Survival Courses for Families: Are They Worth It?

Choosing a Course

When selecting a survival course for your family, look for a reputable school with experienced instructors. Consider courses that focus on wilderness survival, first aid, and emergency preparedness. A weekend course may provide a taste of the skills you need, but a week-long course offers more comprehensive training and hands-on experience. Some courses, like the SOLO Wilderness Survival School, offer a 4-day course covering topics such as shelter building, fire starting, and water purification.

Instructors and Curriculum

A good survival course should have instructors with real-world experience in wilderness survival. Look for courses that emphasize practical skills and hands-on training, rather than theory. Courses that incorporate scenario-based training, where participants are presented with hypothetical emergency situations, can be particularly effective. A curriculum that covers topics such as navigation, first aid, and communication is essential for families. For example, the REI Wilderness First Responder course covers a wide range of topics, including patient assessment, wound management, and evacuation techniques.

Certification and Follow-Up

Ultimately, a survival course is only as good as the follow-up support it provides. Look for schools that offer certification and ongoing support, such as workshops or online forums. This can help you and your family build on the skills you’ve learned and stay prepared for emergency situations. Some courses, like the American Red Cross Wilderness First Aid course, offer a certification that is valid for 2 years, providing ongoing motivation to practice and stay up-to-date with your skills.