View Full Version : Which Woodlore / Survival Course???
Not sure if I've posted this thread in the right place, I'm sure it will be moved if not.
having read a few posts I see a few of you have done courses and some of you work in the schools, my question is this:
What school would you recommend (not the one you own)?
I have done one course and didn't enjoy it, or learn much more than I already knew. I won't say the name of the school for fear of upsetting people. It was run in a military regime and the guy had a few personality issues. There was one instructor, too many students. We were told to build a shelter, then left on your own with no practical advice. Then afterwards he went round finding fault - but not constructively, just cynically, as he did with fires etc. So afetr that I've been put off until I saw the Woodsmoke and Woodlores sites,they look a little less military (i've always struggled with authority). What do you guys think. I need a non-basic course for a week, where shall i go?? :chill:
James Watson
25-08-2004, 17:26
Well I know Tom Brown Jr's not every bodys cup of tea. But I would recommend his school, and others that have spun off from his, Wilderness Awareness School, Wild Live, Trackways etc. Even If you don't believe in Toms philosophy or teaching, all the physical skills are still there.
James
Not sure if I've posted this thread in the right place, I'm sure it will be moved if not.
having read a few posts I see a few of you have done courses and some of you work in the schools, my question is this:
What school would you recommend (not the one you own)?
I have done one course and didn't enjoy it, or learn much more than I already knew. I won't say the name of the school for fear of upsetting people. It was run in a military regime and the guy had a few personality issues. There was one instructor, too many students. We were told to build a shelter, then left on your own with no practical advice. Then afterwards he went round finding fault - but not constructively, just cynically, as he did with fires etc. So afetr that I've been put off until I saw the Woodsmoke and Woodlores sites,they look a little less military (i've always struggled with authority). What do you guys think. I need a non-basic course for a week, where shall i go?? :chill:
I think that the best advice is to have a look at the school websites, find a few that you’re interested in and then call them, explain what you’re after and then go through what they’ve all told you and decide on the one that suits you. The schools you’ve mentioned are very good and would be a good place to start your search. What you’re looking for is available, with a little work you should avoid all disappointment :biggthump
I'm going to go immediately against the grain and say that first off it is practice that makes perfect. Get a few books and read them and if you have a garden of allotment or a little patch of land you can disappear off into, use that. Practice firelighting and outdoor cooking there. Go on walks with some plantlore books and ID plants and trees you come across. Get a knife and start whittling. Read, read, read and ask, ask, ask!
Get your skills up to speed at your own pace and in your own time. Why pay in excess of £500 for basic skills that you can learn yourself. Practice makes perfect.
I'm not saying that you shouldn't go on courses, I'm just saying that £500 buys a lot of books and gear you can use to learn. If you then want to learn something specific, get a specific course that covers what you want to learn (or find someone good at it and bribe them with a good meal or a trip out). There are lots of people around with loads of skills willing to help out. If you want an experience, then go on a course. If you want knowledge and skill, put in the dirt time and experiment.
TheViking
25-08-2004, 17:34
Hi...
In this (http://www.outdoors-magazine.com/s_article.php?id_article=124) article on Woodsmokes Abo course it looks very interesting. The environment is also great on the pictures... :D
Sargey: anything to say? :D :D
Cheers
Adi007...Oh I do practice whenever I can, just want to be shown first hand some of the things that I find difficult first hand. Also learning knots with a book is tedious compared to someone showing you. I have no 'woodlore' friends and to be honest I'm not overly social. But I get your point.
theviking...i've seen that too and it looks brilliant, the problem is they want you to do the basic course first - which I don't think i need to do, and certainly don't want to pay for two courses
james.... who's tom brown jnr - i've never heard of him, could you direct me to some information?
TheViking
25-08-2004, 18:26
I'm going to go immediately against the grain and say that first off it is practice that makes perfect. Get a few books and read them and if you have a garden of allotment or a little patch of land you can disappear off into, use that. Practice firelighting and outdoor cooking there. Go on walks with some plantlore books and ID plants and trees you come across. Get a knife and start whittling. Read, read, read and ask, ask, ask!
