The Free Wilderness Survival Program for Outdoor Enthusiasts was created to make outdoor adventure safer, more informed, and more inclusive—especially for individuals and families who may not have the means to invest in formal survival training.
This short-format program is led by our Founder and Head Instructor, Vitaliy Svetlichnyy, and delivers high-quality instruction grounded in years of professional field experience. Though offered at no cost, the course is carefully structured and delivered with the same commitment to safety, hands-on practice, and real-world application as our paid programs.
The course introduces participants to the real risks of outdoor activities—with a special focus on overcoming Optimism Bias, the common mental shortcut that leads people to underestimate danger and overestimate their preparedness. Many outdoor accidents and survival situations arise not from extreme wilderness conditions, but from a simple lack of planning, overconfidence, or inexperience.
This program is ideal for:
- Families or individuals experiencing financial limitations but still seeking high-quality education
- Day hikers, campers, paddlers, and weekend explorers
- Community members who want to enjoy nature safely and responsibly
- People who are curious about survival training but not ready to commit to a full Novice-level course
Context of the Program
- The basics of trip planning and risk assessment
- Survival priorities: what to do first if something goes wrong
- Introduction to shelter, fire, and water techniques
- How to build a small, effective survival kit
- A realistic view of what it takes to survive a night outdoors unexpectedly
- Optimism bias and how to avoid it
Whether you’re just starting your journey in wilderness awareness or looking to refresh your outdoor safety knowledge, this program is an excellent introduction to our teaching style, our values, and the practical importance of bushcraft and survival skills in everyday adventure.
It’s also a chance to meet our team, ask questions, and take the first steps toward greater confidence and self-reliance in nature—at no cost to you.
Location
The Free Wilderness Survival Program for Outdoor Enthusiasts is located in Metchosin on Vancouver Island. The address is 1258 Neild Rd, Victoria, BC, Canada.
Prerequisites
- The minimum age of participants is 17 years old. All participants under the age of 19 have to be accompanied by their guardians.
What to Bring
- Weather-appropriate clothing (e.g., rain jacket & pants if raining)
- One-day backpacking gear (if you have it)
- Water & snacks
- Any personal items (e.g., allergy medication, sunscreen, insect repellent)
Banned activities
Drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana, bullying others, and illegal actions are unacceptable activities during all our programs.
$10 Show-Up Deposit – Why We Require It
Due to overwhelming demand, we require a $10 fully refundable deposit to secure your spot. Many people have booked in the past but did not show up, preventing others from participating.
Here’s how it works:
✅ If you attend the program, your $10 deposit will be fully refunded.
❌ If you do not show up without cancelling at least 2 weeks before the program date, your deposit is not refundable.
We limit participation to 10 people per session, so please only book a spot if you are certain you will attend. If you cannot make it, kindly cancel at least 2 weeks in advance to allow others to join.
Important notes
ONE WITH NATURE Corp. is not responsible for injuries. The use of knives, axes, and other tools constitute high-risk activities. If you damage yourself or others, ONE WITH NATURE Corp. is not responsible for the damage or lives lost. All our programs are for educational purposes only. ONE WITH NATURE Corp. strongly recommends taking out insurance prior to participating in our programs. Please speak to an insurance provider about the most appropriate type of insurance you need to participate in any of our programs.
Price
This program is free and based on donations. If you’d like to support us, donations help keep this program available to the community.