About the Course
For those interested in studying traditional wilderness skills without the physical challenges of our Field Courses, BOSS has created the Primitive Living Skills Course in two lengths: 7 and 14-days.

The BOSS Primitive Living Skills Course provides a solid foundation in the basic traditional survival skills, from fire to shelters to tools, in addition to the more long-term primitive living skills needed to truly thrive in the wilderness. Instruction is intense and hands-on, so be prepared to learn by doing.

7-Days vs 14-Days
The 7-Day Primitive Living Skills Course typically include includes instruction in primitive skills such as: bow drill friction fires, basic lithics, debris shelters, cordage methods, basic edible plants, trapping, and basic hunting tools. Other primitive skills may also be covered based in the time available based on the energy level and skill level of the students. Modern topics such as poncho shelters, camp hygiene, knife safety use and maintenance, priorities of survival, thermo-regulation of the body (dressing appropriately for the wilderness, sleeping warmly, external heat sources) and campsite selection are also covered on this course.

The 14-Day Primitive Living Skills Course contains all of the content of the 7-Day course, plus additional skills relating to a Solo wilderness experience. The second week of 14-Day Skills begins students being placed in their own solo site, giving each a chance to put his or her previously learned skills to the test while enjoying some solitude.

Once Solo ends, students return to the basecamp and build upon the skills covered during Week One. Skills covered during Week Two vary depending on the interest of the students and available resources but may include: additional friction fire methods, primitive hunting and trapping tools, primitive pottery, primitive textiles such as felting or weaving, primitive basketry, hide tanning and primitive cooking methods using clay pots and a “Dakota stove” and food preparation techniques such as pinole, jerky or pemmican preparation.

Course Content
Both Primitive Living Skills Courses are designed to teach our students a wide variety of basic traditional skills and techniques. Both courses are open to people of all skill levels and can be the perfect place to begin learning wilderness skills with BOSS.

About BOSS
Since 1968, BOSS Courses have set the standard for low-technology camping and desert 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.

The Course Location
Primitive Skills Courses are taught in two possible settings: the Boulder Mountain basecamp and the desert valley basecamp just outside of Boulder, Utah. Both locations provide our students with comfortable, natural shelters (wickiups, caves, etc.), free-flowing streams and spectacular scenery. Instruction is focused in the basecamp areas, but some travel may be necessary to acquire materials or information not immediately available. Students should plan on bringing hiking boots suitable for day trips that may take us in water and over rocks. Be advised: Our basecamps are simple teaching areas in pristine environments -- without electricity, telephones and developed buildings.

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.

Health & Safety
BOSS requires that all Primitive Living Skills course applicants undergo a complete physical examination and receive their physician's approval in writing prior to final acceptance on the course.

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.

Age
On BOSS Field and Explorer Courses, the minimum age is 18. On Skills Courses, the minimum age is 15 as long as participants under 18 come with a parent or guardian for the course. The key for Skills Courses is a student’s maturity and interest in learning in a skills-intensive environment, so please ensure that any children you are bringing with you are 100% committed to making the most of their time with us.

Food & Diet
Skills course meals typically include traditional stews, soups, etc. prepared with fresh vegetables, whole grains, corn, beans, squash, etc. The biggest meals of the day are breakfast and dinner, with a light lunch available for those who want one. Because refrigeration is not available at our basecamps, meats are not served often. Food preparation will be a joint effort of the students and the staff to ensure that everyone is well fed and able to learn as much as possible. Students with special concerns or dietary restrictions should contact our office for additional information.

2010 Dates & Prices

7-Day Primitive Living Skills	E-71	June 27 - July 3	Utah	$1395
7-Day Primitive Living Skills	E-72	July 18 - 24	Utah	$1395
14-Day Primitive Living Skills	F-72	August 15 - 28	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.