Get your skills up to speed at your own pace and in your own time. Why pay in excess of £500 for basic skills that you can learn yourself. Practice makes perfect.
I'm not saying that you shouldn't go on courses, I'm just saying that £500 buys a lot of books and gear you can use to learn. If you then want to learn something specific, get a specific course that covers what you want to learn (or find someone good at it and bribe them with a good meal or a trip out). There are lots of people around with loads of skills willing to help out. If you want an experience, then go on a course. If you want knowledge and skill, put in the dirt time and experiment.
Dare to be wise........ :wink: :D
Clever words Adi! Exactly my opinion too. There's a chinese say that goes:
"What I hear, I forget.
What I see, I remember.
What I try, I master"
An it's quite true.... :D
I'm going to go immediately against the grain and say that first off it is practice that makes perfect
I'm going to slightly disagree with Adi :yikes: Practice makes permanent - if you practice a skill incorrectly then you will perform that skill incorrectly. Sometimes just watching someone for 10 seconds is enough to show you where you've been going wrong and make ligtbulbs appear over your head!
Read, read, read and ask, ask, ask!
Nothing to disagree with here!!!
, the problem is they want you to do the basic course first - which I don't think i need to do, and certainly don't want to pay for two courses
I've always wondered this about courses - how fussy are the schools about everyone doing the pre-requisite courses first???
I'm going to slightly disagree with Adi :yikes: Practice makes permanent - if you practice a skill incorrectly then you will perform that skill incorrectly. Sometimes just watching someone for 10 seconds is enough to show you where you've been going wrong and make ligtbulbs appear over your head!
Agreed :biggthump ... but practice what works and you won't go far wrong. Also, don't fear experimenting ... at the meetup I was amazed at the diversity of ways to do one thing ... most worked which made them just fine!
TheViking
25-08-2004, 18:40
I've always wondered this about courses - how fussy are the schools about everyone doing the pre-requisite courses first???
Yes, it would be a little missy if RM came and wanted to do a course and got sent away, with the reason that he hadn't done the basic first.... :wink:
James Watson
25-08-2004, 18:53
james.... who's tom brown jnr - i've never heard of him, could you direct me to some information?
have a look at www.trackerschool.com
He was taught from the age of 7 to 18 by an Lipan Aphace scout.
He's written 16 books. If you want to read them start with his first The Tracker or read The Scout.
I've always wondered this about courses - how fussy are the schools about everyone doing the pre-requisite courses first???
i've done higher level courses with woodsmoke and cambrian survival. i can highly recommend both of them. i haven't done either of their basic courses.
i've met guys who have been on basic courses, and the skill level achieved in a week is surprising. books are good, but will only take you so far.....
if you want to get on a course, but you're unsure, get on the email and/or phone. you can explain what you have done in the past, and maybe find out more of what's required, or what you will be doing on the course. i have spoken to chief instructors/school owners and been put off by them, better to find out if you're going to get along before shelling out the dosh eh? but in all cases, the school owners/instructers have been incredibly helpful.
tedders, i bet i can guess which school too! :shock: :o):
cheers, and.
I would reccomend Tamarack Bushcraft, I have done 2 courses with them and both were excellent and I walked away with lots of knowledge and practice. On both courses there were about 6 students in all and 3 instructors, the principal instructor really knows his stuff and i believe he has visited the Hadza Bushmen in Tanzania a few times. The prices I think are quite cheap especially as you get some kit to take away with you.
Here is a link to my thread on how the campcraft weekend course i did with them went
http://www.bushcraftuk.net/community/showthread.php?t=2626&highlight=TAMARACK
acw_akkermans
26-08-2004, 00:26
I would definately agree with the advice given earlier. Check out different web-sites, and give interesting schools a ring.
There is a lot you can learn by yourself, however, it would cut down on a lot of learning time to be mentored by someone who already has the skills. Not only can this person explain things in a way a book can't, but there's also a lot of books out there with unclear descriptions or even mistakes. Books can also be interpreted in a different way then was originally intended.
There may also be skills that just don't seem to work for you. Having an experienced person there gives you an extra chance of figuring out why.
