Outdoor Instruction | Approximately 4 Hours

The Intermediate Outdoor Bushcraft Skills course is designed for students who have a basic understanding of camping and outdoor skills and want to expand their knowledge to handle emergency situations in the wilderness. This hands-on course focuses on practical survival techniques, decision-making, and safety strategies for backcountry 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 National Park

• 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

• The Law of 3: understanding survival priorities – 3 hours without shelter, 3 days without water, 3 weeks without food

• Firecraft: advanced fire-starting techniques, including flint and steel methods (bow drill is reserved for the Advanced Bushcraft course)

• Basic shelter construction using natural resources

• Planning and preparing a survival bag, including essential emergency items

• Decision-making in survival scenarios: “Shelter in Place” vs. “Stay on the Move”

• Food selection and preparation using safe, edible natural resources

• Navigation and situational awareness in outdoor emergency contexts

• Leave-No-Trace principles and responsible wilderness practices

Prerequisites

Students should have completed Basic Outdoor Bushcraft Skills or possess equivalent beginner camping experience. Participants should be comfortable with light outdoor activity and prepared for varying terrain and weather conditions.

Required Equipment

• Sturdy outdoor footwear and appropriate clothing for the season

• Notebook and pen for notes

• Water and snacks

• Gloves for handling plants and natural materials

• Optional: personal knife or multi-tool (instructor guidance provided)

• Weather-appropriate gear (rain gear, hats, sunscreen, etc.)

Who Should Take This Course

This course is ideal for:

• Students who have completed Basic Outdoor Bushcraft Skills and want to deepen survival knowledge

• Hikers, campers, or outdoor enthusiasts interested in emergency preparedness and survival techniques

• Individuals who want to practice practical skills for unexpected outdoor situations

• Anyone seeking hands-on instruction in fire-starting, natural shelter building, and wilderness decision-making

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