Learn to Thrive in the Wild
This isn't a casual camping trip. Course #18 is a rigorous, immersive program that strips away modern comforts and replaces them with proven survival techniques, mental resilience training, and advanced bushcraft. You'll learn to navigate without GPS, build weatherproof shelters from natural materials, purify water in any terrain, forage safely, and manage emergency scenarios under pressure.
Led by certified wilderness survival experts and former military survival instructors, you'll progress through structured modules that build upon each other, culminating in a 48-hour solo survival assessment. Whether you're preparing for expedition leadership, emergency readiness, or simply want to master the outdoors, this course delivers actionable, life-saving skills.
Advanced Navigation
Map reading, compass mastery, celestial navigation, and terrain analysis.
Fire & Shelter
Friction fire, bow drill, debris huts, and all-weather survival structures.
Water & Foraging
Purification methods, sustainable harvesting, and edible plant identification.
18-Day Progression
Days 1-3: Foundation & Navigation
Arrival, gear check, and safety briefing. Introduction to topographic maps, compass declination, and GPS-independent route planning. Night navigation exercise.
Days 4-7: Fire & Shelter Systems
Master friction fire techniques. Build debris huts, lean-tos, and snow shelters. Learn insulation, ventilation, and fire management in wet conditions.
Includes hands-on bow drill practice, natural fiber cordage, and shelter stress-testing in simulated weather.
Days 8-12: Water, Nutrition & Foraging
Water sourcing, purification without chemicals, solar stills, and sustainable foraging. Caloric management and rationing strategies.
Days 13-16: Emergency Scenarios
Simulated injuries, lost scenarios, rescue signaling, and group evacuation drills. Mental resilience and decision-making under stress.
Days 17-18: Solo Assessment & Graduation
48-hour solo survival evaluation in designated wilderness zone. Debrief, skills review, certification ceremony, and gear pack-out.
Meet the Lead Guide
Alex Vance
Head Survival Instructor & Wilderness MedicWith over 15 years of backcountry experience, Alex is a certified WFR, former military survival trainer, and author of "Beyond the Trail". He's led expeditions across 4 continents and specializes in low-gear survival, navigation, and psychological resilience in extreme environments.