COURSE STRUCTURE
There are 10 lessons in this course:
- Understanding Wilderness Areas
- Introduction
- Living Things
- Ecological Relationships
- Climatic Zones
- Climate/Soil/Vegetation Interrelationships
- Plant Associations
- Continental Drift
- Understanding Impacts of Weather on Wilderness Activities - Highs and Lows, Thunderstorms, Atmospheric pressure changes in storms, guide to weather symbols.
- Terminology
- Participant Fitness Levels - testing current physical fitness and further tests
- Equipment
- Introduction
- Equipping to survive - minimum essential items for the survival kit, additional items, individual medical kit
- Essential Items for Wilderness Travel
- Clothing
- Nutrition
- Food packaging
- Liability and Insurance
- Risk Assessment
- Protection from the Elements
- Introduction
- First Aid Procedures
- Hypothermia (exposure)
- Hyperthermia (heat exhaustion)
- Building a wilderness shelter
- Lighting a fire
- Mental strength
- Natural Resources
- Introduction
- Finding water - plan ahead to find water, how much water do you need? Landscape vegetation and animal signs, things to avoid, making an above ground still, soakage water, water from tree roots
- Case Study - Survival story
- Bush tucker or Survival Food - Australian bush tucker foods.
- Preparation of plant food.
- Animals for food
- Use of Bush Tucker Food
- Navigation
- Introduction
- Navigation and direction finding - how to use a compass, map reading, longitude and latitude, scale, contour lines, estimating distances, pacing.
- Navigation by the sun, moon and stars
- Dealing with Emergencies
- Introduction
- Venomous creatures - snakes - symptoms of a poisonous bite, first aid, arachnids - first aid, marine creatures - jelly fish, cone shell, first aid, scorpionfish, lionfish and stonefish - first aid, other dangerous marine creatures.
- Carnivorous mammals - bears, big cats
- Poisonous plants
- Bushfires
- Camping
- Introduction
- Setting up camp
- Camping - different styles of camping
- Successful camp programming
- Waste disposal
- Passive Land Based Activities
- Introduction
- Observing nature
- Orienteering
- Environmental activities for children
- Plant collection
- Water Based Adventure Activities
- Introduction
- Some water-based activities - snorkelling, scuba, sailing, speed boating and jet skiing, canoeing, white-water rafting, water skiing.
- Active Land Based Adventure Activities
- Introduction
- Activities - abseiling, hang gliding, rock climbing, snow skiing, snowboarding
- Motorised Vehicles - landscape impact, safety, considerations
- Mountain Bikes
- Horse Riding
Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.
COURSE AIMS
- To appreciate the scope and implications of ecotourism opportunities in wilderness areas.
- To be able to prepare for an excursion into a wilderness area
- To determine appropriate methods of protecting against the elements.
- To determine different uses for natural resources in the wilderness.
- To be able to navigate in a wilderness area using a variety of different techniques.
- To deal with a range of emergencies in a wilderness situation, including developing contingency plans and determining appropriate first aid.
- Explain campsite establishment and management.
- Determine appropriate procedures for managing different passive wilderness activities.
- Determine appropriate procedures for managing different water based wilderness activities.
- Determine appropriate procedures for managing different active wilderness activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What skills are used in bushcraft and wilderness activities?
Here are just some examples -
How do you prepare for wilderness camping?
Preparation is one of the most important factors for a safe and enjoyable camping experience. Before venturing into the wilderness, campers should:
Research the Environment: Study maps, terrain and climate to anticipate hazards such as flooding, extreme temperatures, or wildlife encounters. Identify potential water sources, food availability and suitable locations for emergency evacuation if needed.
Plan for Food and Water: Research edible plants and safe foraging techniques appropriate to the region. Remember, what is safe in one area may be toxic elsewhere. Observe wildlife carefully but note that some plants eaten by animals may not be safe for humans. Tasting unknown plants is risky and should be approached with extreme caution – only attempt if properly trained.
Select Your Camp Location Carefully: Choose sites that provide protection from wind, flooding and direct sun. Avoid ecologically sensitive areas such as fragile tundra, dunes or wetlands.
Pack Appropriately: Include both modern gear (power stations, solar panels, lightweight equipment) and essential tools for survival (knife, rope, fire-starting materials, water filter). Always carry extra clothing, shelter material and first aid supplies appropriate to the expected climate.
Emergency Preparedness: Share your itinerary with a reliable contact. Have a plan for communication or signalling in case of emergencies. Practice basic survival skills, including navigation, first aid and shelter construction prior to the trip.
How do I enrol?
Enrolling is easy - just go to the top of this page and select your study method and payment option.
If you have any questions about studying with ACS, or want to know more about any of our courses, get in touch with our specialist tutors today. They will be happy to answer your questions and look at different study options to fit in with your goals.