountry cooking (should include fire making, using different stoves, etc.)

Those are some of the basics. They'll also usually give you tips on how to hike efficiently, and depending on geographic area, some info about avalanche/thunderstorm/tornado...general info on weather and how it impacts wilderness trips.

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another option
[info]adventure_girl
2004-09-28 12:06 pm UTC (link)
I took a wilderness first responder course (basic wilderness EMT) through Red Cross, and went to a "survival" seminar at a local REI (as cheesy as that is). I can't remember the guy's name, but he had bicycled all over the country, camping as he went. He was retired Special Forces, too, which I think contributed a lot to his knowledge. He went over various ways to build a shelter, find or create water, and basic hypothermia and planning ahead stuff (which was pretty much covered by wilderness first responder). I would recommend familiarizing yourself with native plants as well -- figure out what's edible in the areas you camp in. Any good field botany book would help you out with that part. Also, if there is a particular sport you are involved in, look into getting training for that sport, specifically. For example, I kayak, and have taken swiftwater rescue and river survival clinics, which are pretty handy.

Good luck, and here's hoping you never have to use it!

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[info]kiddokight
2004-09-28 03:01 pm UTC (link)
My friend took one. Loved it. Learned alot, and had alot of fun. Try it. I bet you'll really like it!

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(Anonymous)
2004-10-08 05:22 pm UTC (link)
my friend recommended Boulder Outdoor Survival School for learning how to survive in the wild. Check them out. (Google them)
-Liz

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Helpful Books
[info]alaskan_blue
2004-10-23 11:03 am UTC (link)
Same here, mine we had to learn how to build a shelter, locate north all that. The worst part was learning how to eat bugs and all I can say is avoid grasshoppers like the plague.

Af for reading material, about the best you can find is the "U.S. Army Survival Manual" #FM 21-76. 's available at any Army Surplus Store and If you have a Barnes and Noble in your area they carry it as well. I just picked up a nice shiny new one there the other day and it was a ten dollar special. The one I have is wonderful as it contains full color photos of poisonous and edible plants, poisonous snakes, etc. It also covers all areas of wilderness survival. From the most arid deserts to arctic climes, ocean survival, you get the picture. Everything you ever wanted to know is in it.

ISBN 0760749884 Category: History

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