Some skills are also frustrating to learn, such as the bow-drill. Again, an instructor can give you that extra drive and support.
Besides all the above reasons for attending a course, it is also a lot of fun!
Many regards,
Anthonio Akkermans
P.S. Not all courses are 500 Pounds... There are plenty of week-long courses available for half that price or even less!
you cant go wrong booking a course with woodsmoke or woodlore they are both exellent schools
if you are not ready to spent the cash yet ask around and somone here will take you out for a weekend or two and cover the basics
Bearclaws Greenhorn is a very good basic course (check out my review on the site). http://www.bearclawbushcraft.co.uk/courses.htm
Very good, few students per instructor, fairly flexible corriculum.
Some schools, like Wilderness Living, http://www.wildernessliving.co.uk/, do require you to do a 'foundation course' before doing some of the more advanced courses, basically so that they know they won't have to go over the same basic bits every time.
As does Bearclaw for the Tracking course - you've got to do them in order, quite sensibly.
jamesdevine
26-08-2004, 10:33
It is certainly a good Idea to have look at the schools page and check out as many if not all of them before you make our choice.
I recently worked out all my frustration :wink: with the bow drill on week long course with Wild-Live and not learnt this and many other skills but somethings about myself that I did already known and somethings I had forgotten. I have not hand so much fun or been so relaxed in the outdoors since I was a kid not only that I have manged to keep some of that with me.
Being able to work through the difficulties, learn new things, spend time with friendly people around a campfire and be totally satisfied weeks later it will worth the effort of few phone calls and e-mails. Your pocket can me better off as well.
I will be back with Wild-Live next year.
James
Some good advice on this thread ...! Especially the idea of teaching yourself, rather than forking out on an expensive course - definitely the most satisfying and economical method (though be sure to 'keep it safe' for yourself and those around you - common sense really, don't mean to sound like yer mom!).
As for courses, I've only ever been on one but would highly recommend it. It's run by Mick 'Ginge' Tyler (ex-SAS) of the Breakaway Survival School, Hereford. Sounds kinda military on the surface, granted, but in reality is quite the opposite. Despite Mick's credentials (he taught survival to the SAS for 30 odd years), the school is very down to earth, friendly and welcoming, attracting a mix of students, yes - men and women! - from all over the UK. And Mick is a top class bloke ... very witty, eccentric, oodles of expertise, a refreshing no-nonsense approach, plenty of stories from his time in Malaysia, plus he's a great leveller of anyone who comes along expecting a hard mans' boot camp ("wot's that big knife for, religious purposes?" and so on ... ).
The Breakaway Survival School website is at:
http://www.breakawaysurvival.co.uk/
... but I warn you now the site is a bit... No frills ... just like the school itself. Best thing is to contact Mick direct - his details are on the website, otherwise you can call him on: 01432 267 097 or email: mick@breakawaysurvival.co.uk
It's one of (if not THE) original survival schools in the UK, and certainly the most respected. Just bear in mind that you won't be whittling spoons ...
G
I'm not touting for any of the schools here, but...
The trouble with trying to teach yourself is that:
1) trying to learn how to tye a knot from a book can be a nightmare!;
2) the instructor may be able to see where you are going wrong and point out how to correct things you're struggling with;
3) trying to learn fungi from a book, for example, can be downright dangerous (hence the reason I don't like teaching people how to ID them and I'm joining a group to find out how to ID them properly from someone who really know's what their talking about!);
4) the school will generally have examples of good AND bad kit and thus save you money/pain;
5) you are able to draw on a much broader base of knowledge as there will be others there who will have knowledge and experience.
Self-learning IS great and has a huge sense of achievement attached to it, but never be too proud to admit that others can help you (Been there, done, it, made a prat of myself). Even if you do have to pay them.
And ask yourself this, is £150 for example,for a course really all that much when compared to the lifetime of knowledge and experience you will be building for yourself?
