Learn Survival Skills in the Catskill Wilderness

Psychology of survival, fire without matches, shelter building, navigation, and rescue practice in one day

Learn survival skills in the Catskill Wilderness over a full day with an instructor who teaches the psychology of stress response alongside practical techniques like fire-building and shelter construction. The class covers eight core skills through hands-on practice and scenario drills. Lunch and snacks are provided, and guides speak English, Spanish, French and Russian.

The experience

The day starts with a mile hike into the forest, where your instructor begins by reading the landscape: what resources are available, what challenges you'll face. Once you reach camp, the focus shifts to the psychology of survival: how your mind and body respond under pressure, how to recognize the instincts that take over in stress, and how to work with your own tendencies instead of against them. This foundation matters because, as the operator notes, even finely honed skills won't save you if you can't manage your stress response.

From there you move into hands-on survival school. You'll learn to light a fire without matches, build a shelter using natural materials, navigate without a compass, identify wild edibles, prioritize needs in a crisis, and understand when to act and when to wait. The instructor (who has over 20 years of outdoor leadership and founded Destination Backcountry in 2011) guides you through each skill with activities designed to stick. The day closes with survival scenarios the guides present, so you practice what you've learned under conditions that feel real.

Lunch and snacks are gourmet and included. The operator accommodates vegetarian, vegan and allergy needs. You can bring your own survival kit if you have one, or use what they provide. The class runs six hours total and welcomes children from age two, though the content and pace suit adults and older kids who can engage with both the psychology and the practical work.

What’s included

• Gourmet lunch and snacks with vegetarian, vegan and allergy-friendly options.
• survival kit and all tools for the day's activities.
• instruction in fire-building, shelter construction, navigation, water sourcing, wild edibles and rescue signaling.
• psychology of survival training.
• scenario drills to practice skills.
• pickup included.

Before you book

Days and timesWednesday to Sunday

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (2 to 17 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcome

Operated by Destination Backcountry Adventures

Is this one for you?The day asks for a full six hours of hiking, learning and hands-on practice, so it suits someone who wants to spend a morning and afternoon in the forest and can engage with both the mental and physical sides of survival. If you're looking for a quick skill-building session or prefer to stay closer to town, a shorter workshop might fit better.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Russian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 17 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What does the psychology of survival part actually teach?

The psychology of survival covers how your mind and body respond to pressure, how to recognize the instincts that take over in stress, and how to account for your personal tendencies so they don't work against you in a crisis. It's positioned as the foundation that makes all the other skills useful.

Can I bring my own survival gear, or do I need to use theirs?

You can bring your own survival kit if you have one. The instructor will help you learn how to use it effectively. If you don't have one, they provide everything you need for the day.

How far do we actually hike, and is it difficult?

The hike into the forest is about a mile and the class is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Once you reach camp, most of the day is spent on the ground learning and practicing skills.

Is lunch included, and can you handle dietary restrictions?

Lunch and snacks are included and gourmet. The operator provides vegetarian and vegan options and will accommodate any dietary and allergy needs if you let them know when you book.