Wilderness Training—A Great Way to Get Prepared!

Are you an avid outdoorsman?  Perhaps you enjoy hiking, fishing, or camping—or maybe you like all of these activities.  If this is the case, wilderness training could be of immense benefit to your health and safety.

What many nature-lovers fail to consider when they’re climbing up the side of a cliff or diving to the depths of the sea is that there are many dangers associated with the outdoors.  It is possible for many emergency situations to arise—and knowing what to do in these circumstances is crucial.  Wilderness training is a great way to prepare yourself for any potential dangers you might encounter in the great outdoors.

Finding Training Opportunities

You may have never heard of wilderness training before, but opportunities to become trained in wilderness survival and safety are everywhere.  National and local organizations alike offer courses and seminars aimed at preparing people for any situation that might arise while they’re on an outdoor adventure.  If you are having difficulty locating a wilderness training program, you should check with your local nature center to see what training options they might offer.

Is Wilderness Training for You?

You might not think you need wilderness training—however, you would be surprised at who wilderness training is recommended for.  Wilderness training and safety courses are recommended for family campers, fishermen, mountain climbers, snowmobile enthusiasts, hikers, snowshoers, backpackers, Boy Scout or Girl Scout leaders, search and rescue personnel, and national park personnel. 

What Skills Does Wilderness Training Promote?

Wilderness training will provide you with many skills that would be helpful in many situations.  In fact, having these skills could even save your life.  Learning about the gear and clothing you will need to prepare for an outdoor excursion is the first thing that will be discussed in any class.  You will also learn basic outdoor skills, such as: signaling, foraging, fire building, and shelter building.

Additionally, most courses will teach you how to read compasses and maps, and some will even teach you how to use a GPS device.  At the end of the training program, you will most likely be sent home with a First Aid Kit or a Safety Kit.

A Happy Camper

Regardless of how actively you participate in outdoor activities, wilderness training could come in handy at any point in your life.  You never know what situations you could encounter, but it’s good to be prepared for whatever comes along.