Some schools, like Wilderness Living, http://www.wildernessliving.co.uk/, do require you to do a 'foundation course' before doing some of the more advanced courses
I personally have found that most schools are happy if you have done an equivelant course at another school, or expierenced in bushcraft, and will let you do their advanced courses without their pre-requisite. Just give the instructors a ring.... you'll get a few questions... have you lit a fire by friction?, have you slept out in a debris shelter?.... that sort of thing. It is more to make sure that the student is not out of their depth on an advanced course.
:-)
Ed
i strongly recomend WildWise (http://www.wildwise.co.uk/) i have done two courses with them.. both very good nice atmospeher and a wealth of knolage :biggthump
masongary44
27-08-2004, 13:20
I recently did the Woodlander course from Woodsmoke, the course lasts a little over 6 days and was a truly excellent experience. They limit the numkber of people on the course to ensure there are enough instructors to go around.
Over the weekend more people turned up to lend a hand which put the student to instructor ratio at almost 2 to 1.
The people on the course ranged from ex military to school teacher, male female, yound and older....
The course had a good mixture of lectures, example/demo's and practice that made everything straight forward. Throughout the course "projects" were given out that were examined on the last day to contribute towards you're course grade.
Everyone was encouraged to build shelters, and more importantly to use them. Fire-lighting was a must and by the end of the week everyone on the course had made fire by friction.
The land used is near Lake Windermere and I think they have a total of around 7000 acres of deciduous and coniferous woodland to play in....
I am know there are a great many schools out there, but I found that this one gave me everything I could have wanted it to...
I am just looking forward to the next one..... Probably the Nomad...
qweeg500
28-08-2004, 09:35
If you want to go in at an intermediate level of course then you and the course leader would have at least 2 things to consider:
1, Is Bushcraft for you? Students who have done Fundamental courses will have already made their minds up.
2, Are your skills and knowledge up to the standard required? The instructor is likely to want all his/her students to have a certain level of understanding so that everyone (including you) can learn together. There is also a safety aspect here, as on the more advanced courses the instructors may not be directly supervising you all the time.
In my opinion both approaches are key. Read from a book - make mistakes - learn the hard way - get on a course and see where you went wrong. I think the more adversity you face the better you get - especially with regards to bowdrilling.
I'd suggest you choose a couple of reputable schools and contact them for a chat.
Good Luck :wink:
qweeg500
28-08-2004, 09:44
Forgot to say,
I'm a big Woodsmoke fan. I've done the Woodlander, Abo' (same course as Sargey) and the Axe Workshop. I enjoyed all of them. There were a few moments on the Abo' when I'd have killed for a funsize Mars bar but that's part of the experience. :AR15firin
I've also heard Woodlore are very good.
Matt
Tedders, you may wish to give Gary a bell (Bearclaw), there are a few schools near you as you are in the London area, but Gary is in Essex and runs courses down Kent/Sussex way as well as other places.
Tedders
The course you went on, did they not provide you with a syllabus or content itinery when you enquired or when you checked it out on the advertisement?
The reason I ask is, if they did and you already knew the subject content - why did you go on it ? - Why the hell were you spending your money on something you already knew ? and what did you expect for a something like 100 quid for a weekend ? - an instructor all to yourself and for you to decide the subject content to be covered there and then. :?:
Sounds like you reqiure one on one training with someone - if your prepared to pay for it that is. If your not prepared to pay for it, then make friends in here but remember, when you go to a pro organisation they have all the right safety measures in place, including insurance etc.
I've been on many courses here in the UK and enjoyed every single one,they were all differant and all fulfilled my wants and needs. On all of theses courses I've seen students who really should be somewhere else, with negative attitudes that has only affected the rest of the course content, why? Because then the course instructors have to start spending time and energy on "bringing people in" working on motivation and personal problems, problems that the student has brought with them to the course, and if the instructors are ex -military then you going to get a differant approach to this than a non military guy.
Some courses I went on the instructors wrapped the students in cotton wool, becoming there next new best friend and more or less did the skills for them, the lazy people enjoyed this, but on other courses the instructors took a stand back and let you get on with it approach, to let you try and test yourself, this sounds to me maybe more of what you expereinced.
