|  Have you ever heard of the Boulder Outdoor Survival School (BOSS)? It seems they have been around since the '60's but have become more well known since the reality shows like Survivor came into being. They have been written up in the NY Times, USA Today, Men's Health and lots of other well known publications. I found a lot of information on exactly what they do and thought you might be interested in reading about it. I'm wondering if anyone would be daring enough to sign up for one of their courses.
*************************************************The BOSS field course has been it’s “signature” trip since 1968. It consists of Ultra-lite travel through Southern Utah’s mountains, mesas and canyon’s with little more than a blanket, poncho and a knife. No tents, backpacks, sleeping bags or stoves. Definitely no watches, radios or cell phones. Your goal is to learn to live in “the now” as your small group hikes many miles and learns the skills of traditional Puebloan cultures. Not for the faint of heart, a BOSS field course is for those seeking a challenge and a chance to renew. The course is offered in 7-14 and 28 day formats.
BOSS Skills Courses are typically held in our Durfey Creek Basecamp, in an aspen meadow at 9,000', with possible day and/or overnight trips into the desert for gathering. Some of BOSS's best instructors will teach you primitive survival skills like cordage, fires, shelters, tracking, awareness, and flintknapping (turning rocks into precision cutting tools). Instruction is hands-on and class sizes are small to ensure good supervision. No previous outdoor skills or knowledge is needed. A wilderness kitchen is set up for meals, and you can bring as much gear and food as you like for the course. (Note: the 72-Hour Survival Rescue course in an exception to this). Our goal is to teach you, so be prepared to learn from dawn until dusk.
Explorer Courses
BOSS Explorer Courses offer a rustic wilderness experience without the physically-challenging Impact phase of Field Courses. Hiking is common for Explorer courses, as we travel through different ecosystems and seasons to discover the beauty and mystery of Boulder Mountain, the Escalante River system, and the Kaiparowitz Plateau. Some courses target specific skills, like the Navigator courses, while others target specific experiences, like the Hunter Gatherer course.
Training Courses
BOSS Training Courses offer wilderness medical certification and recertification for guides, outdoor trip leaders, and others interested in have the Wilderness First Responder certification. These are coordinated with the Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS and taught at BOSS's facility in Boulder, Utah in the spring.
Sounds a bit on the rough side doesn't it?
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