Skill level: Basic
Prerequisites: OFA Basic Wilderness Skills

Wilderness Skills 1 (WS-1) is a two day - two night "hands-on" lab centered around a base camp model. All aspects of wilderness survival for a potentially hostile environment will be addressed. All skills introduced will be practiced in a hands on approach.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Each Student must have a valid/current Concealed Handgun License, Law Enforcement I.D., Military I.D. or similar background check.
  
  
• Each Student must have already completed OFA's Basic WS
  
  
• Each Student have constructed, and will function/live, out of a Bug Out Bag/Pack.
  
  
• Handguns are permitted but are not required. If you are going to bring a handgun then you MUST have previously attended OFA's Defensive Handgun 1 or higher level OFA handgun course prior.

There are over 70 different ways to create a
shelter from a common 10' x 10' tarp!

Shawn making a fire
using a bow and drill!

This Hands On Lab covers:

• Campsite Selection
• The six "essential" knots
• Fire Building including using modern and primative methods. Fire construction is under the assumption the fuel source (tinder and firewood) is wet/damp
• Shelter Construction (multiple methods)
• Tool Usage
• Traps & Snares
• Hygiene
• Water Purification
• Navigation - map, compass, and map & compass
• Camp Security
• Food Preparation
• Other subjects as time permits...

About our Instructor

Joel Lisson is a former Military Wilderness Survival Skill Instructor and former private Wilderness Survival School Director & Instructor. Joel has accumulated over 25 years teaching wilderness skills using both modern and primitive survival technique and technology.

His Military MOS is 91 B Combat Medic with Advanced Medic courses and a degree in Nursing from the Academy of Health Sciences, Ft. Sam Houston, TX. He also has a MHT degree from Portland State Univ. Joel is Airborne Qualified with assignments oversees and has undergone advanced field courses. Joel is a member of the Disabled American Veterans, NRA Life Member, and is an Oregon State Certified Mediator. He is a Colt AR 15 Armorer, GLOCK Armorer, and a multiple graduate of Oregon Firearms Academy. He has attended numerous other private defensive small arms schools as well.

Joel has taught these same skills to military, special ops units, and numerous government agents & agencies from around the world. Joel is co-owner of REACT Training Systems and is currently providing training and survival related equipment to the military, government agencies, law enforcement, and fire agencies all around the world.

Related Work includes:

• Director - Cascade Wilderness School - guide and instructional service training for SAR teams, Bush Pilots,
  Military, Police & Civilians
  
• Program Director - OT Outdoor School
• Senior Instructor - True North Program
• Director - Cascade Boy's Ranch of Southern Oregon
• Youth & Assistant Pastor - Calvary Church, Grants Pass
• Weekend Supervisor - Klamath & Lake County Youth Ranch
  

Debris Shelter Construction

People who have taken this class said:

"Fantastic! All instructors were grand! Thank you so much Joel. I learned more in 48 hours than I ever could have imagined possible." ~ Nellie

"This course was incredible! Fun, mid-paced, and I learned a ton!" ~ Jake G.

"This class allowed me to implement and practice new skills. The experience gained was invaluable and be put to future use with my boys and hunting trips." ~ Ryan C.

"Great course, the speed of instruction was great and the downtime was helpful."

"Everything was perfect, I learned life-lasting skills in these 48 hours and I can't wait for the next class!" ~ Jeff S.