Skill level: Basic
Prerequisites: None

We have all, at one time or another had the dream of evading a disaster of one form or another and escaping into the security of the wilderness. Many of us have piecemeal together thoughts, skills, and equipment towards that eventuality. But how well prepared are we - really? How realistic are our expectations?

The scope and intent of this class is to help each person clarify a goal, define your personal mission, and develop a plan that will lay the foundation for a proper mindset and aide you in equipment selection and preparation for such an eventuality. We will critically examine what is required in equipment, time, money, and skill development.

There are over 70 different ways to create a
shelter from a common 10' x 10' tarp!

Shawn making a fire
using a bow and drill!

The course covers:

• Understanding the steps for successful planning
  
• Developing the proper survival mindset
  
• Proper clothing -
  • Do's and Don'ts
• Our First Line of Defense
• Maintaining Body Core Temperature
• How to use a Pocket Survival Kit
  
• How to build a Bug Out Bag - "BOB" - Positives and Pit Falls including
  • Navigation
  • Food
  • Shelter
  • Water
  • Fire
  • Tools
  • Defense
  • Communication
  • Transportation
  • Criteria for Gear Selection and Redundancies
    
• Caches and their benefits
  • Planning
  • Designing
  • Storing
  • Recovering
  • Utilizing
    
• Planning a Survival Location/Destination
  • Where to go?
  • What to look for?
    
• Force Multipliers
  
• Aboriginal versus Modern Technology - The "How's and Whys"
  
• Skill Development; What to learn and why?
  • First Aid
  • Navigation
  • Knife, Ax, & Saw Usage
  • Knots
  • Fires
  • Shelter Construction
  • Food Procurement
  • Defensive Skills (security while moving and in camp)
    
• Tying it all together - Putting the Plan into Action!

About our Instructor

Joel Lisson is a former Military Wilderness Survival Skill Instructor and former private Wilderness Survival School Director & Instructor. Joel has accumulated over 25 years teaching wilderness skills using both modern and primitive survival technique and technology.

His Military MOS is 91 B Combat Medic with Advanced Medic courses and a degree in Nursing from the Academy of Health Sciences, Ft. Sam Houston, TX. He also has a MHT degree from Portland State Univ. Joel is Airborne Qualified with assignments oversees and has undergone advanced field courses. Joel is a member of the Disabled American Veterans, NRA Life Member, and is an Oregon State Certified Mediator. He is a Colt AR 15 Armorer, GLOCK Armorer, and a multiple graduate of Oregon Firearms Academy. He has attended numerous other private defensive small arms schools as well.

Joel has taught these same skills to military, special ops units, and numerous government agents & agencies from around the world. Joel is the General Manager of Rescue Response Gear and is currently providing training and survival related equipment to the military, government agencies, law enforcement, and fire agencies all around the world.

Related Work includes:

• Director - Cascade Wilderness School - guide and instructional service training for SAR teams, Bush Pilots, Military, Police & Civilians
• Program Director - OT Outdoor School
• Senior Instructor - True North Program
• Director - Cascade Boy's Ranch of Southern Oregon
• Youth & Assistant Pastor - Calvary Church, Grants Pass
• Weekend Supervisor - Klamath & Lake County Youth Ranch
  

People who have taken this class said:

"This class gave me more useful information then I've gathered on my own in years. I'm really looking forward to the next level class." - Kay Wolke

"Excellent Class. I can't wait for Wilderness 1!!" - Tim Miller

"Superb course that begins to tie everything together and put it all in context." - Jake Guynup

"Very applicable for both wilderness and urban environments." - Dave Hockin

"Very easy evaluation, all 5's just like all the courses that I have attended. Thanks again!" - Dennis Gardner

"You guys rock!" - Ruth Hokin

"Gave a good basic overview, and left me very interested in the topic. I will be taking the next course." - Terry Marles

"Excellent practical advise taught by an instructor with extensive real world experience" - Steve Gould

"Well thought out, well executed - you taught me how to begin formulating my survival plan." - Richard Rodriguez