After finishing year 22, long-term program number 53 and 20 years as a full time Registered Master Maine Guide, I’ve learned a few things. I know what works and just how hard I can push people before their brains or bodies quit. I’ve seen the flaws in our systems and corrected most of them. They’re not perfect by any means, but they’re at generation 53.0 at this point. We’ve paid our dues and put in our time, and we’re ready to offer the next level in training.
Announcing the Expedition Instructor (XI) Program: 7-Month Residential Wilderness Instructor Immersion Training
The XI Program starts with our spring semester, then continues through the summer with the Primitive Living Skills Practicum and the Wilderness Canoe Expedition Semester and finishes with our fall Wilderness Bushcraft Semester. I’m fond of saying the keys to proficiency and mastery are the reps and the miles. This program has both in abundance, as well as personal mentoring, lots of feedback, and an educational opportunity unavailable elsewhere.
How does it work?
Every day builds upon the day prior. It starts with our Spring Wilderness Guide Training Semester, where you’ll be a student. It lasts until the end of the fall Wilderness Bushcraft Semester. Along the way you’ll be pushed, prodded, and made to work hard. You’ll achieve all of our non-winter certifications and test to become a Registered Maine Guide. The program is broken down into three phases. More details on our site.
Why this/Why Now
I had a big health scare with covid. Almost died. I want to pass along everything I’ve learned. When I stared doing what I do there was no template for what I wanted to build. It was an uphill battle, but I kept after it. Like many small businesses, there were some lean years and challenges. It wasn’t easy, but I liked the work and built it over time. I want to pass what I learned along to the next generation. I want to train the next generation of industry leaders. I’m not interested in the next generation of youtube heros or instagram influencers. I’m interested in helping to train the next generation of the real deal, experienced and proven industry leaders. We have enough heros and influencers already.
I want to train the people who can stand up to scrutiny, laugh at the haters and learn how to:
- Be knowledgeable about how to start, run, market, and build an outdoor business.
- Use appropriate technology for small business: create a website, market it, promote it, insure it, and make it work.
- Understand the difference between information and education, and how to use instructional design to create programs that can change lives.
- Be for real, with experience, on training others in bushcraft and survival.
- Be experienced wilderness guides with the experience to pull off remote expeditions
- Make a name for themselves and always be in demand.
If you’re happy with your life, keep at it. If you want a change, consider this. If you have questions, join us on our private online network at BushcraftSchool.com and get them answered.
