Additional Courses


Summer Survival Simulation

This in-depth simulation course
is designed to meet the needs of individuals already having a basic understanding of the many difficulties confronting the wilderness survivor. It will challenge the participant's survival skills, which will be tested under extremely stringent conditions. Content matter includes firestarting techniques (with special emphasis on the fire bow); shelter construction; the edible wild; foraging; snares and deadfalls; animal preparation and utilization; bush navigation; tracking; stress management; the development of the "survival mentality", as well as a host of related topics.

Participants must be graduates of at least two WECP survival courses.

Date: August, 2010
Course Fee: $1195.00 + taxes
Register directly with Survival in the Bush Inc.
Registration

Buckskin Coat-Making Workshop

This two-weekend workshop is for individuals interested in mastering the art of making their own beautiful and rustic styled Fringed Buckskin Jacket. Participants will learn to identify different types of leather and their characteristics; discuss various tanning methods; how to utilize specific tools of the trade; as well as techniques needed to complete a Fringed Buckskin Jacket. Tools are supplied. Please bring a lunch and an old, loose-fitting, long-sleeved, buttoned shirt that will be cut up and used for a pattern. Material Fee: Approximately 55 sq. ft. of leather will be required. Leather will be available for purchase from the instructor for $5.00 per sq. ft.

Date: March 13-14 & March 20-21, 2010
Location: Loyalist College, Bancroft Campus
Course Fee: $225.00 + taxes + college fees + cost of leather.
Registration

Bushwhacking Programme

This hand-on course will appeal to backpackers, wilderness trip leaders, anglers, hunters, and other outdoorspeople who have already mastered basic orienteering and backpacking skills. Our Bushwhacking course accentuates advanced map and compass navigation techniques in a lightweight backpacking situation. Using topographic maps and compass, the participant navigates to predetermined sites though rugged wilderness areas consisting of rocky outcrops, gorges, swamps, lakes and dense bush. Participants must supply personal camping gear, compass, food and transportation to and from instructional site. Topics to cover, include:
- Camp management
- Dealing with adverse weather
- Minimizing environmental impact
- Declination
- Triangulation
- Aiming off
- Line of sight
- Backbearing
- Baselines
- 90 degree turns (for circumnavigating large obstructions)
- Map and field bearings
- Estimating rate of travel
- Wildlife strategies, bearproofing campsite; and
- Grid readings

Date: September 11-12, 2010
Loyalist College, Bancroft Campus
Location: Bruce Peninsula Region
Course Fee: $225.00
Registration

Advanced Edible Plants Workshop

This one weekend programme commences at 7:30pm on Friday July 23, 2010, at Loyalist College, Bancroft Campus and ends at noon on Sunday July 25, 2010. Participants will identify and harvest a variety of wild edibles which will be incorporated into a communal meal on Saturday afternoon. The programme is conducted in a remote region of Bancroft, ON. Clients are responsible for all camping gear, meals, and transportation to and from wilderness site. The communal meal will be a delightful experience focusing on wild game\fish that Dr. Ferri will provide. Kindly note, each client will be asked to supply one or two items to ensure the communal meal is a success.

The minimum enrolment is 6, while the maximum number of students is capped at 10. In addition to Dr. Ferri, there will be one other instructor and an SITB assistant participating during this session.

In the event the course is cancelled due to a lack of participants or inclement weather, deposits will be returned in full. Transportation to and from the campsite, meals, and gear are not included in the cost, since they are the responsibility of each participant.

Please note there is a 75% non-refundable deposit, should a client cancel within 45 days prior to course commencement.

Date: July 23-25, 2010
Loyalist College, Bancroft Campus

Course Fee: $225.00 plus G.S.T
Register directly with Survival in the Bush, Inc
Registration

Sheep Skin Mittens

This 2 day workshop is ideal for winter enthusiasts. You will construct a warm and beautiful pair of sheep skin mittens.

Date: February 20-21, 2010
Loyalist College, Bancroft Campuss

Course Fee: $225.00 + taxes + college fees + plus cost of sheepskins
Registration

Apache Boot Workshop

This 2 day workshop will have you complete a double soled, comfortable and extremely stylish pair of top grain leather Apache Boots. Moose hide leather will be available for sale at $5.00 per sq. ft.

Date: July 17-18, 2010
Loyalist College, Bancroft Campus

Course Fee: $225.00 + taxes + college fees + cost of leather
Registration

Mid Height Winter Moccasins

Make a beautiful pair of moose hide, mid height, winter moccasins ideal for snowshoeing. This is a 2 day workshop and will be delivered in conjunction with the Apache Boot Workshop. Moose hide leather will be available for sale at $5.00 per sq. ft.

