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Wilderness Land Nav - Level 1 - 3 Day

Wilderness Land Nav - Level 1 - 3 Day

Sold out
$0 - $330
$330
$0 - $330
$330
Description

Learn how to use your compass and maps to navigate anywhere in the world.
This course will increase your ability to safely navigate in, and out, of a wilderness using a map, compass, and GPS technology.  

This course will cover all of the fundamentals that one needs to safely and effectively navigate with a map and compass. We will start by considering maps and what information they can give us. We will then consider compasses and how to choose a good one for your particular use.

The best way to do survival is not to get lost in the first place. 

This is the cornerstone class for those that want to be able to navigate with map and compass. We will take an incredibly in-depth look at map reading skills, such as:

  • Understanding the various map options that are out there and which ones are useful, and which ones are not.
  • We will look at the color schemes of various maps and how to read them.
  • We will go over the use of the scale and how to use other items to transfer it to straight and curve line distances.
  • We will also consider gridlines reference systems. Which ones are best for military/law-enforcement, SAR, and general public use.
  • You will get an in-depth understanding of how to source the best free and paid version of topography maps.  
  • We will also study compasses and use them with our maps.  
  • What compass options are available and which one is best for your use.
  • We will teach you how to use the compass on the map in a classroom setting first.
  • This will cover things such as determining angles, distances and more. This will definitely include a section on how to make understanding declination and the various "North" easy.

Once you are sufficiently trained in the classroom setting, we will have field courses setup that increases in difficulty so that you can grow into them. This will include the open field navigation with map and compass, forest and hill navigation and also nighttime navigation.

Other important info covered in class

  • Developing a useful pace count
  • The best apps to use and how to use them in concert with other land navigation skills and equipment.

This class will end with mock scenarios so you practically put into practice and develop your land nav skill set. 

Course Gear List

Normal Practices and Gear Listing Requirements for Hands-on Multi-Day Classes

Class Normal Practices

  • Please bring your own camping equipment, food, and food preparation supplies.  A common hallmark of our classes is to share supplies when needed and sometimes even food.  This allows you to see how different pieces of equipment work and learn about new skills.   
  • Bring water for yourself.  A good guess is 1 gallon of water per person, per day you are there.  We will have extra if you underestimate your needs
  • No dogs allowed in any Nature Reliance School class. 
  • Unless otherwise noted in an email, please feel free to show up to weekend courses anytime after 4pm but NOT before. 
  • The exact location will be sent to those who register for a class.  For estimating travel before receiving those directions, please plan on driving to Frenchburg, KY.   
  • The recommended minimum age for this class is 13 years of age.  Younger children will be allowed only with special permission from the instructor cadre.  Please inquire at info@naturereliance.org.  
  • If you have any of our books and would like them to be signed, please bring them.  If you want to buy some for that purpose, then refer to this link.

Our Approach to Gear

Our approach to gear is simple.  For Level 1 classes we want you to be comfortable enough to make the learning experience as easy as possible.  For level 2 and above classes we want you to have increased your knowledge enough that you use less gear.  To save us some time in producing redundant listings for different classes, the following are our gear lists.  Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions:  info@naturereliance.org.

For all classes we will have loaner equipment for use.  However if you go ahead and purchase some of these recommendations you can practice with your gear to get a feel for it and our feedback on how to use it.  For each of these listings, we are offering you our recommended choice.  Nearly all purchases listed here serve to support Nature Reliance School.  So any purchase you make will continue to allow us to keep class costs low.  If you already have this gear, by all means, bring it and use and learn more of its pros and cons.  Please note when available, we have offered you a list of items that will help meet various budgets.  They are listed as good, better, best.  If you do not have the requisite equipment for class instruction you can borrow ours.  However we dont have extra camping (tent, hammock, sleeping systems) to borrow.  

Please also note that for level 1 classes, and others, where we have a basecamp setup.  You will be parking about 100 yards or so from where most people camp.  So plan on packing with that in mind.  You are also welcome to camp at your car but it is a more exposed area.  Once you register for class you will receive a follow up email that details the location so you can have a good idea of what to expect when you arrive and setup.  

General recommendations for all classes:

  • Notebook and pencil/pen, 
  • A clipboard or similar for stable writing platform.
  • Day Pack (Good, Better, Best)
  • Basic First Aid Kit (we always have an extensive first aid kit on site for more involved issues)
  • Water container (Bottle or Bladder) also bring 1 gallon of water for drinking and food prep for yourself.
  • Head Lamp or Flashlight
  • Camera for photos (cell phones welcome)
  • Bug spray and sunscreen
  • Weather-related gear, we train rain or shine.
  • Sleep system of your choice (hammock, tent or tarp).  NRS has very few extra items and you can borrow, please contact us early if you want some of these supplies as they go quickly.
  • Food and food-prep supplies (you are responsible for your own food and preparation of it)
  • Personal toiletries and water for your use.  There is an outhouse on site but no running water.
  • Camping/Lawn type chair
Additional Course Information

All participants must fill out a waiver before attending courses.  You can find the waiver at this link

Unless otherwise noted. Class times are as follows (all times are EST)

Weekend Courses:  Start time is 7pm on Friday, End time is no later than 2pm on Sunday

One Day Courses:  Start time is 9am, End time is no later than 5pm

Week-Long Courses:  Start time is 12pm Monday - 12p Friday.

Cancellation, Refund, and Exchange Policy:

Registering for a class at Nature Reliance School signifies a commitment to attend on the scheduled dates. All tuition sales are final. We do not offer refunds or transfers for cancellations or no-shows within one week of the class start date. Transfers are available for cancellations more than 30 days before the class begins. In the rare event that we must cancel a course, participants are eligible for a full refund or credit. This policy is strictly enforced without exceptions.

Failure to attend a class without prior notification will result in forfeiture of any refund.

We recognize unexpected situations may arise, prompting a need to cancel. We'll strive to accommodate and mitigate any financial loss or inconvenience caused.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.