- Joined
- Jun 19, 2006
- Messages
- 103
Took the Standard course with the Tracker School, and learned a lot. Probably the most I've learned in one sitting. It was about $700, a week long, and Tom was rarely to be seen, so if you're worried about him, I wouldn't take it too seriously unless you're allergic
. I was in high school with my old flame, in addition my outdoors buddy--I absolutely savored the experience. From Navy SEALs to little old ladies, you'll find them there. It is not cheap, but I've paid more for different types of workshops for other past hobbies, and I never felt ripped off with the Standard. There are many instructors available for special attention. I could try to find my classnotes and make a sort of rundown of topics covered, if you're considering it. There is some tracking in the Standard, and he's gotten some nods for his skills in that field, but the Standard course tracking instruction is only just a small part.
(Only)After the Standard course, you can select the different types/avenues of classes to focus on; i.e. skills based, tracking, philosophy, etc.. When you learn how to make a debris hut or do bow-drill, you're learning skills and aren't given some esoteric command of mysticism instead. You'll also be dealing with one of his instructors, many of which go on to start their own schools (such as Kevin at OPT, linked by HornedToad), so it's not like he's even going to have the chance to interject. Tom only seems to make more than a cameo appearance, if you are focussing on the Philosophy spectrum, of you're in an upper advanced class. I'll admit he's not someone I'd try to call friend, but to believe he has nothing of value is altogether false.
That said, 'Tom Brown Jr.' is a buzz-word, and a potential invite for ill-will, largely, in part for his knife design, in part for his personality. Yes, he maintains very different ideas, and can ruffle feathers but it's usually a good mental exercise I might have otherwise dismissed, for me. Let's not put too much weight into heresay, especially if it's twice or more removed. Survival is deadly serious in his mind, and a way of life; I do have a much more lax outlook, but I'm also fascinated by his experience and even perspectives. Chatting to the side, he said, "Having a knife in a survival situation is like having a Winnebago in a camping situation.", so it is highly skills based versus kit talk (Having mashed by face after walking off a ledge like an idiot, I'll carry a techno-wonder flashlight, thank you!). There's a cleanup once or twice a year, where I like to reconnect with the place and maybe bump into an old friend to chat with. It's also good fun to joust/gladiator the log-bridge over the pond with a friend, or throwing knives with the survival guys. After attending a course, you may sign up to assist for free, and get some refreshers and camaraderie for your troubles. Tracker students often keep communication, and there may be a local group around you to stay current with your dirt-time, a notable benefit whichever school you choose.
Jon Young also teaches, Wilderness Awareness School, but his big thing is a correspondence course called Kamana, which is a great supplement to skills training, particularly tracking. He is a very soft, kind-hearted individual ; unlike Tom who is very direct, and doesn't really care what you think; they both received some training from Stalking Wolf, a Lippan Apache, but while Tom seems maybe better (or more focussed) with skills, I'd share a camp with Jon without second thought. Lots of stuff he could point out in casual conversation. I only knew him when I was too young to remember much, but he was very comfortable around camp and a geniune pleasure to be around. It gets you out there everyday for some dirt-time and nature-observation. Primarily awareness based, you'll learn about your environment, flora, and fauna. Check out the 'tourist test', to see if it would be a good supplement to other survival courses. It is inexpensive, and you set your own pace, being a correspondence course. There are a few levels. Personally, I am indebted to him for introducing me to the late Ingwe, who is in great part responsible for my love of the outdoors, hence my username.
MAPS (Mid Atlantic Primitive Skills) meet is fun and inexpensive. Very informal, you sort of hang out and sign up for whatever classes anyone is sharing. Classes are done by people like us, Joe Schmoe, and generally not by someone known/loved/hated by the masses, or even certified as such; just a hobby or skills they often live by or passionate about. Cost is dirty cheap, and it's a chance to reconnect with folk of similar mind you've met along the way. You can also stumble upon more advanced skills, such as primitive blacksmithing, without having already completed intro courses previous. I met one gentleman who was a true gem in every sense of the word, a 'knowledge keeper' of his tribe. I've only been once, but they seem like a real fun gathering, almost more like a small festival than a workshop. Depending on your location, you may have just such a group around. Gatherings are a great place for many reasons!
