About
the Course
BOSS Field Courses have been designed over the last 40 years to test a student
— physically, mentally and emotionally — and to provide him or
her with an extended traditional living experience. Our
emphasis on knowledge and techniques rather than gadgets and technology
gives BOSS a unique position in the field of outdoor education and adventure
travel.
The 14-Day Field Course is one of the most popular courses BOSS offers, due
to its high level of adventure in such a short time period.
About
BOSS
Since 1968, BOSS Courses
have set the standard for low-technology camping and desert and mountain
hiking techniques, where instruction
is conducted without the intrusion of modern technology in environments
that allow course content to be experienced first-hand. Our commitment
to quality and to our core philosophies has earned BOSS its reputation
as the
survival school to go to when you want to learn from the best in the industry.
Less
is More
In line with the BOSS Positive
Impact Camping philosophy, the 14-Day Field Course has a decided emphasis
on using only renewable, natural resources. Tents, sleeping bags, stoves,
backpacks and many other "required" pieces of outdoor equipment
are replaced with their low-tech counterparts: a poncho, a blanket, a campfire.
The motto here is "Know more, Carry less" and we'll explore how
traditional cultures lived comfortably without all the modern gadgets like
watches, radios, cellphones, etc (which are not allowed on Field Courses).
Come learn how back-country travel can be a less intrusive and more harmonious
experience.
The
BOSS Challenge
The BOSS 14-Day Field Course provides, among
many other things, a physical test for its students. Students hike long distances
over the rugged terrain found in Southern Utah's mountains and desert canyons,
sometimes 15 to 30 miles in one day. The combination of high exertion and
moderate rations usually leaves students 10 to 30 pounds leaner at the end
of the course. BOSS REQUIRES THAT ALL FIELD COURSE APPLICANTS UNDERGO
A COMPLETE PHYSICAL EXAMINATION AND RECEIVE THEIR PHYSICIAN'S APPROVAL IN
WRITING PRIOR TO FINAL ACCEPTANCE ON THE COURSE.
In addition to the physician's approval, students are asked to complete a 1.5 mile run during course orientation. Please keep in mind, despite your physician's approval and BOSS's acceptance of you on the course, there are no guarantees. Health and participation risks (inherent and otherwise) remain. Ultimately it is up to you and your physician to determine if this BOSS course is an appropriate choice.
Age
Because of the physical aspect of Field Courses, students younger than 18
are not allowed. Historically, the average age of BOSS 14-Day Field Course
students has been in the high-20's to low-30's, but plenty of students in their
40's, 50's and 60's have successfully and enthusiastically completed the
course.
Course
Phases
Please note: Because each course
is different and will experience different combinations of weather patterns,
student abilities, and ground conditions, phases may be adjusted before or
during a course.
| Phase | Description |
| Orientation | Welcome to BOSS, gear review & purchase. |
| Impact | A fast-moving, minimal-equipment hike through the desert. No food except what you find. No blankets or ponchos until Group Ex. |
| Group Expedition | A time for on-the-trail instruction, as our staff teach you the skills you need to comfortably survive in the desert. |
| Long-Term Survival | Large game processing is taught within the context of traditional wilderness living and the realities of the physical needs of the human body. |
| Solo | Placed in your own Solo site, you will put your skills to the test and enjoy some solitude. |
| Student Expedition | You and your coursemates are given the opportunity to travel instructor-free to a specific destination. |
| Final Challenge | Just when you think it's over, it isn't.... |
| Celebration / Graduation | You've earned it. |
Skills
Covered
Skills
taught on Field Courses are directly relevant to the group's needs in a traditional-living
environment. Issues dealing with the effects of physical stresses and extended
travel on the human psyche are just as important to the students' experience
as how to make a fire without matches. All courses are designed to cover these
basics: desert ecology & travel, fire construction,
campsite selection, trail hygiene, shelter location and construction options,
water location
and purification, nature observation skills, trapping techniques, and edible
& medicinal plants.
On 14- and 28-day Field Courses, large game processing is taught within the context of traditional living skills and the needs of the human body. For more information, please read this Philosophy of BOSS page.
2009 Dates & Prices
| 14-Day Field Course | J-74 |
May 24 - June 6, 2009 | Utah | $1995 |
| 14-Day Field Course | J-75 |
June 21 - July 4 | Utah | $1995 |
| 14-Day Field Course | J-76 |
July 19 - August 1 | Utah | $1995 |
| 14-Day Field Course | J-77 |
August 9 - 22 | Utah | $1995 |
| 14-Day Field Course | J-78 |
October 4 - 17 | Utah | $1995 |
Course dates and prices are subject to change. Space is limited on each course, and registrations are made on a first-come, first-served basis. Please go to the Registration page for more information.
