Groups wanting to get the most out of a shorter visit to the Center often opt for a half-period survival class, coupled with either Sensory (traditional) or Wildlife Ecology (ideal). Thus, the typical survival class does not incorporate all of the sections below:

Introduction
Students learn why survival is even necessary as a class, considering the ability of all other animals to survive in the wild. This leads to a discussion of the major resources needed in survival: shelter/warmth, water, food, and the all-encompassing will to survive.

Role-play
Students are presented with an emergency situation, such as a plane crash, which could force them to live in the wilderness. They are then shown a bag full of survival supplies and, following the introductory discussion, asked to choose an item and justify their choice.

Fire-building
After a discussion of the uses of fire (warmth, cooking, sterilizing water, signaling for help) The class will be shown a few techniques for building a small campfire, and, given sufficient time, asked to make their own one-match fires in small groups.

Shelter
The “Fort Survival” area contains a few ready-made shelters, so after a tour of these, students are asked to build their own shelters. In winter, this could include igloo-construction.

Expansion
All of our instructors have wilderness experience, and may take time to explain favorite survival techniques, such as no-match fire-making, water purification, or location of natural foods.