Fall Wilderness Survival Basics

“Wilderness Survival Basics covered a wide breadth of applicable subject matter. The balance of pacing and in-field hands-on practice made this two-day course digestible and memorable. This course alone would empower one with a nice “starter pack” of skills to apply in the wild. It is also a great foundational class from which to dive deeper into more specific subject matter and hone one’s advanced outdoor survival skills.” -Jay

“I truly enjoyed every moment. It was a very knowledgeable and fun group that love to teach. The class helped build confidence in myself and has inspired me to continue building my skills in wilderness survival. I look forward to the next course I join with this organization and team!” -Matt

This course is a hands-on introduction to the skills and knowledge necessary to live through a short-term wilderness survival situation. If you have the survival skills and experience to survive at least 72 hours, then you have a much greater chance to find your way out of the woods OR be located by search and rescue.

Topics will include essential survival gear, survival priorities, and most importantly, how to maintain an upright mind.

Anyone who enters the wilderness will benefit from having these basic, but important, survival skills.

Program Logistics

Class will take place at our school’s 40-acre property from 9am-4pm on Saturday and Sunday. No food provided. Participants will be out in the field all day and will need to dress accordingly. While the class isn’t overly strenuous, we will be hiking about 1-2 miles over the course of the weekend. Students will need to be able to carry food, water, and gear with them throughout the day – preferably in a backpack with a hip belt.

Camping is available Saturday night on our campus. To register, select “Optional Camping” under the Additional Options section during the registration process. Camping is at your own risk and available only for Saturday. Potable water and restrooms are provided. See our Program Details for more.

Meet Your Instructor:

Max Griefen

Max Griefen grew up attending nature connection programs and practicing ancestral/survival skills starting at the age of 8 years old, in Vermont. He attended The Immersion at Wilderness Awareness School in 2021-2022, and has spent every year since practicing and teaching survival skills, wildlife tracking, sensory awareness, and more nature-based skills to adults and children. Max Griefen instructs Wild Within 2 and Village at Wilderness Awareness School during the school year.