Master the Skills You Need to Stay Safe, Survive, and Maybe Even Thrive in the Wilderness
You love the outdoors—whether you’re a hunter, guide, angler, backcountry hiker, or simply someone who works in or enjoys remote wilderness areas. But there’s always that nagging worry: what if something goes wrong? What if you get lost or stranded? What if the cold bites too deep, the water runs out, or the fire won’t catch?
You know being prepared is critical, but you’ve wondered:
- How do I build a fire when everything’s wet?
- What can I eat in the bush that won’t make me sick?
- What do I really need to stay alive if the unexpected happens?
Welcome to Introduction to Bushcraft & Outdoor Survival
A two-day weekend course where you’ll learn how to make the wild your ally.
Led by Russ Meades, former Canadian Ranger Commanding Officer, this two-day course equips you with essential wilderness living and survival skills. Designed for those who spend time in the outdoors—hunters, anglers, trappers, guides, and outdoor enthusiasts alike—this course will give you the tools to:
- Stay safe and confident in remote, unforgiving environments.
- Build the skills to not just survive but thrive.
- Gain hands-on experience under expert guidance.
Sounds Just Like What You Need? Here’s What’s Included
Bushcraft Weekend isn’t just another course—it’s THE COURSE you need to be confident that you can thrive and survive in the outdoors should push come to shove.
Over two packed days, you’ll cover topics like:
- Survival Psychology
- Understand the survival triangle and how to stay calm and focused in emergency situations.
- Explore strategies like PLAN and learn why “the more you know, the less you carry.”
- Tools: Design, Safety, and Use
- Learn to handle fixed-blade knives, axes, and saws safely and effectively.
- Discover alternate and improvised uses for these tools in survival situations.
- Note: All tools will be provided, including knives.
- Fire Science & Lighting
- Learn the science of fire: types of fire lays and their uses, as well as tinder, kindling, and fuel sources.
- Practice fire-lighting techniques using different ignition methods.
- Discover how to site, manage, and extinguish fires, including creating signal fires for rescue.
- Shelter Building
- Construct and maintain sturdy, effective shelters using minimal tools.
- Understand siting considerations and the science behind protecting yourself from the elements.
- Water Safety and Acquisition
- Identify water sources and learn multiple treatment methods for safe drinking water.
- Understand the risks of waterborne diseases and how to avoid them.
- Food Acquisition and Preparation
- Learn to identify and prepare wild food sources, including plants and animals.
- Master snaring, trapping, and foraging techniques with a focus on safety and sustainability.
- Discover edible and medicinal plants and their uses for survival and wellness.
- Cordage and Knots
- Work with natural and man-made cordage to create practical solutions in the wilderness.
- Practice tying essential knots and learn their various applications.
- Bear, Predator, and Large Animal Awareness
- Gain critical knowledge on how to stay safe during encounters with wildlife, including predators and large animals.
- First Aid Essentials
- Assemble a practical first aid kit tailored for wilderness use.
- Learn to treat common injuries and ailments encountered in remote settings.
- Clothing and Layering
- Understand how to dress effectively to stay warm and dry in winter conditions.
- Avoid common mistakes that can compromise your safety and comfort.
- Practical Tips and Anecdotes
- Gain insider knowledge and survival hacks shared by your expert instructor.
Bonus: You’ll receive a personalized certificate of completion from the Alberta Centre for Trapping and Bushcraft.
Disclaimer: The course is designed to cover all the topics listed above, but the depth and inclusion of specific topics may vary depending on time constraints and participant needs. Our priority is ensuring you gain the most practical and essential skills during the weekend.
Meet Your Instructor: Russ Meades
With decades of experience in wilderness survival and bushcraft, Russ Meades brings unparalleled expertise to this course. As a former Canadian Ranger Commanding Officer, British Army survival trainer, and certified Wilderness Living and Survival Instructor, Russ’s teachings are rooted in both practice and passion.
