Bushcraft courses

[dennydrewcook]

They seem to be a 'good' source of knowledge and a place lots of people including myself have learnt from. But what do people look for when they want to go on a course. I myself tend to focus on certain topics when I want to learn new things so go on one specifically for that topic. Admittedly I have only been on one due to money but wondered what people who can afford the luxury of courses do search for?


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[Wayne]

Denny when I am looking for new courses to attend. I look for something I am interesting in and will excite me. For example I have done a lot of tracking courses with various instructors. Each has a different approach. I find I look for the subject I want to learn and ensure that the school or institution focus on that area and then I look for the 3 or 4 people considered to be the best in that field. Then I want to ensure that I can build a rapport with the various tutors.

Its so much easier to learn when you're having fun and you trust and respect the opinion of the tutor. Then I look at price and location.

For tracking courses I have had the pleasure to learn from Dr. Jim Halfpenny, Ian Maxwell, John Ryder, and several military tactical trackers. I learnt something from each. Just seek the knowledge from a wide pool of talent and you will find learning becomes a joy.

 

[mace242]

I look for several things. From the subject being taught to the location and the personality of the tutors. I go on at least two a year and after looking around I have settled on one school where I get on really well with the instructors, it's not too far away and their level of knowledge is superb. If you ever decide to go on any other courses loom for a subject that really interests you where you can get to and afford, and then ring the school and have a chat. That chat will often make or break you decision.

 

[Tony]

I think it is generally subjects that are searched for, especially to start with as once people find a school they really like they tend to stick with it and do all their courses. If money was no object i'd do courses with people I know for the most part but try new things for some stuff.
The trouble is that it's costly trying to find the school that fits you, that's where the forums are brilliant as many people on here have been on many courses or know someone that has, word of mouth is the best reference, especially if the person giving it is experienced and knowledgeable.
There's also the consideration of cost and travel, available time etc, some school/teachers are just more conveniently located than others...

 

[Tiley]

I find a personal recommendation to be a deciding factor. Actually talking to someone who has done such-and-such a course with such-and-such a company is crucial. After that, location is important. Are they running the thing in a wood big enough to give me a sense of being in the middle of a natural, wild environment? There are few things more disturbing than road noise and the glow of a nearby town's lights! Equally, is it going to take ages for me to get there? If it's too far away or the journey is too tortuous, it might not be worth it. Course content comes quite a way down the list; the reason for this is that they are broadly similar, though the delivery and detail of each course will vary enormously.

 

[Kerne]

SWMBO bought me a week's course with Woodsmoke many years ago which was a general course to get me started. Superb course. Since then I've looked for specialised courses in stuff that particularly interested me - mainly tracking and foraging. I'd always advise a general course to start so you get to try lots of stuff out and see what really attracts you.

 

[redbranchwarrior]

For me its as has been said already. A combination of recommendations, location and to a degree price/affordability. Thankfully there seems to be a plethora of well regarded instructors/companies dotted all over now which makes it easier....