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 with minimal 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 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 our 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 5 to 10 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. It's up to you and your physician to determine if a BOSS course is an appropriate choice. All participants must be aware of these risks and embrace them. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Learning
by Doing & Personalized Instruction
At BOSS, we strongly believe in learning by doing. While at times, instruction
will be done in lecture format, it will be done in the field where students can
see what they are learning in situ and can practice their skills in
a natural environment. BOSS Course enrollment is designed to provide each course
with a student-teacher ratio conducive to hands-on instruction. Our courses typically
have 9-12 students and 3 staff. This ensures that our staff are available to
students to help guide them through the lessons as needed or sought.
Age
Because of the physical aspect of Field Courses, students younger than 18
are not allowed. Historically, the average age of BOSS 7-Day Field Course
students has been in the mid-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: 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 wilderness. 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. |
| Student Expedition | Time and route permitting, you and your coursemates may be 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,
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.
2010 Dates & Prices
I-85 |
May 30 - June 5, 2010 |
Utah | $1395 |
|
| 7-Day Field Course | I-86 |
July 4 - 10 | Utah | $1395 |
| 7-Day Field Course | I-87 |
July 25 - 31 | Utah | $1395 |
| 7-Day Field Course | I-88 |
August 8 - 14 | Utah | $1395 |
| 7-Day Field Course | I-89 |
August 29 - September 4 | Utah | $1395 |
| 7-Day Field Course | I-90 |
September 26 - October 2 | Utah | $1395 |
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.