Date: TBD
Loyalist College, Bancroft Campus

Course Fee: $225.00 + taxes + college fees + cost of leather
Registration

Introduction in Wilderness Skills

This one day program is an outdoor-related course that teaches the five distinct priorities for Wilderness Survival. Students will learn aspects for shelter construction, fire starting without matches, some first aid elements, useful plants, risk management, distress signals and a host of other related issues. Students will commence indoors then continue their hands-on practicum / scenarios out of doors. These will highlight team-building concepts and functional debriefs. A packed lunch is recommended and students are recommended to dress for the weather.

Date: September 4, 2010
Bruce Peninsula Region

Course Fee: $110 + taxes + college fees
Registration

Project S.T.O.P.

Stop, Think, Observe, Plan! This two hour course is ideal for ages 5 to 12 years old. It is a great way to bush proof the young wilderness traveler.

Fee based on group's location and status.

Dates established on request.

Register directly with Survival in the Bush Inc.
Registration

Dream Catchers, Medicine Pouches - Craft Workshop & Storytelling

Spend a rustic day crafting dream catchers with semi-precious beads; and beautiful medicine pouches, while reliving vibrant stories from our historical and native past. You will enjoy beautiful 18th Century Coureur de Bois ambience's and taste a delicious brew of wild tea's. The course is open to professional teachers and students alike.

Date: July 15, 2010
Loyalist College, Bancroft Campus

Course Fee: $110.00 + taxes + college fees; all supplies and materials are supplied
Registration

Seniors Aboriginal Crafts

Interested in making uniquely designed native Dream Catchers? Survival in the Bush, Inc. welcomes you to join us in the crafting of these beautiful creations. We will use leather, sinew, semi-precious beads, natural hoops, and a bounty of vibrant feathers. As we create our masterpieces, we will enjoy dynamic displays of rustic woodcraft, furs, a bit of storytelling and the tasting of a wild northern tea.

Course Fee: $ 110.00 + taxes + college fees; all supplies and materials are supplied.
Registration

Leave No Trace Workshop

Survival in the Bush, Inc. (a.k.a. SITB) is pleased to offer a variety of outdoor related programmes for the age groups between 5-11 & 12-15; and within the price range of $ 110 for one day workshops; and $ 225 + for two day or lengthier courses. SITB has offered both half day to several day, hands-on, interactive 'Leave No Trace Workshops' / Backpacking courses for numerous years and have traveled extensively into remote and ecologically sensitive regions. The proposed itinerary offered to groups consists of:
- proper packing techniques;
- equipment/clothing required;
- how to containing your fires/cook on stove or within tin cans;
- proper protocols in defecating/urinating outdoors;
- water management & filtration systems;
- circle of life and how we interact with Mother Nature;
- proper footwear styles - to include soft soles vs. hard soles;
- walking techniques;
- nutrition / dehydration / hypothermia / heat related issues;
- hygiene and its importance in the wilderness;
- etc.

Topics are conducted out of doors, will have hands on components, teambuilding, researching the nearby environment, fun debriefs, and SITB concludes with a small environmentally friendly craft project. Let's nurture our nature!
Registration

Into Our Canadian Past: A Sensual Historical Experience of the 16th/17th Century

Our company, Survival in the Bush, Inc., is please to provide you with an energizing sensual experience to promote our diverse history. Into Our Canadian Past guarantees and exciting, interpretative and hands-on experience, which will focus on vibrant storytelling's to stimulate the imagination. This one day workshop has a set fee of $ 650.00 per day and will entertain up to 60 clients.

The intended programme commences at 9:30am; breaks at NOON for a 30 minute lunch recess; resumes at 12:30pm; and concludes at 2:30pm.
SITB's interactive workshop will consist of the following visual and sensory stimuli's:
- Hand crafted cedar bences, willow hoops;
- A furrier display, incorporating: deer, raccoon, beaver, otter, buffalo, mink, ermine, elk, moose, rabbit, bear, caribou, etc.;
- A dichotomy of the Voyageur / Coureur de Bois;
- Voyageur / Coureur de Bois linen/canvas clothing, smoked tanned garments;
- Hand crafted wool / cotton ceinture fleches;
- The spirituality of bird feathers, claws, etc., which will incorporate the circle of life;
- Bone knoves, arrows, spears, pouches, etc.;
- Plants used as dyes;
- Edible / medicinal / useful plants;
- Sampling of bush teas;
- Hand crafted rawhide drums;
- Birch bark baskets and discussions and demonstrations on its constructions;
- There will be native drumming as ambient background music; etc.

