While developing the courses for Hoagy’s Outdoor Survival Skills, we focused on the three main skill sets that everyone could benefit from learning. Here are the top four reasons we think it’s important to learn survival skills. 

1. Unexpected situations are never planned. Knowing you have survival skills on your side builds confidence to explore.

Let’s start with the obvious. No one plans for things to go wrong when heading out for a quick trip. Experience with search and rescue shows  that when people need rescuing it is because of improper trip planning, directional disorientation due to focus on a specific task, injury, or young people with limited experience. Developing skills in fire craft, shelter building, and basic navigation will provide you with knowledge of how to increase your own positive outcome. This can then help you increase your confidence to explore. 

2. Training provides you with personal and professional growth. 

Personal development contributes to positive benefits at home and at work. If you are looking for a way to increase skills on your resume or to challenge yourself personally, these full day courses are for you. Many skills we learn are transferable into the work arena and when you train in a beneficial new discipline, your mind creates and exercises new neural pathways that will help you adapt and change in healthy ways.

3. Develop a hobby that creates opportunity to get outdoors and explore new places.

Being outdoors improves mental and physical health. The ability to move your body will develop strength and dexterity. Exploring provides the mind with new challenges. As this happens you will find that positive feelings improve. Develop a new hobby that can be done independently or with a group in a safe way that challenges your current abilities. 

4. Be the person who can determine what needs to be done in an unexpected situation and what actions to take.

First responders knows that the key to being calm and relaxed in any situation is to know the basics well. As you practice skills the ability to stay calm and be able to take appropriate action will increase, providing those around with a feeling of security. Part of training in outdoor survival skills is being able to learn how to adapt and be more flexible (contributing to point number 2) and problem solving outside the box. 

Building new skills is a life long practice – invest in yourself.

Until next time,

Hoagy

Our training courses are designed to provide you with solid teaching and time for hands-on practice at a rural training area. Enjoy the drive and the investment in yourself. Find our next training dates and registration form here!