As for not being good with authority, this will be a stumbling block that I believe YOU should deal with, because no matter what type of learning process or environment you go into, there will be rules to follow and someone will be telling you what to do - if you can't face that then make a friend on here who is qiute happy to give up his or her weekends to show you.
Chris
I'm not touting for any of the schools here, but...
The trouble with trying to teach yourself is that:
1) trying to learn how to tye a knot from a book can be a nightmare!;
2) the instructor may be able to see where you are going wrong and point out how to correct things you're struggling with;
3) trying to learn fungi from a book, for example, can be downright dangerous (hence the reason I don't like teaching people how to ID them and I'm joining a group to find out how to ID them properly from someone who really know's what their talking about!);
4) the school will generally have examples of good AND bad kit and thus save you money/pain;
5) you are able to draw on a much broader base of knowledge as there will be others there who will have knowledge and experience.
Self-learning IS great and has a huge sense of achievement attached to it, but never be too proud to admit that others can help you (Been there, done, it, made a prat of myself). Even if you do have to pay them.
And ask yourself this, is £150 for example,for a course really all that much when compared to the lifetime of knowledge and experience you will be building for yourself?
Jakunan has hit the nail on the head with regards to his explanation of the benifits of going to one of the schools.
some things just cant be learnt effectively from a book I tried to make cordage from the diagrams in books for years and never succeeded but under the tuition of the woodsmoke school I cracked it, the same with fire by friction.
if you cannot afford to go to a school then come to one of the meetups with the members here and they will take you though the stuff they know and the more people you meet the more you skills will build over time, but if you have the cash the schools are the best way to learn a great deal of knowleadge very quickly.
The reason I ask is, if they did and you already knew the subject content - why did you go on it ? - Why the hell were you spending your money on something you already knew ? and what did you expect for a something like 100 quid for a weekend ? - an instructor all to yourself and for you to decide the subject content to be covered there and then.
I dont know if you realise this Chris but your coming across as very confrontational, Have you never paid for anything and been disapointed that it was not what you expected??? :?:
Confrontational? I'd say Chris is simply saying it how it is Stuart - or at least giving his opinion - which is as valued as everybody elses opinion on here. Straight talkers are often (mistakenly) seen in this light.
And personally speaking I have seen many of the things of which he speaks so I know they're true but just because someone doesnt like to hear the truth doesnt make it wrong to say it.
'Evil only truimphs when good men do nothing!'
whist I agree with much of what Chris is saying i do not see it as a constructive or helpful answer to the original question
here is tedders original question:
having read a few posts I see a few of you have done courses and some of you work in the schools, my question is this:
What school would you recommend (not the one you own)?
I have done one course and didn't enjoy it, or learn much more than I already knew. I won't say the name of the school for fear of upsetting people. It was run in a military regime and the guy had a few personality issues. There was one instructor, too many students. We were told to build a shelter, then left on your own with no practical advice. Then afterwards he went round finding fault - but not constructively, just cynically, as he did with fires etc. So afetr that I've been put off until I saw the Woodsmoke and Woodlores sites,they look a little less military (i've always struggled with authority). What do you guys think. I need a non-basic course for a week, where shall i go??
Tedders has been on a course which he did not like, he has see online some intresting schools but after his previous experiance he is a little hesitent to book a course, so he asks the advice of the people here as to whether the woodsmoke or woodlore courses are good
Chris's reply to this question is:
The course you went on, did they not provide you with a syllabus or content itinery when you enquired or when you checked it out on the advertisement?
The reason I ask is, if they did and you already knew the subject content - why did you go on it ? - Why the hell were you spending your money on something you already knew ? and what did you expect for a something like 100 quid for a weekend ? - an instructor all to yourself and for you to decide the subject content to be covered there and then.
Sounds like you reqiure one on one training with someone - if your prepared to pay for it that is. If your not prepared to pay for it, then make friends in here but remember, when you go to a pro organisation they have all the right safety measures in place, including insurance etc.
I've been on many courses here in the UK and enjoyed every single one,they were all differant and all fulfilled my wants and needs. On all of theses courses I've seen students who really should be somewhere else, with negative attitudes that has only affected the rest of the course content, why? Because then the course instructors have to start spending time and energy on "bringing people in" working on motivation and personal problems, problems that the student has brought with them to the course, and if the instructors are ex -military then you going to get a differant approach to this than a non military guy.
