The Teen Bushcraft And Survival Course is for young men ages 13-17 and designed as an introduction to a wide variety of bushcraft and survival skills. We spend the week camping at the field school and along the Aroostook River, practicing the skills of outdoor living until they become second nature.
Syllabus:
Sunday, July 3rd
Students should arrive at the field school between 4 and 6 pm. We’ll cook dinner over the campfire, give everyone (students and parents) a tour of the field school, then talk about the week and give the students a chance to get to know one another. Parents are welcome to stay for dinner.
Monday, July 4th
On Monday morning we jump right into our curriculum, focusing on fire, shelter and an introduction to nature study. We’ll also cover safely and powerfully using a knife and sectioning a log with an axe.
Tuesday, July 5th
Tuesday we’ll make cord out of natural material, and each student will make their own rope. We’ll cover some important knots, focusing on those needed to tie a tight ridge line for a tarp shelter. Then we’ll head down to the river for instruction on canoe paddling and poling. In the afternoon, we’ll make a hoop house shelter, continue with our nature study, and learn about map and compass navigation.
Wednesday, July 6th
On Wednesday we’ll focus on primitive skills. We’ll begin with making fire by friction and percussion, then make grass mattresses for a comfortable night sleep. We’ll make squirrel snares (we won’t be snaring anything, as it isn’t legal), then build another individual shelter.
Thursday, July 7th
On Thursday morning we’ll pack up and head to Oxbow, where we’ll canoe down the Aroostook river and spend the night at a remote camp site. We’ll cover effective camp set-up and organization, then spend the evening fishing for brook trout.
Friday, July 8th
Friday morning we’ll make fish spears, cook a simple breakfast over the fire, then head down down the river towards camp. Along the way we’ll be practicing our paddling and poling skills. We’ll arrive back at the field school at noon, then spend some time debriefing and talking about the experience. Parents should plan to pick up at 2 pm.
In addition to the skills listed, we’ll be busy all day covering a wide variety of topics based on student interest. Students will learn to purify water, cook over a fire, bake in a reflector oven, cook in a dutch oven, make efficient pot suspension systems, identify common wild plants and trees, and learn to be self-sufficient in the woods.
Details:
- Dates: 7/3-7/8, 2011
- Maximum Size: 12
- Registration Deadline: 5/1/11
- Tuition: $800
- Register online here
- More information is on our Teen Bushcraft & Survival Course Page
