Survival 101
“Learn to Return”

This foundational course is where all your outdoor skills begin. No matter your adventure—hiking, hunting, overlanding, or camping—you’ll build the mindset and skills to LEARN TO RETURN.

INTRODUCTION:

This course lays the foundation for all your wilderness adventures. Through real-world case studies and root cause analysis of notable survival incidents, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how overlooked details in pre-trip planning can lead to critical failures in the field. We’ll explore the data behind backcountry injuries and fatalities, then apply those insights to develop practical, adaptable strategies for wilderness safety. Hands-on skill stations give you the opportunity to practice essential survival techniques under the guidance of experienced instructors who live what they teach.

Course Content:

Survival Priorities

  • Learn the “Updated Rule of 3’s” and how it applies to real-world survival.
  • Develop and implement PACE plans (Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

  • Understand the critical role of the Pre-Event Phase in preventing emergencies.

  • Cultivate the Survival Mindset through practical, scenario-based thinking.

Wilderness Medicine

  • Apply modern trauma care using the MARCH algorithm for patient assessment.
  • Identify and treat common life-threatening injuries in austere environments.
  • Understand shock, its impact, and how to manage it effectively in the field.

Thermoregulation

  • Manage core body temperature as a survival priority.

  • Choose proper layering systems and materials for different environments.

  • Recognize early signs of hypothermia and take effective action.

Fire Craft

  • Master efficient fire-starting techniques using both modern and primitive tools.

  • Process firewood safely with common hand tools.

  • Select the best fire-starting materials for your environment.

  • Build effective fire lays for consistent success — even in challenging conditions.

Shelter

  • Understand why your clothing and layers are your first line of shelter.

  • Construct hasty and primitive shelters using what’s available.

  • Learn how heat is lost — and how to mitigate it with shelter design.

  • Use simple, reliable knots to rig shelters quickly and securely.

Water

  • Locate and collect water safely in backcountry settings.

  • Identify harmful pathogens and waterborne illness risks.

  • Practice proven techniques for filtering and purifying water.

  • Explore gold-standard methods for making water safe for both individuals and groups.

Communication & Self-Rescue

  • Understand the tools available: from UHF/VHF radios to Garmin InReach and satellite messengers.

  • Learn practical use of radios in the backcountry for emergencies.

  • Employ effective signal techniques when technology fails.

Backcountry Hygiene

  • Learn how to handle human waste in different environments: woods, rivers, deserts, and alpine zones.

  • Maintain hygiene with proper hand-washing and dishwashing protocols.

  • Set up and operate a clean, safe, and functional backcountry kitchen.

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Additional Course Details

  • Duration: 2 Days (Weekend Format)
  • Skill Level: All Experience Levels
  • Focus Areas: Mindset, Planning, Bushcraft
  • Hands-On: Field-Based Skill Stations
  • Kit Included: Throw Kit, CANA, LMNT
  • Approach: Scenario-Based & Real-World
  • Setting: Outdoor—Prepare for Weather

Included in the course:

Individual Throw Kit

Easy to carry and distribute to bystanders responding to an emergency
Designed to provide the essential bleeding control equipment needed to help save a life
Small, compact and easy to use
Kits contains the same Tourniquet recommended by the U.S. Military & the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma to control bleeding

CANA Personal Water Decon Kit

Compact, field-ready kit for managing water safety and hygiene in remote settings
Includes purification tablets, anti-diarrheal meds, waterproof bandages, and more
Designed for single-person use during backcountry travel or vehicle-based expeditions
Reinforces critical hydration and sanitation practices taught in SOS survival courses

LMNT Electrolyte Drink Mix

Clinically backed hydration formula with no sugar or artificial ingredients
Delivers optimal levels of sodium, potassium, and magnesium for high-output environments
Helps maintain stamina, hydration, and cognitive clarity during long days in the field
Trusted by athletes, guides, and responders to fuel performance under stress

Upcoming Courses

Upcoming classes are in the works! Contact us to request training dates or private group sessions.

Why Choose SOS?

we prioritize your safety & learning experience.

At SOS School of survival, we prioritize your safety and learning experience. Our courses are designed to be both educational and engaging, providing you with the hands-on experience needed to survive and thrive in the wilderness.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced outdoorsman, our expert instructors will guide you every step of the way.

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BOLDLY GO * BOLDLY GO * BOLDLY GO * BOLDLY GO * BOLDLY GO * BOLDLY GO *
BOLDLY GO * BOLDLY GO * BOLDLY GO * BOLDLY GO * BOLDLY GO * BOLDLY GO *

Contact Us

For more information about our courses or to speak with one of our instructors, please contact us at inquire@sos-schoolofsurvival.com. We look forward to helping you prepare for your next adventure!

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