Outdoor Instruction | Approximately 24 Hours / Overnight 

The Advanced Bushcraft Skills course is an immersive, hands-on overnight experience designed for students who have completed the Intermediate Bushcraft Skills course or possess equivalent outdoor experience. This course emphasizes self-reliance, critical thinking, and practical problem-solving in wilderness settings, allowing students to apply survival techniques in controlled, realistic scenarios.

The course is taught by a former U.S. Forest Service Wildland Firefighter with extensive field experience, including:

• Several Search and Rescue operations at the Grand Canyon

• 8 years of experience in wildland fire extended operations

• 12 years of service in the U.S. Army

• 25 years of personal primitive camping and survival experience

Skills Covered

• Advanced firecraft: bow drill, flint and steel, and other ignition techniques

• Complex shelter building: using natural resources to create durable, weather-resistant shelters

• Extended survival techniques: multi-day water and food management, improvisation under stress

• Real-world problem solving: alternative methods for fire, shelter, and water procurement if primary techniques fail

• Navigation and situational awareness: route planning, natural navigation cues, and backcountry safety

• Field food selection and preparation: foraging, safe processing, and basic wilderness cooking

• Wilderness decision-making: Shelter in Place vs. Stay on the Move in changing conditions

• Leave-No-Trace principles and minimal-impact camping

Learning Approach

• Hands-on, experiential learning with minimal direct intervention from the instructor

• Instructor provides scenarios and challenges for students to solve, creating a guided yet immersive learning experience

• Course is not a test of prior knowledge, but an opportunity to reinforce lessons, build confidence, and develop practical problem-solving skills

• Students are encouraged to solve problems independently, applying multiple techniques to achieve survival goals

• Instructor maintains safety oversight, guidance, and debriefing, ensuring safe practice while maximizing experiential learning

Prerequisites

• Completion of Intermediate Outdoor Bushcraft Skills or equivalent experience

• Comfort with overnight outdoor activity, including hiking, variable terrain, and weather

• Ability to carry personal gear for extended periods and participate in moderately strenuous activity

Required Equipment

• Sturdy outdoor footwear and weather-appropriate clothing

• Backpack with personal camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad)

• Knife or multi-tool

• Notebook and pen for notes

• Personal water container and hydration system

• Gloves for handling plants, firewood, and materials

• Optional: personal bow drill kit (can be shared)

• Food and water for the overnight session (instructor guidance provided for emergency provisions)

Packing and Gear Policy

• A recommended packing list of tools and gear will be provided to students prior to the course.

• Ultimately, students will decide what to bring and will be expected to work with the items they bring throughout the course.

• All gear and supplies must fit into a single backpack, which the student will be responsible for carrying for the entire duration of the course.

• This approach encourages planning, resourcefulness, and practical problem-solving, simulating realistic backcountry scenarios.

Who Should Take This Course

This course is ideal for:

• Students who have completed Intermediate Bushcraft Skills and want to master advanced survival techniques

• Outdoor enthusiasts seeking hands-on, experiential learning in real-world wilderness scenarios

• Individuals interested in problem-solving and critical thinking under controlled backcountry challenges

• Students wishing to develop confidence, adaptability, and self-reliance in outdoor survival situations

Courses are taught in Utah and are scheduled by arrangement. Please contact us for availability and scheduling.

Group/Family pricing is available. Rates will depend on size of your group. Contact us to discuss further.