WILDERNESS ONE: FIND YOURSELF THERE

In a one-day class, Shane Hobel of Mountain Scout Survival School teaches survival skills, and it’s much more than simply staying alive in the woods.

Shane Hobel, professional tracker and founder of the Mountain Scout Survival School in Beacon, NY, is offering a one-day class to teach the skills that have been passed down from the era of the Native Americans. The class is for students of all ages and walks of life who may feel disconnected from the natural world and yearn to know more about human ancestry. Wilderness One is not about tossing your blackberry and moving into a teepee; it’s about being awakened to and aware of your history and surroundings and your connection to them.

At the start of the class, Shane Hobel tells the students that by the end of their eight-hour experience, their chances of surviving being lost in the woods will be about 90%. Then they’re told to forget everything they know as they sit by the shores of the Hudson River and start the first lesson: how to make rope out of grass. This classroom, with sand for a floor, logs for seats, and the sky as ceiling, is where the students learn “sit-skills” such as rope making, shelter building, water purification and the sacred order of survival.

From there, the class moves to the woods where participants apply their skills by building a shelter, a fire, and a small animal trap. Woven through every lesson is the reminder to be thankful, respectful and always aware of one’s surroundings and impact. The day ends with a lesson on topography and basic tracking techniques.
There are no prerequisites for Wilderness One, and it’s appropriate for people age 10-100, wilderness enthusiasts and urban dwellers alike. Students should bring lunch, water, a notebook and pen, and a passion to learn. Cameras and knives are optional, dress in layers, and prepare to get mildly dirty. Enter with an open mind, and leave energized with a new perspective on yourself and your world and a desire to sign up for Wilderness 2, fire-making, tracking 1, or any of the other advanced classes.

Mountain Scout Survival School was founded in ???? by Shane Hobel, who has over 20 years experience teaching outdoor education. He is also a founding member of Tracker SFI, holder of a 5th degree black belt and is a professional stunt man.

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If you’d like more information about Mountain Scout Survival School, or to schedule an interview, please call ??? at ??? or email ??? at ???