Why Learn from Russ?
Russ doesn’t just teach survival—he embodies it. From solo hunting expeditions to training Canadian Army personnel, Russ has honed his craft to ensure you get the best, most practical knowledge for thriving in the wild.
What You Need to Bring
Part of the Introduction to Introduction to Bushcraft & Outdoor Survival is about learning to rely on yourself and your environment. Participants are expected to:
- Bring their own food (self-catering is part of the experience).
- Pack a compact camp cooking set and thermoses for hot drinks and meals.
- Have adequate clothing for winter conditions.
- Carry cookware, cleaning items, and other essentials (full kit list provided upon registration).
Water, tea, coffee, and “bush coffee” will be provided.
Important Weather Disclaimer
Introduction to Bushcraft & Outdoor Survival is designed to give you real-world wilderness experience, which means the course will run in almost any weather conditions. The only exception is if temperatures reach -25°C or colder, in which case we will reschedule for safety reasons.
Why Choose Introduction to Bushcraft &Outdoor Survival?
Every topic is taught by Russ, former Canadian Ranger Commanding Officer, who brings decades of expertise to the table. With hands-on instruction, this course will prepare you to handle the challenges of wilderness living with confidence.
The Details
- Dates: February 8-9, 2025
- Time: Starts at 8:00 am each day
- Location: Pembina Nordic Ski Club
- Ages: 16+ (no exceptions)
- Price: $250.00 + GST
- Registration deadline: Wednesday, January 29, 2025 @ 4:00 pm
Registering Is Easy
- Complete the registration and waiver form.
- Submit your payment online.
- Prepare your gear and get ready!
Who Is Introduction to Bushcraft & Outdoor Survival For?
Introduction to Bushcraft & Outdoor Survival is for people who spend time in the outdoors and want to feel more prepared, confident, and safe in the wilderness. This course is designed for:
- Hunters and Anglers: Whether you’re deep in the backcountry or fishing along remote shores, learn survival skills that ensure every trip is a safe one.
- Trappers: Gain essential wilderness knowledge to navigate and thrive in rugged conditions.
- Outdoor Guides and Professionals: Hunting guides, forestry workers, and others who work in remote areas will benefit from these practical, life-saving skills.
- Backcountry Enthusiasts: If you enjoy hiking, camping, or exploring unpopulated areas, this course will prepare you for unexpected challenges.
- Wilderness Beginners: New to the outdoors? Start your journey with the skills and confidence to make every adventure a success.
If you’re someone who values preparedness, enjoys the outdoors, or wants to build survival skills, Introduction to Bushcraft & Outdoor Survival is for you.
Who Is Introduction to Bushcraft & Outdoor Survival NOT For?
Introduction to Bushcraft & Outdoor Survival is NOT for everyone. It’s not the right fit if:
- You’re Unwilling to Embrace the Elements: This is an outdoor, all-weather course. If you’re not prepared to face rain, sleet, snow, or cold temperatures (down to -25°C), this is not for you.
- You’re Looking for a Leisurely Experience: This course is hands-on and immersive, requiring active participation in activities like fire-making, shelter-building, and more.
- You Prefer Indoor Comfort: If camping, cooking your own meals, and working in the bush aren’t your style, you’ll want to skip this one.
- You Have Mobility Restrictions: This course involves physical activities such as hiking, building shelters, and using tools. Participants must be physically fit and capable of moving freely in an outdoor environment.
- You’re Under 16: Unfortunately, we cannot make exceptions to the age requirement—participants must be 16 or older to attend.
Are You Ready to Feel Confident in the Wild?
This is an opportunity to connect with nature on a deeper level, master life-saving skills, and gain confidence for your next outdoor adventure. You’ll learn practical survival skills in a real-world environment.
If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and embrace the wilderness, join us!
Don’t wait—space is limited to 12 participants.
6/12 SPOTS FILLED.
