Wilderness Survival Basics
This 1-day intensive introduces essential outdoor skills for adults ready to build real competence. Step out of the abstract and into hands-on training that strengthens awareness, resilience, and practical capability. Whether you're new to wilderness skills or returning to refine your foundation, you’ll train in a focused, supportive learning community.
Elements of Survival
Led by expert Trackers Guides, you’ll receive active, field-based instruction in the core pillars of wilderness survival:
Shelter Explore shelter principles from site selection to construction, and understand how clothing serves as your first and most critical layer of protection. Train to “wear your shelter” and adapt to changing weather with calm decision-making.
Water Discover how to locate, assess, and treate water in real-world conditions. Understand risk, filtration options, and purification methods so you can remain safe and confident in backcountry environments.
Wild Foods Foraging Develop seasonal awareness and foundations of foraging of flora and fauna. Learn ethical harvesting practices while strengthening observation skills and your relationship to place.
Forest Craft Fire Build fire in demanding conditions. Work with both modern, matchless, and friction-based fire techniques to understand ignition, fuel structure, and fire behavior beyond simply striking a match.
This course is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, parents, educators, and leaders who want practical skills they can rely on while also developing a deeper connection to nature through forest craft. Many participants join us to prepare for deeper training, integrate nature-based learning into their family or classrooms, or simply rebuild confidence in their own hands and judgment.
Interested in a deeper path? For long-term growth, mentorship, and mastery, consider training with our Wilderness Survival Immersion, meeting 1 weekend-per-month from Fall to Spring.
Our Team
You’ll train with senior Trackers Guides known for their clarity, field experience, and grounded teaching style:
- Deep experience in wilderness mentoring and field instruction.
- Low student-to-guide ratios for hands-on feedback and personal coaching.
- Background checked, First Aid & CPR certified.
- Trained in outdoor risk management and the Trackers Earth curriculum.
Details
This 1-day workshop offers hands-on instruction in wilderness survival and forest craft.
Daily Schedule
- 7:45 am (Optional): PDX Shuttle Departs
- 9:00 am: Class Begins @ Camp Roslyn
- 12:30 pm: Lunch & Exploration
- 1:00 pm: Class Resumes
- 4:00 pm: End of Day
- 5:15 pm (Optional): PDX Shuttle Returns
Location
Camp Roslyn: This workshop takes place at our private 341-acre wilderness skills campus and wildlife refuge in Sandy, OR. Nestled among forests and fields, Camp Roslyn provides an incredible setting for traditional folk crafts.
Optional Shuttle
An optional shuttle is available from our SE Portland location for $25 (added at checkout). The shuttle departs 75 minutes before class and returns 75 minutes after.
Have Questions?
For any questions, please feel free to contact our Family Success team.