Should you expect to camp outdoors during survival training?

Shelter and Terrain

During a typical survival training course, students will be expected to set up camp in various outdoor environments, including forests, deserts, and mountains. A good instructor will take the students to different terrains and teach them how to identify shelter options, such as natural shelters, lean-tos, and debris huts. For example, in a forest, students may learn to identify beech trees (Fagus grandifolia) for their smooth bark, which can be used to create a shelter. In a desert environment, students may learn to create a shelter using rocks, sand, and branches.

Weather and Adaptation

Survival training courses often involve exposure to extreme weather conditions, such as rain, snow, and heat. Students will learn how to adapt to these conditions and create shelters that can withstand them. For example, in a rainforest, students may learn to create a shelter using a poncho or a tarp, while in a snowy environment, students may learn to create a quinzhee shelter. Students will also learn how to start a fire in wet conditions, and how to stay warm in freezing temperatures.

Course Structure and What to Look For

Week-long survival training courses are typically more comprehensive than weekend courses, offering more in-depth training and hands-on experience. When selecting a survival training course, look for instructors with real-world experience and a focus on hands-on training rather than theory. A good course should include a mix of classroom instruction and outdoor training, and should provide students with the skills and confidence to survive in a wilderness environment.