Trying to make sence of courses and qualifications

[ianh]

As a begginer to bushcraft, i have been looking around at all the different courses.That are run in different parts of the country, or even the world .There are very basic courses ,wright up to get this qualification and become a fully qualified instructor.I can see that it makes sence to go and learn off of someone who has the expertease to teach.But where do you start, are there qualifications for instructors? .Would you be better learning, off of someone who has no qualifications, but 10-15 years of experience?.Is the best way to learn just to get out as much as you can and learn, from you own experience?.

[Ben Casey]

Hi I would start with something like have you done anything like this before (for example camping, Army cadets). Then see what basic knowledge you have and how you can use it for what you want to do. A forum like this one is good as it gives you an insight into all the differing aspects of the way. The I would chat to the lads and lasses get to know a few. Also when a meet is organised see about going along bit I would let everyone know your new to bushcraft. After reading up you could decide whether you would want to make it an overnighter.

But if I was you I would go for a days meeting first and take all my kit no one would mind having a look and saying if you might need something or even showing you there kit (Well I would not and Im sure the guys in here are the same.

Then from there decide if you want or need any courses because in the end it all depands on where you want to go and what you want to do.

I hope this helps but the others will all have there own thoughts so lets see what they think

Ben

[Silverback]

As far as Im concerned there are instructors in 2 groups.

Ex Mil (and that ilk) Survival Instructors who will teach you to live on your wits, find food and effect self rescue, escape and evade and return home.

Then there are those who teach native skills, first nations skills / living, traditional back to nature living in the outdoors and enjoying it, not just 'surviving'.

In my very humble opinion both need to be QBE ... qualified by experience. To me thats more important than certificates. In my time I have met many many people who have the badge, done the course...but cannot back it up with the requisite experience.

There is a wealth of knowledge on this forum and it comes in the heads of people who have the time, the skill, the experience and the inclination to teach. Learn from them

[Shewie]

The NCFE course run by John Rhyder at Woodcraft School is one possibility for somebody looking to get a qualification, to be honest though 90% of the schools would prefer knowledge from experience rather than a piece of paper. If you want to get on a course to learn some skills then it's probably going to come down to cost, the better the school the higher the prices normally.

A few I can recommend ..

Woodlore
Woodsmoke
Backwoods Survival

[jus_young]

I did a course once and it was enjoyable in most ways but I can't really say that I 'learnt' much. Most of the stuff covered really was common sense things and bits that you could teach yourself with a few days in the woods. The qualifications require a lot of work and only really mean something if you intend to use it such as Scouts etc and you don't need it then anyway. To instruct in Bushcraft/survival schools experience is the best thing with enthusiasm thrown in as well. You really are better off attending meets and when you have some idea of what you want then you can make some informed decisions about the type of courses you want to do and you would be suprised what you can learn for free.

[AdrianRose]

I'm probably gonna rock the boat here but I'm afraid that I just don't believe in paid for courses.

All of the courses that I've seen advertised and know folk that have been on over the years seem to be a waste of money in my opinion. They tend to concentrate on the trinity of bushcraft - 1. How to start a fire. 2. How to build a shelter. 3. How to cook your food.

I'll be honest, all of the above are something that is better learnt through practice and learning for free off your fellow bushcrafters at meet ups and communal camps etc.

I know a certain company who are advertising a "Diploma in Bushcraft", but let's be fair, it doesn't mean bugger all. A Diploma in Bushcraft is a "non-qualification", it isn't recognised as a qualification and is nothing more than a certificate knocked up on a pc.

My advice, for what it's worth, stick to practicing and meeting like minded people who have some knowledge in each topic and share/learn for free.

Sorry if I have offended any instructors/teachers/bushcraft company owners etc.

Ade.

[Ben Casey]

Hi Ade I dont think you can upset anyone with what you say as I think 99% of us think the same I think though something like the DofE what can be done in schools or cadets tho is a good way of getting some basics (Depending of course on how far you go in it). It is also recognised towards the school qualifications that the kids do now a days. It isnt a big company ripping people off and I learnt a lot back in the 70's from it

[Silverback]

Ade you get a second vote from me too, well said

[Shewie]

There's much more specialised courses than the weekend introductory stuff so they shouldn't be dismissed. I've spent a week learning how to track which wouldn't have been possible in a couple of days, a week living on the coast was also one of the most useful courses I've ever done.

There is always the chance that you'll meet someone at a gathering who can share some skills and that's great, but if you really want to concentrate on something specific then a dedicated course can be really beneficial.

[Ben Casey]

Cool but who gives the guys that instruct the initial qualification to be instructors?

I mean have they studied teaching in uni or a college and who gave them the qual as a tracker or so. As far as I can tell it is an unregulated pass time that isnt recognised by any official bodies so I could even set myself up and call myself an instructor if I wanted to. And I have meet more nice guys at a weekend meet that only cost me a couple of quid where theey have given me so many tips so like I say I think something like the DofE has more to offer in this aspect as the instructors are qualified by official bodies and have to go by guide lines.

Ben