Critical Training for Outdoor Leaders
This comprehensive 5-day course is designed for professional outdoor leaders and backcountry enthusiasts that want to learn to teach wilderness survival skills. This course is perfect for scout leaders, wilderness therapy instructors, camp program coordinators, and medical professionals who operate in remote areas. It is designed to solidify your backcountry skills and to enhance your knowledge of wilderness survival, allowing you to teach others the basics of survival skills. Participants will utilize critical thinking and group management skills to organize teaching opportunities. Following successful completion of this course, students will receive a certificate for Wilderness Survival Instructor.
Participants must be 18 years or older. No wilderness prerequisites are required, but previous backcountry experience and/or overnight backpacking experience is recommended.
This course takes place at our private woodland classroom, Hemlock Ridge. This area is a quarter mile hike from NOC’s main campus. It is a steep climb, so being prepared with appropriate footwear is essential. We have a privy on-site, but there is no running water. Class is held rain or shine, so participants should dress accordingly. Participants will be required to do 2 overnights as part of the class, but can choose to camp at Hemlock Ridge the entire class if desired.
Minimum Age: 18
Meals: Available through NOC’s Restaurants
Recommended For: Professional outdoor leaders & backcountry enthusiasts
Prerequisites: Participants must be 18 years or older. No wilderness prerequisites are required, but previous backcountry experience and/or overnight backpacking experience is recommended.
Courses Dates
| Course | Dates | Location | Tuition | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilderness Survival Instructor Training | Sep 24th - 28th, 2025 | Bryson City, NC | $550 |
SOLO Southeast Reviews
"Good mix between scenarios and classroom instruction. Great organization of class materials and great interaction with students."
— Former SOLO Student
"Humor and honest feedback made this course stay interesting, educational, and overall very effective."
— Former SOLO Student
Course Outline
Covering a mixture of topics for backcountry survival. Call for more details.
Course In Action Photos
Packing List
NOC Provides the primary gear needed for each course. We will spend the majority of our time outdoors, so dress appropriately for the season in clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. You can check weather for zip code 28713 prior to packing if needed. The following list is to supplement the clothing you will be wearing.
Necessary Items:
• Backpack to put everything in (min. 24 liters)
• Rain gear (tops and bottoms)
• Warm layers of clothing
• Warm hat or sun hat (weather dependent)
• Closed-toed shoes
• Pen and notepad
• Water bottle (at least 1 quart)
Optional Items:
• Small tarp, rain fly, or groundsheet (optional)
• Fixed-blade or lock back knife (folding knife w/lock). Note: If you don’t own one of these, we recommend trying some of our knives to see what you prefer.
• Leather gloves
• Sunscreen & Insect repellent
• Personal first aid kit
• Trekking poles
Camping on Hemlock Ridge:
Students in our 2-day courses will have the option of camping at our woodland classroom on Saturday night.
Students in our 5-Day Wilderness Survival Instructor course are required to spend 2 nights out with the class.
Please bring the following items:
• Tent/Tarp (or other shelter)
• Sleeping bag and sleeping pad
• Eating utensils (including bowl and cup)
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Non-perishable food (e.g. Mountain HouseTM camping food)
• Extra water