For the past 15+ years, I have been teaching survival and bushcraft skills in some capacity.  This being so, some people might ask why I would go to a survival instructor certification course then….

1. I believe a person should test themselves mentally, physically, and spiritually.
2. See if I even remotely knew what I was talking about.
3. Learn different variations of the skills I was already teaching.
4. Learn to be a better teacher and communicator.
5. Test my skills for more than just a week or a weekend.

After much research, I decided on Sigma III. From what I read, Founder/Lead Instructor Rob Allen, and Instructors Josh Hamlin and William Hunsaker had many years of proven experience. They looked to be the best, and fell into my budget.

The school is located in Reed Springs, Missouri, which is just like Northern Minnesota; except it has hills, mountains, poisonous snakes, spiders, chiggers, and a lot warmer weather.

Having been a survival instructor myself, there were a few things I tried to make a point of doing from the beginning; have my cup empty, ask a lot of questions… some simple ones at that, try to go slow, not answer other people’s questions, and always point students back to the teachers. Nothing is worse than a student who thinks he knows more than the master and attempts to show his fellow classmates a “better way that he saw on YouTube.” Hmm, I wonder if I’m talking from past experience?

 Over the next weeks I will be sharing about my adventures with new friends ,sleeping in all kinds of shelters ,making primitive tools ,reviewing the school and new gear, and more.  Till we meet again, keep your eyes on the sky line and your tomahawk sharp.