Get ready to embark on an adventurous journey as you explore the best wilderness survival training schools in the US! In this article, you’ll discover top-notch programs that teach essential skills like navigating the wild, building shelters, and finding food in the great outdoors. Whether you’re an avid camper, a prepper, or just intrigued by the call of the wild, these schools offer hands-on experiences and expert guidance that will boost your confidence and competence in any untamed environment. So, lace up your hiking boots and prepare to dive into the world of wilderness survival training! Have you ever wondered what it takes to survive in the wild with just the basics? From navigating dense forests to building shelters and sourcing food, wilderness survival skills are invaluable. If this piques your interest, you’ll be thrilled to know that several top-notch wilderness survival training schools in the US can teach you these crucial skills. This article will explore some of the best options available, delving into what they offer so you can make an informed choice. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
What To Look For In A Wilderness Survival Training School
Before we get into the specifics of each school, it’s essential to know what factors to consider when selecting a wilderness survival training school.
Curriculum
The most crucial aspect of any training program is the curriculum. Look for a comprehensive curriculum that covers a range of survival skills such as shelter building, fire starting, first aid, food sourcing, water purification, navigation, and signaling for rescue.
Qualifications of Instructors
Your learning experience can be significantly impacted by the qualifications of the instructors. Look for schools staffed by seasoned survival experts who have real-world experience and can impart practical knowledge.
Duration and Cost
Training programs can vary in duration and cost. Make sure to evaluate the time commitment required and the total cost, including any extra expenses for gear or materials.
Student Reviews and Testimonials
Nothing speaks louder than the experiences of past students. Look for reviews and testimonials that can give you insight into what you can expect from the program.
Certification
While not always necessary, having a certification can add credibility to your training and even serve as an asset in certain career fields like outdoor education or adventure sports.
Top Wilderness Survival Training Schools in the US
Now that you know what to look for, let’s explore some of the top wilderness survival training schools in the US.
Boulder Outdoor Survival School (BOSS)
The Boulder Outdoor Survival School (BOSS), based in Boulder, Utah, is one of the oldest and most renowned survival schools in the US.
Curriculum
BOSS offers several courses, including:
- Field Courses: Ranging from 7 to 28 days, these courses cover basic to advanced survival skills, focusing on minimal-impact living and traditional survival techniques.
- Skills Courses: Shorter, focused sessions on specific skills like navigation, tracking, and primitive living.
Qualifications of Instructors
BOSS instructors are highly qualified, often possessing years of experience in both teaching and surviving in the wild. Many have professional backgrounds in outdoor education, search and rescue, and even military training.
Duration and Cost
Courses range from 7-day programs costing around $1,800 to 28-day expeditions priced upwards of $5,000.
Student Reviews and Testimonials
Past students frequently praise BOSS for its rigorous curriculum and effective teaching methods. Many highlight how the courses push you to your limits, helping you build not just skills but also resilience and confidence.
Certification
BOSS offers completion certificates, which can be valuable for outdoor educators or anyone looking to bolster their résumé with credible survival training.
Tom Brown Jr.’s Tracker School
Located in New Jersey, Tom Brown Jr.’s Tracker School is renowned for teaching skills rooted in Native American traditions.
Curriculum
The school offers various courses, including:
- Standard: An introductory course covering the basics of survival, tracking, and nature observation.
- Advanced Standard: Building on the Standard Course, it delves deeper into advanced tracking and survival techniques.
- Specialty Courses: These focus on specific skills like animal tracking, wild plant uses, and survival at different times of the year.
Qualifications of Instructors
Instructors at Tracker School are well-versed in ancient survival techniques and have been trained personally by Tom Brown Jr., a legendary figure in the wilderness survival community.
Duration and Cost
A standard 5-day course costs around $850, while more advanced or specialty courses can go up to $1,500 or more.
Student Reviews and Testimonials
Reviewers often laud the school for its in-depth focus on tracking and ancient survival techniques, praising the hands-on experience and the depth of knowledge possessed by the instructors.
Certification
Certificates of completion are available, adding an element of credibility to your training.
National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS)
The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) offers a range of courses aimed at developing both wilderness survival skills and leadership abilities.
Curriculum
NOLS’ courses are designed to be comprehensive:
- Wilderness First Aid: This course covers essential first aid skills needed in the wilderness.
