“When you can’t rely on anyone else, that’s when you realize how much your preparation matters.” – Bear Grylls

1. Basic Navigation GPS can die. Your instincts shouldn’t.

• Learn how to read a topographic map and compass.

• Practice navigating without tech (sun, stars, terrain).

• Get familiar with orienteering and landmarks.

Advice from Mike Glover (former Green Beret & Fieldcraft Survival): “Every man should know his cardinal directions, be able to plot a course, and walk it under stress.”

2. Fire Starting Fire is life. It cooks, purifies, warms, and protects.

• Master three methods: flint & steel, firestarter, and bow drill.

• Know what local materials make good tinder and kindling.

• Practice in wet, windy conditions.

“The ability to create fire from scratch changes a man’s mindset. It’s primal. It’s power.” – Creek Stewart, survival expert

3. Self-Defense Basics Being physically strong is one thing. Knowing how to fight is another.

• Learn basic boxing, Muay Thai, or Krav Maga.

• Drill situational self-defense (grabs, chokes, multiple attackers).

• Train regularly under pressure.

Jocko Willink: “Discipline equals freedom. And if you’re not training to fight, you’re gambling with your life.”

4. Situational Awareness Most men walk around in a fog. Predators spot them instantly.

• Always know your exits, choke points, and escape routes.

• Scan faces, hands, and posture for threats.

• Practice the “OODA Loop”: Observe, Orient, Decide, Act.

Jason Bourne isn’t a fantasy. His awareness is a trained reality.

5. Basic Medical In an emergency, seconds matter. You don’t have time to panic.

• Learn how to stop bleeding (tourniquet, pressure, clotting agents).

• CPR and basic airway control.

• Keep a trauma kit in your car and bag.

Tip from Tim Kennedy: “You should be able to save a life as easily as you can take one.”

6. Crisis Communication Calm, clear communication saves lives.

• Practice using radios and emergency comms.

• Learn hand signals for silent operations.

• Develop short, direct phrasing in stressful scenarios.

“In chaos, clarity is king. Leaders talk less and say more.” – Jack Carr, former Navy SEAL and author

7. Water/Food Sourcing Without food or water, you’re done in 72 hours.

• Know how to locate and purify water (boil, tablets, filters).

• Identify edible plants, trap small game, and fish.

• Build a survival pack with rations and purifiers.

Bear Grylls’ rule: “Boil it, filter it, or forget it.”

8. Car Breakdown Response Stranded on a backroad or blizzard-bound freeway? Time to lead.

• Jumpstart a battery, change a tire, read engine codes.

• Keep a go-bag with jumper cables, multitool, flare, and blankets.

• Learn basic troubleshooting before your car dies, not after.

9. Reading People Whether negotiating a deal or spotting a threat—this is your superpower.

• Study microexpressions, body language, vocal tone.

• Pay attention to inconsistencies between words and energy.

• Trust your gut. But verify.

Jordan Peterson: “Learn to watch and listen. People always tell you who they are. Most men just don’t see it.”

10. Mental Resilience Under Stress Everything above falls apart if your mind breaks under pressure.

• Practice discomfort daily: cold showers, long fasts, brutal workouts.

• Control breathing (box breathing, tactical inhale/exhale).

• Create a “why” that keeps you calm when others panic.

David Goggins: “When your mind is trying to quit, that’s when the real work begins.”

Ready to have some fun and build real-world skills?
Whether you’re looking to share an unforgettable experience with your son or daughter—or bring the whole family for a powerful escape into nature—these camps deliver more than just fresh air.

We’re talking about quality time, deep bonding, hands-on survival training, and memories that last a lifetime.

Here’s a curated list of father/son camps, mother/daughter adventures, and family-inclusive wilderness programs—all designed to reconnect you with each other, and with the wild.

Father/Son Camps (Survival & Adventure Focused)

1. The Project – Father-Son Edition (Coming Soon)

While Bedros Keuilian’s The Project is currently for men only, there are occasional talks of future father-son leadership events. Keep an eye on mdkproject.com and Bedros’ Instagram for updates.

2. Twin Eagles Wilderness School – Father Son Wilderness Program

Location: Idaho
An immersive nature-based program teaching friction fire, tracking, shelter building, and more. Designed to build trust, confidence, and connection between fathers and sons.
Website

3. Lifesong Wilderness Adventures – Father Son Survival Camp

Location: Oregon
Provides expert-led survival training, firecraft, shelter building, wild edibles, and practical outdoor skills. Structured to deepen the father-son bond through challenge and teamwork.
Website

4. Inner Guide Expeditions – Father Son Adventure

Location: North Cascades National Park
A 6-day wilderness backpacking and canoe expedition designed to reconnect fathers and sons in a rugged, reflective setting.
Website

5. Northern Frontier – Father & Son Camp

Location: Adirondack Mountains, New York
Outdoor adventure meets spiritual and personal growth. Offers zip-lining, boating, wilderness challenges, and faith-based guidance for fathers and sons ages 8+.
Website

6. Turtle Island Preserve – Father Son Camp

Location: North Carolina
An Appalachian heritage experience where dads and sons unplug and reconnect through traditional skills, blacksmithing, woodworking, and natural living.
Website

Female-Inclusive & Mother/Daughter Wilderness Programs

1. Twin Eagles Wilderness School – Mother Daughter Wilderness Program

Location: Idaho
Designed to nurture the mother-daughter relationship while learning fire-making, plant knowledge, shelter skills, and deep nature connection.
Website

2. Lifesong Wilderness Adventures – Women & Youth Inclusive Camps

Location: Oregon
Offers family-friendly wilderness survival camps open to mothers, daughters, and female teens. Programs are co-ed with specific sessions tailored for women.
Website

3. Turtle Island Preserve – Custom Family Camps

Location: North Carolina
While the Father-Son Camp is established, Turtle Island allows custom camps for mother-daughter or whole-family groups if organized with 12+ participants.
Website

4. YMCA Adventure Guides (Parent/Child Programs)

Location: Nationwide (check local chapters)
Offers bonding experiences in nature for fathers and daughters, mothers and sons, and entire families. Includes camping, canoeing, storytelling, and reflection.
Website

5. Outdoor Survival Camp – Father & Son/Daughter (Milleo)

Location: Slovenia (International)
A survival experience for dads and their sons or daughters aged 6–15. Focuses on basic bushcraft, communication, and teamwork in the wild.
Website