About
the Course
The 7-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. 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.
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 7-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 7-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
Historically, the average age of BOSS 7-Day Field Course students has been
in the mid-30's. Because of the physical aspect of Field Courses, students
younger than 18 must petition for acceptance.
Course
Phases
Please note: Each course is different and will experience different combinations
of weather patterns, student abilities, and ground conditions. As such, 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. |
| Solo | Placed in your own Solo site, you will put your skills to the test and enjoy some solitude. |
| 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,
at the very least, these basics: desert ecology & travel, fire construction,
campsite selection, trail hygiene, shelter location and construction options,
water location and purification, and nature observation skills.
2008 Dates & Prices
I-73 |
June 1 - 7, 2008 |
Utah | $1265 |
|
| 7-Day Field Course | I-74 |
June 8 - 14 | Utah | $1265 |
| 7-Day Field Course | I-75 |
July 27 - August 2 | Utah | $1265 |
| 7-Day Field Course | I-76 |
August 10 - 16 | Utah | $1265 |
| 7-Day Field Course | I-77 |
August 17 - 23 | Utah | $1265 |
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.
