Basic Survival Skills Course

The Basic Survival Skills course is the first in our series of survival classes that involves spending the night in the woods of our 160-acre Tekamah Training Facility. This course is designed to provide a challenging, yet comfortable, experience so that students can learn time tested outdoor skills and a mindset that are valuable for any backcountry adventure.

Class starts with a gear shakedown in the lodge and transitions quickly out into the woods to our rustic parachute camp. After a discussion on survival priorities around the group fire, students will be guided through the construction of their own shelters made from a combination of natural and man-made materials. Once the shelters are up, students receive in-depth lessons and practice time on fire craft, tool selection, and other survival related topics. When the sun goes down, the instructor(s) prepare dinner over an open fire, giving students the chance to work on knife skills and knot tying.

Day 2 includes breakfast prepared by the instructor(s), additional lessons on fire craft, emergency signaling techniques, all natural shelters, and other topics relevant to the current conditions. Class ends mid afternoon on Sunday.

The confidence you will gain from our Survival Skills classes will remain with you long after the snow melts and ground thaws. If you still are not convinced, remember that the techniques we teach have been refined over many years and we take safety very seriously. There is always trained medical staff on hand as well as a temperature controlled bunkhouse for emergencies.

  • Backpack(s) large enough for the following items:
  • Sleeping Bag(s) rated for the expected conditions – Military Modular Sleep System works well
  • Sleeping pad
  • Weather appropriate clothes, comfortable boots, 2-3 pairs of socks
  • Empty 32oz sports drink bottle
  • 55 gallon trash bag
  • Fixed blade knife with sheath
  • Leather Gloves
  • Fire starters – e.g. matches, lighter, Firesteel
  • Lunch for Saturday and snacks for both days
  • Cup, spoon, bowl and water bottle – Stainless steel is best for cold condiditons, but not required
  • First Aid Kit and personal medications as needed
  • 10 foot by 10 foot tarp (Approximately) – A plastic disposable drop cloth is adequate
  • 100 feet of 550 cord (Paracord)
  • Flashlight/headlamp and extra batteries
  • Spare clothing in vehicle
  • Lawn Chair for Camp

Under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.