Some courses I went on the instructors wrapped the students in cotton wool, becoming there next new best friend and more or less did the skills for them, the lazy people enjoyed this, but on other courses the instructors took a stand back and let you get on with it approach, to let you try and test yourself, this sounds to me maybe more of what you expereinced.
As for not being good with authority, this will be a stumbling block that I believe YOU should deal with, because no matter what type of learning process or environment you go into, there will be rules to follow and someone will be telling you what to do - if you can't face that then make a friend on here who is qiute happy to give up his or her weekends to show you.
Chris
to me this comes across as saying "your an idiot for booking on a poor course did you not do any research?? did you not think the course might not be good as you were only paying 100 pound??" i also find the reply to be cynical, sarcastic and unconstructive
Been to 7 differant schools in the UK alone, just saying it as it is.
I have often really symphasised for the schools because I have seen some really difficult demanding people on courses, throwing tantrums because they have not been able to turn the course into their own personal stage, I have witneessed some appalling behaviour but on each occasion all the instructors and schools handled it extremely well.
Before I book on a course I ask myself about the itinery, is it new? do I know it already? is it worth my while and my money? so if I do decide to book and go I'm not dissapointed if I expect too much.
Sometimes this is the problem - people expect too much, I believe you get what you pay for, but not only that, attending courses of this nature requires the student to work hard, focus, do what the instructor ask's you to do and at the end you will only get out what you put in.
Chris :biggthump
Been to 7 differant schools in the UK alone, just saying it as it is.
I have often really symphasised for the schools because I have seen some really difficult demanding people on courses, throwing tantrums because they have not been able to turn the course into their own personal stage, I have witneessed some appalling behaviour but on each occasion all the instructors and schools handled it extremely well.
Before I book on a course I ask myself about the itinery, is it new? do I know it already? is it worth my while and my money? so if I do decide to book and go I'm not dissapointed if I expect too much.
Sometimes this is the problem - people expect too much, I believe you get what you pay for, but not only that, attending courses of this nature requires the student to work hard, focus, do what the instructor ask's you to do and at the end you will only get out what you put in.
Chris :biggthump
Thats fine and I agree whole heartedly with everything you have said in this post, there are some very very difficult students out there who can make even the best instructors lives difficult.
the problem I had with your previous post it that it intimated that because Tedders did not enjoy his course that he was this type of difficult student, there is no basis for this.
Tedders may well have been victim of a poor instuctor of which there is no argument that there are a few in this business.
if you had worded your previous post in the way that you have this one, with out implying that tedders had a problem because he was a bad student I would have done nothing but agree.
tedders came here to ask what our advice on which school to attend after he had difficulty with a militry style school who teaching style i did not enjoy (militry style instruction is not everyones cup of tea) companys like woodlore and woodsmoke offer a very different style of teachig which may suit him better.
you cannot assume that he is a difficult student because he did not enjoy militry style instruction under the tuition of what may have been a poor instuctor, you can offer advice on people you know to be good instructors
Well not to worry Tedders is sorted now I believe and it wont cost him a penny!.
Ve have vays of making him vurk!! :rolmao: :rolmao: :rolmao:
I dont know if you realise this Chris but your coming across as very confrontational, Have you never paid for anything and been disapointed that it was not what you expected??? :?:
There used to be sayings that went:
"The customer is always right ..."
"There's no such thing as a bad student ..."
I for one think that they apply just as much now as ever.
Good point there Stuart. I've bought many things that didn't live up to my expectations. Usually because I was dazzled by sales pitch or took too many things on trust.
Many moons ago I made a post that was basically saying that if you are going to part with cash, make sure you know what you are getting for your money. Remember, as a customer it's your money and that vendors want it! Paying £10, £20, £50, £100, £500 or whatever on something means that you don't have that to spend elsewhere afterwards. So spend it wisely! :wink: If in doubt, keep hold of your cash and spend it later.
