Learn & practice backcountry survival skills at our industry-leading Survival School!
Our Survival School is widely considered one of the best in the Northeast. Like many survival programs, we teach essential backcountry skills such as lighting a fire without matches, building primitive shelters, natural navigation, and other practical wilderness techniques. But we go much further.
A key focus of our program is the psychology of survival, learning how to control your stress response, stay present, and make effective decisions in high-pressure situations. Without the right mindset, even the most refined technical skills can fail when you need them most.
This private experience is fully customizable. Once you choose your date, we’ll work with you to fine-tune the details of the day, from start time and destination to menu and logistics. Unlike our scheduled trips, there is no minimum group size required for this adventure. Optional round-trip transportation from NYC can be arranged via minivan or a 15-passenger van.
Along the way, your guide will introduce key survival principles while giving you the opportunity to practice essential skills using the natural resources around you.
What You'll Learn
🧠 The psychology of survival and managing stress under pressure
🔥 How to light a fire without matches
🪵 Building a survival shelter with natural materials
🆘 What to include in a well-prepared survival kit
💧 Methods for obtaining safe drinking water
🚑 Strategies for signaling and effecting rescue
🧭 Natural navigation techniques using the landscape
🌿 Introductory wild edibles and natural resources
The Destination Backcountry Difference
Why learn survival skills with us? Our guides are experienced wilderness professionals and passionate educators who focus not just on teaching techniques, but on building confidence and awareness in the outdoors.
This experience is highly hands-on and interactive. You won’t just hear about survival techniques, you’ll practice them in a real wilderness environment.
By the end of the adventure, you’ll leave with practical tools, a stronger understanding of how to handle unexpected situations, and a deeper appreciation for the resilience we all carry into the outdoors.
What's Included?
🧀 Lunch: We will provide a healthy, gourmet lunch and snacks during our adventure. We offer vegetarian and vegan options, and we’re happy to accommodate any dietary and allergy needs.
🌄 Hands-on survival instruction from an expert wilderness guide
🧰 Survival kits and training materials provided (feel free to bring your own gear and we’ll help you optimize it)
Schedule
10:00 Meet at Codfish Point Trailhead for introductions, instructions, hot beverages, and snacks
~10:30 Begin our short hike to the training location while introducing the Psychology of Survival and how humans respond to stress in wilderness situations
~11:00 Arrive at our wilderness classroom, continue instruction, and enjoy lunch
~12:30 Skills instruction and guided practice including fire building, shelter construction, water sourcing, natural navigation, rescue strategies, and more
~3:30–4:00 Hike back to the trailhead
All times are estimates. We adjust every adventure to the pace and needs of the group.
What Do I Need to Bring With Me?
Must have
💧 2, 1-liter water bottles
🎽 Wear: Comfortable, breathable clothes. Standard workout clothes are great for hiking
🥾 Footwear: Sturdy sneakers, trail runners, or hiking boots. We’ll let you know well in advance if conditions call for special footwear.
🧣 A few extra layers of clothes for breaks
Good to have
🌧️ Rain shell
🕶️ Sunglasses
🧢 Hat
FAQs
What happens after I book my adventure? You will receive a confirmation email for your adventure within 24 hours of booking. Your guide will reach out 7-10 days before your adventure with an update on trail conditions, weather, a final packing list, our adventure waiver, and more.
More questions? Visit our FAQ page here.
