BASIC SURVIVAL

The Basic Survival Class equips you with the essential skills to survive a 72-hour emergency scenario. Learn the versatile uses of our carefully curated 10 C’s of Survivability kit and apply them to self-aid, fire craft, shelter construction, and water collection. Be prepared for anything with our comprehensive class.

Pathfinder Basic Survival Class (3 days, 2 nights)

Class Limit: 20

Deadline to register is 2 weeks prior to the class start date.

2.5 CEU’s

PATCH QUALIFICATION COURSE:

Basic does not mean easy – It means the essential facts or principles of a subject or skill. Our essentials will revolutionize your outdoor training by pushing you beyond the limits you would otherwise push yourself. During the course, you can expect to walk roughly 3-4 miles You will be carrying your gear (approx.35lb) as well as materials for projects. Most of which you will collect off the landscape.

You will complete various timed exercises individually and as part of a team. Each deliverable is designed to make you more self-reliant. If you don’t give up on yourself, we won’t give up on you. We work in an EDI (Educate, Demonstrate, Imitate) fashion of training. The pace is dictated by the student(s).

IMPORTANT: Regardless of your experience or skill level in the woods, the Basic class is intense and is the foundation from which all Pathfinder School classes are built.

REQUIRED GEAR: The Pathfinder School WILL PROVIDE various pieces of gear necessary for this class. Students will only be responsible for the gear listed in the gear list below.

Gear List – 

Meeting Location – 

Cabin Rentals – 

A broad overview of requirements / what you can expect – Most of these tasks will be performed while carrying your gear.

• hikes of 1-2 miles
• collection of sticks and other materials off the landscape
• navigation courses over terrain which may be muddy or uneven
• dealing with the elements (Hot, Cold, Rain, Snow, etc.)
• As part of the final exercise: On the 2^nd night, you will sleep in a temporary shelter that you construct and will have access to limited gear. No exceptions will be made unless you leave the course entirely.

Port-a-Pots are located approximately 400 yards from the base camp near the parking area.

Water will be available from jugs located in Base Camp. We continually check the water supply to make sure it is readily available.

We do not allow anyone to remain at camp without an instructor present

If you suffer from a medical condition that requires medication, please bring your prescribed medicines with you. If you undergo surgery or a hospital stay within 30 days of the class, DO NOT attempt this course.

Highly recommend – physically prepare yourself at least 1-3 months in advance of this class. Based on your “starting point” physical condition.

• Hiking: uneven terrain will provide the most benefit.
• Walking: (at least 3-5 times weekly) for 5K
• Work your way up to a pack weight of 50lb before the class begins

As the premier school for self-reliance, our training exceeds that of any other school in the nation; so please take it seriously and take the time to physically prepare.

This class is the Foundation, without it, you may not pass higher-level classes. No refunds will be issued for classes you do not pass or those you quit.

Non-Patch Qualification Policy

• When a student enrolls it is fully expected that they intend to certify in Basic Survival (by going for the patch).
• If you fall behind but are doing your best, we will support your effort 100%! We will encourage you to keep it up and complete the course to the best of your ability.
•  Should you be unable to keep up with the group due to physical injury or other health problem(s), we will go above and beyond to assist you by aiding in your mobility, administering hydration and personal motivation! Should those efforts fail, leaving you unable to complete the course, we will need to ask you to leave the school grounds.
• If you (tap out) quit at any point, a helper will be assigned to aid you in packing up your gear and you will need to exit the school grounds.
• Again, it is PERFECTLY ACCEPTABLE, to complete the course without qualifying for the patch, just let your instructor know that this is your desire.

Qualifications Issued

• To those graduating from the course, a Basic Class Patch and Certificate of Completion, signed by the Instructional staff will be issued to you.
• To those remaining throughout the course but did not meet the requirements of Patch Qualification, a Certificate of Training shall be issued to you, signed by the Instructional staff.
• Both documents note Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) awarded.

Age Requirements

• You must be 13 yrs or older to attend this class. Any student under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult registered with that class.
• Young Adults 13 to 17 are full price.

If your child is left in camp repeatedly or left alone to be cared for by staff, you may be asked to leave the class.

If you bring a minor that is not your child, you must have a signed Emergency Care Authorization form filled out by that child’s parent(s) or legal guardian. Reference your Confirmation email for this document.

Cancellation Policy – 

About our School:

• Fully Insured
• Red Cross Certified Training Facility
• EMT’s and Paramedic’s on Staff
• AED on Location 
• Epinephrine on Location
• Instructors are CPR and Wilderness First Aid Red Cross Certified 
• Low Student to Instructor to create a Pedagogy learning environment. 
• Most Instructors either former Military, EMS, or LE
• David Canterbury is NASAR Advanced Search and Rescue Certified 
• Dave Canterbury is Certified Expert Trapper by Fur Takers of America and a Certified Intermediate Herbalist by the Herbal Academy International School of Herbal Arts and Sciences
• All Instructors are equipped and licensed in HAM radio as well as PLB SAT comms for emergency communications away from classroom area.
• Training area is over 4500 Forested Acres 

Disclaimer:
Please make sure you take all gear with you at the end of the class. If gear is left behind, we will not be able to ship it to you, and will be considered abandoned. 

Due to property insurance restrictions: There will be no camping on the school property prior to the start of the class or after the classes conclude.

Each class is instructed by highly trained and professional outdoor/wilderness instructors. Each instructor teaches the Pathfinder School system and is authorized by Dave Canterbury. Instructors, including Dave Canterbury, can vary class to class.