- Wilderness Survival: A multi-week course that covers various survival skills, from shelter building to navigation.
- Leadership: Courses specifically focused on building leadership skills in an outdoor setting.
Qualifications of Instructors
NOLS instructors are often wilderness medicine experts, certified guides, and experienced outdoor educators.
Duration and Cost
Courses can last anywhere from 2 days to several weeks, with costs ranging from $245 for a basic Wilderness First Aid course to several thousand dollars for more extensive programs.
Student Reviews and Testimonials
NOLS is highly rated by former students for its structured and professional approach to survival training. Many attest to the high-quality instruction and valuable life skills gained.
Certification
NOLS offers various certifications, including Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and Wilderness EMT, depending on the course you choose.
Sigma 3 Survival School
Located in several states including Arkansas and Missouri, Sigma 3 Survival School is known for its practical, hands-on approach to survival training.
Curriculum
Their courses are highly hands-on and focused:
- Survival Standard Course: A 5-day course covering basic survival techniques.
- Advanced Programs: These include courses on trapping, herbal medicine, and long-term primitive living.
Qualifications of Instructors
The instructors at Sigma 3 are survival experts with extensive field experience, some of whom have appeared on popular survival TV shows.
Duration and Cost
The Standard Course costs around $795, while advanced courses can range up to $2,500 or more, depending on the duration and content.
Student Reviews and Testimonials
Students praise Sigma 3 for its practical, hands-on teaching approach, and the school’s ability to create a realistic survival scenario.
Certification
Certificates of completion are offered, which can enhance your credentials in the field of outdoor education or adventure sports.
Cody Lundin’s Aboriginal Living Skills School
Founded by renowned survival expert Cody Lundin, the Aboriginal Living Skills School in Arizona offers a unique approach to wilderness survival training.
Curriculum
The curriculum focuses on primitive living skills:
- Hunter-Gatherer: A 7-day immersive course covering ancient survival techniques.
- Survival: A variety of courses addressing different aspects of survival, from basic skills to advanced techniques.
- Custom Courses: Tailored courses based on specific interests or needs.
Qualifications of Instructors
Cody Lundin and his team are globally recognized for their expertise in primitive living skills and have been featured in numerous TV shows and documentaries.
Duration and Cost
Courses vary in length from single-day classes to multi-day expeditions, with costs generally ranging from $200 to $1,500.
Student Reviews and Testimonials
Students often highlight the school’s unique focus on primitive skills and Cody Lundin’s engaging teaching style. Many find the hands-on approach particularly beneficial.
Certification
Certificates of completion are available, which can boost your credentials and demonstrate your newfound skills.
Jack Mountain Bushcraft School
Located in Masardis, Maine, Jack Mountain Bushcraft School offers a range of courses designed to teach practical wilderness skills.
Curriculum
Jack Mountain offers structured, intensive programs:
- Bushcraft & Survival Semester: A 9-week immersive course covering all aspects of wilderness survival and bushcraft.
- Weeklong and Weekend Courses: Shorter courses focused on specific skills such as winter survival, canoeing, and edible plants.
Qualifications of Instructors
Instructors are seasoned outdoor professionals with years of field experience, bringing a wealth of practical knowledge to their teaching.
Duration and Cost
The Semester program costs around $7,500, while shorter courses range between $300 and $800.
Student Reviews and Testimonials
Former students frequently commend the school for its intensive, hands-on approach and the depth of knowledge of the instructors. Many are particularly impressed by the comprehensive curriculum and the skills they acquire.
Certification
Completion certificates are offered, which can be valuable for those seeking careers in outdoor education or adventure sports.
Conclusion
Choosing the right wilderness survival training school can be a life-changing decision, providing you with the skills and confidence to thrive in the wild. From the comprehensive and challenging courses at Boulder Outdoor Survival School to the legendary teachings at Tom Brown Jr.’s Tracker School, there’s an option for everyone, whether you’re looking for a short course or an extended, immersive experience. These schools offer valuable certifications and boast highly qualified instructors, ensuring you receive top-notch education in wilderness survival. So go ahead, take the plunge, and equip yourself with the skills to survive and thrive in the wilderness. Your adventure awaits!
