Bushcraft Qualifications.

[Squidders]

I agree... This little island does suck somewhat at times does it not

It would be a nice idea but I guess the more accessible you make something, the more people will try it even with only a passing interest. That would make it even harder for the obsessive ones.

It's frustrating at times though, not being able to get a definitive answer to things. You and everyone else here are incredibly knowledgeable and supportive but there are so many grey areas. I guess you had the same frustrations when you were starting out.

I just wish I had the time to dedicate to progressing things myself. I know you run courses and after talking to you here I *WILL* be trying to book a few after this weekend but is there a list of providers anywhere with the areas they cover, what they specialise in and where the courses are held?

Cheers :You_Rock_

Joe

 

[Gary]

Joe I believe there is a schools list on here somewhere.

 

[leon-1]

Joe I believe there is a schools list on here somewhere.

There used to be one on the front page of the site here. And there is one that deals with what some of the schools deal with here You should be able to find some bits in this area

 

[JeremyH]

Although Islay Birding is not on the list at the moment - however, thanks to Gary, Jason and Leon piloting our Journeyman..in the footsteps of.. course we now can offer this course with a recognised national award. That is; The John Muir Award. See the blog during July/August. If you need to know more email me or chat at the Wilderness Gathering. :wave:

jeremyh

 

[leon-1]

Although Islay Birding is not on the list at the moment - however, thanks to Gary, Jason and Leon piloting our Journeyman..in the footsteps of.. course we now can offer this course with a recognised national award. That is; The John Muir Award. See the blog during July/August. If you need to know more email me or chat at the Wilderness Gathering. :wave:

jeremyh

That's fair and the course would be worth doing for the location in itself :super:

 

[tedw]

Sorry if I’m being dim :roll: , JeremyH, but what exactly is the John Muir Award? I read the excellent blog on the Islay trip (and I’m envious!) but still don’t know what the award bit means.

Just in case I don’t get to chat to you at the Wilderness Gathering on Saturday :wave: .

Ted W

 

[tedw]

We spoke! Thanks for the info. I hope I can make one of the trips - if not, then next year!

Ted W

 

[R-Bowskill]

If you want to get experience of teaching bushcraft start small with 'skill share' where you teach someone something you know and they teach you something they know in return. If you're wanting to go for a job as a bushcraft instructor it will mean you can say you've taught those skills on a 1 to 1 basis or to small groups. You'll learn alot about teaching practical skills

I've got no qualifications in teaching or geology but I've taught quite a few people how to pan gold and where to look for it. In the same way I've taught people about wild foods and other bushcraft skills while learning from them in a very informal manner. On a walk point things such as edible plants, animal tracks and useful items out to people if they respond positively tell them what you know or show them what you mean and let them try for themselves.

Hey presto you're teaching bushcraft.

 

[denali]

One of the biggest problems with an organization would be who would run it.Years ago ,when the martial arts scene exploded,the govt. set up the Martial Arts Commission.The result was an utter shambles.Very highly skilled teachers refused to be examined by MAC "experts",the british judo association refused to join,some styles joined and then left and vice - versa.In the end ,after a lot of wasted time and money it collapsed.
I can see the same thing happening if bushcraft tried.Some of the best outdoor people I know are gamekeepers ,river bailiffs etc.They would certainly refuse to be examined and they are too busy to be examiners.
I can't really see any solution to this problem but maybe someone else can

 

[Tony]

Good point :biggthump

 

[bothyman]

but what exactly is the John Muir Award?

>>
http://www.jmt.org/award/index.html

 

[tomtom]

any one seen this? :yikes:

 

[Fallow Way]

I just thought I would bring this thread back into circulation again as i find it a fascinating topic.

Are there any updates as to where we stand since that previous post in terms of reactions and results from the various courses (2 I am aware of, Mr Ryder at Plumpton and there is another under the Open College Network).

 

[BIG-TARGET]

anyone consider using "The Rule Of 3's", as a roadmap to qualification???

 

[Ed]

2 I am aware of, Mr Ryder at Plumpton and there is another under the Open College Network

There are now a couple of different OCN's taught in the UK, they tend to be a very local thing as each area submits assessment criteria for their own courses which have to be approved by the open college network and adhere to strict standards.
The one which we (thats the WEA who I work for, not BCUK) teach in south wales is a wilderness living skills course and is built up of various modules. It is not an instructors course, neither is it designed for people who want to lead outdoors. It is a course to take a newbie through the basics of bushcraft and later on, level 2 covers some more advanced topics building on the skills taught in level 1. Level 1&2 takes a year to complete with only 1 actual class a week, you are expected to complete tasks in your own time, then there are skills weekends during the holidays to get together with other students and get the skills refined ready for assessments..... and a chance to camp out and have some fun.


Ed