Emergency Wilderness Survival at Georgetown University

Ancestral Knowledge (AK) was asked to design and teach an emergency wilderness survival class for the Georgetown Outdoor Adventure Trainer (GOAT) program. On the weekend of 23-24 February there were about 25 GOATS on hand for AK wilderness survival instruction that included hands-on experience.

We covered all aspects of emergency survival; short term and long term survival techniques, 5-minute fires, fire by friction, proper insulation, and shelter. We also armed them with a compact emergency survival kit that would save their lives in a pinch. We included innovative aid-less navigation techniques like song lining to ensure that they could find their way if ever lost.

Georgetown Outdoor Adventure Trainer (GOAT) - A certified GOAT has completed a semester long training program that covers all the basics of wilderness survival and enjoyment. They have mastered all the necessary backcountry skills as well as how to make sure people are having a good time and getting something positive out of their wilderness experience.

The group built the most incredible survival camp along side the Potomac River including a debris wall for wind protection and heat reflection. They constructed the sweetest debris hut to sleep in, which two participants endure the icy cold night. They fully experienced wilderness living and how fulfilling it is to stay in a cozy shelter.