This program focuses on safety outdoors and entry-level wilderness survival and bushcraft skills. The Novice 1 – Outdoor Life and Bushcraft Skills course significantly improves your confidence and safety outdoors. Whether you are a dog walker, a day hiker, an overnight backpacker, or a mountain biker, Novice 1 – Outdoor Life and Bushcraft Skills is for you! The program covers knowledge about trip planning, risk assessment, survival priorities, safe techniques for knife, axe, saw and shovel use, shelter construction strategies, fire lighting techniques, navigation basics and advice on how to build your personal and family Wilderness Survival Kits. Once you have acquired the theoretical basics, you will learn methodologies and practical aspects of shelter skills on the second day. Making use of nature’s resources as harmlessly as possible is our priority. Thus, during our programs, not a single tree is damaged. The Novice 1 – Outdoor Life and Bushcraft Skills program illustrates how to use natural materials without disturbing nature at the same time.
Context of the Program
The Novice 1 course is designed to give you a foundational understanding of how to survive in the wilderness during unexpected situations. Our training follows the critical Survival Priorities: Shelter, Fire, Water, Food, Orientation & Navigation, and Air — and blends theory with hands-on practice to help you internalize these skills.
You will explore:
- The difference between a survivalist and a prepper
- Why skills matter more than gear, and how to use what you have effectively
- Understanding wildlife behaviour to stay safe and avoid conflict
- Knife use and safety: grip, control, and injury prevention
- Practical knife work, including notches and safe cutting techniques
- How to prepare mentally and physically for unexpected situations
- In-depth overview of 12 shelter types and a hands-on construction of one
- Choosing the best shelter location in a survival scenario
- Gear testing and real-world drills with your own outdoor equipment
- Essential knots every outdoor traveller should know
- Orientation skills and never getting lost again
- Navigation exercises using a map, a compass, and natural signs
- Introduction to edible and medicinal plants in local ecosystems
- Water collection, treatment, and transport methods
This program ensures participants leave with practical knowledge, refined motor skills, and the mindset to handle real-life challenges in the backcountry.
Location
The Outdoor Life and Bushcraft Skills program 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.
Requirements
- Clothes fit for the weather conditions. If it is rainy, you should wear a rain jacket and pants. There is no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing
- Hiking boots/shoes
- Work gloves (leather work gloves recommended)
- Eye protection
- Notebook and pencil
- Bring water and a packed lunch
- Any personal items such as anti-allergy medication, sunscreen, or insect repellent
- A backpack to keep all your items in
- Your backpacking gear, if you have it.
Banned activities
Drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana, bullying others, and illegal actions are unacceptable activities during all our programs.
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
$350 per person (all required tools are included), plus 5% GST.