Standard

Students will learn how to deeply observe nature, as well as the basic philosophy that Tom considers the most important part of the school and the basis for all of his beliefs. Through skills including stalking, tracking and camouflage, students will learn how to immerse themselves in the natural world.

Specifically students will learn the following survival skills:

Shelter: techniques for constructing the debris hut, wicki-up, mud hut, cave dwelling, thatched shelter, and pit dwelling.
Water: collecting water using a solar still, sink hole, plants, and other methods; purifying, transporting and storing water.
Fire: making fire from friction using primitive methods, including the bow drill and hand drill, as well as how to build a proper fire.
Food: finding food from plants and animals found in North America, ranging from desert to mountain terrain. Harvesting, preparation, and cooking of food will be covered, though in the interest of conservation only a sampling of such food will be prepared.
Trapping: trapping animals using primitive snares and deadfalls. No animals will be trapped during the course, but participants will understand how to do this, if necessary.
Tools: making stone tools, cordage and bow drills, as well as techniques for creating digging sticks, cooking utensils and bowls from a variety of natural materials.
Tanning: primitive methods of brain tanning and making rawhide, as well as many useful items that can be made with the hide.

Students will also learn Native American Lifestyle and Philosophy: the oneness with nature that is the underlying philosophy behind the skills learned, and how it is essential to survival.