This introductory class will set you up with the basic skills to keep yourself warm, hydrated, and fed in the wilderness.

 

Foundational skills for hikers, backpackers, hunters, trail runners, or anyone wishing to enjoy the outdoors. Survival 1 preps you with basic outdoor skills that will build your confidence, expand your knowledge, and deepen your connection to nature.

This class is the starting point for the Alula Certification offered by Owl Eyes Wilderness Survival. This program is for anyone wishing to expand their knowledge and skillset. Students will start at Survival 1- a 6 hour class, and work their way up to The OWL Challenge, a 6 day survival trip. A feather patch is given to show progress at the end of each class.

Survival 1 can be taken as a standalone class, or with the intention to continue further with other OEWS classes involved in the Alula Certification. Students who finish Survival 1 will have met the prerequisites to take Survival 2 or 3.

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Students will be rewarded with a certificate and 2 patches at the end of this class.

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SKILLS COVERED:

• Knife Use/Sharpening/Safety

• 5 Basic Knots

• Fire Building with Modern Tools

• Rabbit Sticks

• Shelter Building with Modern Gear

• Water Disinfection

• Outdoor Clothing Selection

• Foraging Ethics and Guidelines

• How to Build a Survival Kit

• Survival Logistics and Psychology

• Map & Compass

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REQUIRED MATERIALS:

• Fixed Blade Knife

• Knife Sharpener

• Ferro Rod Fire Starter

• Appropriate clothing for weather and/or bugs

• Water, lunch, and snacks

• Notebook and Pencil

• OEWS BASIC or COMPLETE Survival Kits (optional, but they have what you need in one package. Each piece of gear has been hand selected by Tim Swanson to fit the needs of Owl Eyes Wilderness Survival's curriculum).

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*The required gear is highly recommended. The linked products above are quality and affordable compared to other things we have tested and OEWS will never recommend gear that we have not tested and approved ourselves.

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If you are interested in a knife design developed by Tim Swanson, the lead instructor, please send a message to Jackson Mills of Freedom Forge and inquire about The Talon knife. The Talon knife is Tim's idea of a perfect survival knife for the needs of all of our classes and each one is handmade with custom handle and sheath options. They take a few weeks to make so please plan accordingly if you would like your knife to use in class. Depending on custom options, these knives sell for around $200.

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This class is geared for adults, however mature minors are welcome to join. We do not set an age minimum but rather set a maturity standard. It is up to the parents to decide if they feel their child or teen is mature enough for a 6 hour survival class. All students are expected to maintain a level of respect for all students and carry themselves as individuals. If you feel your child will be interruptive to the flow of class, or hinder your independent learning, this class will not be for them and we encourage you to look at our children's survival classes, which are specifically structured for kids. Students below the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The ticket price covers the cost of 1 student, regardless of age.

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This class is held year round, completely outside, and runs rain or shine. If weather conditions make outdoor conditions unsafe, class will be cancelled and students can reschedule into another class.

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E-mail owleyeswilderness@gmail.com with any questions.

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CLICK HERE to see public offerings or send an e-mail to host your own class.