Itinerary:
a) Welcome and Introductions (9:30am)
b) Smudge Ceremony to incorporate a discussion of the plants used and reasoning for the Smudge;
c) Discussional format of unique experiential approach; enrichment; altruistic/practical components;
- Dignity of manual work;
- Aboriginal perspective of the environment/ecosystems, relating to time period;
- Interplay of the living and the non-living;
- Interpretative Session identifying useful/medicinal/edible plants;
- Sampling of bush teas.

Note: the above will incorporate how Natives and early travelers such as the Coureur de Bois, crafted tools, lodgings, garments, their mode of travel, their use of medicinal/edible/useful plants; and an array of pertinent historical information.

d) Debrief Utilizing Our Senses (1:00pm to 2:30pm)
- Your interpretation/comments/feelings in written, (eg. poetry) / oral (eg. storytelling) / drawing format (eg. painting). This will be a reflective time, while clients are exploring the beautiful rustic benches, furs, and other artifacts within the displays.

Date: July 15-16, 2010
Loyalist College, Bancroft Campus

Registration







T-Styled Leather Dress Workshop

Design and hand craft a luxurious T-Styled Leather Dress within 2 days. These beautiful garments are ideal for dancing in powwows or simply wearing for comfort. Leather will be available for purchase at $5.00 per sq. ft.

Date: July 10-11, 2010
Loyalist College, Bancroft Campus

Course Fee: $225.00 + taxes + college fees + cost of leather
Registration

Leather Gun Case Workshop

What better way to protect the most important hunting tool, than with a MOOSE HIDE gun case you made yourself. Or perhaps you have an avid hunter in the family, or a young apprentice about to become a full fledged hunter, what better gift than a home-made gun case? A one of a kind family heirloom. Friday night patterns will be cut. Students must have good arm and hand strength to work with leather and tools. All tools supplied. Leather is available at $5.00 per sq. foot + tax.

Course Fee: $225.00 + taxes + college fees + cost of leather
Registration

Leather Satchel or Possibles Pouch

Whether it is a pouch, satchel or purse depends largely on who is using it and what it is being used for. Carry camping gear, garden supplies, hunting gear, travel clothes, day to day stuff; it is entirely up to you. But YOU can be the creator of a traditional, soft, durable, one-of-a-kind leather satchel. 4 oz moose hides are used. Students must have good arm and hand strength to work with leather and tools. All tools supplied. Leather is available at $5.00 per sq. foot + tax.

Course Fee: $225.00 + taxes + college fees + cost of leather
Registration

Drum Making Workshop

Using handmade red cedar hoops, with doweled joinery and genuine rawhide, you will learn the techniques needed to make a taught, beautiful sounding traditional drum. Whether you are interested in traditional drumming, starting a new hobby, or looking for some new knowledge, this class will satisfy your needs. All tools and materials are supplied: rawhide, lacings, sinew, hoops, beads & feather decorations, etc. Remember to bring lunch and beverages.

Course Fee: $225.00 + taxes + college fees
Registration

Tanning Leather - Traditional Method

Not for the feint of heart or weak stomach, traditional tanning involves vigorous physical strength and endurance to do properly. The process you will learn includes everything needed to transform fresh raw hide into leather. Scraping, processing with organic matter, wringing and stretching, all take a great amount of time and perseverance. Plan to spend two very labour intensive weekends. Students are encouraged to bring in a hide of their own. Please know the best hide will be chosen to be worked on. Students must dress for messy, wet work. Bring extra dry clothing, leather or waterproof work gloves and safety glasses. Butchers aprons may be useful. Please note the process includes using internal organs from an animal. Remember lunch and beverages.

Kindly note that the hide must be salted well and at the time of tanning preparations, it must be thawed.

Course Fee: $295.00 + taxes + college fees
Registration

When booking the services of Survival in the Bush Inc., a 50% non-refundable deposit is required. The remaining funds are due 45 days prior to course commencement. Medical reasons notwithstanding, should the client withdraw from any course, a 50% cancellation fee is automatically deducted from the full registration cost. If withdrawing with less than 45 days notice prior to course commencement, there is no refund. Survival in the Bush Inc., reserves the right to refuse a student's participation in any course should safety become a factor. All courses are subject to applicable GST and College Fees.