What I'm feeling here is that there are a lot of people who seem to think that paying for something that's not right is somehow just a fact of life ... well, I don't believe that, and UK trading laws don't see it that way either. Caveat Emptor is not how things work.
Everyone who buys anything should be aware of their rights and rights of redress should things not go as planned: http://www.dti.gov.uk/ccp/topics1/saleandsupply.htm
My advice would be as follows:
- Shop around.
- Read reviews - these are a great way to access the quality of what you are getting. The more reviews you can find the better. And write your own reviews afterwards - any person or company that stands in the way of a customer writing a review of a product or service is scared of something and that is a major danger sign!
- Ask for testimonials. And if you are a satisfied customer, consider writing one!
- Never, ever, book anything based on a website or leaflet alone. Always make contact with the company before parting with cash.
- Keep a record of what you've been promised.
- Get an itinery and terms and conditions. This is your contract with the company training you. This is what you SHOULD get in exchange for your cash. Make sure that this is suitable to your needs and current experience but also make sure that it's what you are looking for.
- If you are unhappy - complain. We don't do this enough in the UK.
I'm not saying that people are out to rip you off, far from it, but buying "skills" is very different from buying a product - a product you can see and handle before buying, a skill is hard to judge. A skill is hard to measure and how well that skill is transferred is harder to judge. However, usually speaking to the people concerned will give you an idea ... How are your questions answered? Were they polite? Were they clear in communicating (because if someone is awful on the phone or email, how are they in person?)? Did they answer your questions or dodge them?
I hope that this helps you Tedders and that your past bad experience hasn't put you off learning about and enjoying bushcraft!
:chill: :biggthump
What I'm saying is:
Don't expect the same standards for a 100 quid course as you will get on a 250 quid course.
If the school provides you with a course itinery and you already know it, why go on it?
If you have a problem with authority, a military type course is not for you, even a non military course run by ex forces guys may not be for you because this may also re-surface your authority problem.
Through my experience on courses perhaps you require 'one on one' training if you can get it and suggested here maybe a good place to start.
I've been on a lot of differant courses, all good, i'm not going to start listing names and kissing backsides on here, there is enough of that already and if Tedders wants my list he can respond to my personal message from the other day.
Don't go through life blaming others for everything. It is totally unfair to say an instructor is bad if the only problem is you don't like the way they do things. How many people on here have actually sent Tedders a personal email asking to know who the school was?
I spent 22 years in the RAF and since out, spent 7 years as a mountain leader and expedition guide and my work commitments are booked up for the next 3 years. So Stuart, I'm a little bit too long in the tooth to be told what I can say or think, espiecially when I'm not being derogatory or abusive and when what I'm saying is the straight facts. If you call straight talking confrontational that's your opinion.
Tedders, himself admittingly, has a few personal issues that may not be good on a training course, so do these not also need to be dealt with, because in my opinion the customer is not allways right, but that's another issue for another day.
Like I said, " wrapped up in cotton wool "
That's my opinion, nothing more, nothing less, but something I'm entitled to just the same as you.
Coincidently, how many of you guys who have the " don't like authority " or the " military ways " approach, walk around on the street or the woods wearing the combat uniforms of the fighting forces from this and other countries around the world - DPM.?
Chris :biggthump
Ok, everyone has put forward some good points but this is getting off track, the question was;
I need a non-basic course for a week, where shall i go??
The rest of it is between the student and the teacher. A lot of good advice has gone up about this so it's pretty well covered.
Anything else added can it please be in answer to this question.
Cheers
I believe all the following will be a good list to start with, there are others but they don't spring to mind right now.
Woodsmoke School
Woodcraft School
Woodlore School
Survival School
Bearclaw School
Bison School
Natural Pathways School
Go for it and good luck
Chris
:wave:
I'd add Tamarack To that list. I've done a couple of weekend courses with them that were both under a £100 each and they were very very good.
This thread is now locked as it seemed so hard to keep to the question. The remainder of the posts have been moved to a new thread http://www.bushcraftuk.net/community/showthread.php?t=3010
I trust that Tedders managed to get a appropriate answer to his question.