If you're pretty good with the basics, then an introductory course will be more like a refresher with the chance to get direct assistance on the kinks in your technique. It seems like most schools that offers advanced workshops, will require you to take their introductory workshop. Any workshop you take is just like being given a tool or technology, you'll take the bits n pieces back to your own life, put in the dirt-time, and make them yours. If not, it's a bit like watching youtube. More of my life is like youtube than I care to admit
:foot:
One of the best ways to learn is to have a skills buddy to practice with, just like it was martial arts or whatev. Test & challenge eachother to grow & learn at every opportunity. Keep that conversation alive and dynamic!:thumbup:
In terms of courses, I'd suggest casting your net as far and wide as possible, take what works and leave the rest, and be richer for it; with multiple streams of input, you'll still stay afloat if one dries up on ya. I err on supporting local, since it's easier to maintain the connection, and the info generally more relevant. Maintain your foci, but avoid exclusivity; modern OR primitive tech reliance can both help/hinder.
Then come back here n share the wealth
I've always wanted to check WLC after joining here, but don't have my game together yet. One day I'll make one of their events, at the very least, and hopefully many more after. Doesn't hurt that one of our very awesome mods here is an instructor there
Goodluck, and have fun!
. I was in high school with my old flame, in addition my outdoors buddy--I absolutely savored the experience. From Navy SEALs to little old ladies, you'll find them there. It is not cheap, but I've paid more for different types of workshops for other past hobbies, and I never felt ripped off with the Standard. There are many instructors available for special attention. I could try to find my classnotes and make a sort of rundown of topics covered, if you're considering it. There is some tracking in the Standard, and he's gotten some nods for his skills in that field, but the Standard course tracking instruction is only just a small part.(Only)After the Standard course, you can select the different types/avenues of classes to focus on; i.e. skills based, tracking, philosophy, etc.. When you learn how to make a debris hut or do bow-drill, you're learning skills and aren't given some esoteric command of mysticism instead. You'll also be dealing with one of his instructors, many of which go on to start their own schools (such as Kevin at OPT, linked by HornedToad), so it's not like he's even going to have the chance to interject. Tom only seems to make more than a cameo appearance, if you are focussing on the Philosophy spectrum, of you're in an upper advanced class. I'll admit he's not someone I'd try to call friend, but to believe he has nothing of value is altogether false.
That said, 'Tom Brown Jr.' is a buzz-word, and a potential invite for ill-will, largely, in part for his knife design, in part for his personality. Yes, he maintains very different ideas, and can ruffle feathers but it's usually a good mental exercise I might have otherwise dismissed, for me. Let's not put too much weight into heresay, especially if it's twice or more removed. Survival is deadly serious in his mind, and a way of life; I do have a much more lax outlook, but I'm also fascinated by his experience and even perspectives. Chatting to the side, he said, "Having a knife in a survival situation is like having a Winnebago in a camping situation.", so it is highly skills based versus kit talk (Having mashed by face after walking off a ledge like an idiot, I'll carry a techno-wonder flashlight, thank you!). There's a cleanup once or twice a year, where I like to reconnect with the place and maybe bump into an old friend to chat with. It's also good fun to joust/gladiator the log-bridge over the pond with a friend, or throwing knives with the survival guys. After attending a course, you may sign up to assist for free, and get some refreshers and camaraderie for your troubles. Tracker students often keep communication, and there may be a local group around you to stay current with your dirt-time, a notable benefit whichever school you choose.
Jon Young also teaches, Wilderness Awareness School, but his big thing is a correspondence course called Kamana, which is a great supplement to skills training, particularly tracking. He is a very soft, kind-hearted individual ; unlike Tom who is very direct, and doesn't really care what you think; they both received some training from Stalking Wolf, a Lippan Apache, but while Tom seems maybe better (or more focussed) with skills, I'd share a camp with Jon without second thought. Lots of stuff he could point out in casual conversation. I only knew him when I was too young to remember much, but he was very comfortable around camp and a geniune pleasure to be around. It gets you out there everyday for some dirt-time and nature-observation. Primarily awareness based, you'll learn about your environment, flora, and fauna. Check out the 'tourist test', to see if it would be a good supplement to other survival courses. It is inexpensive, and you set your own pace, being a correspondence course. There are a few levels. Personally, I am indebted to him for introducing me to the late Ingwe, who is in great part responsible for my love of the outdoors, hence my username.
MAPS (Mid Atlantic Primitive Skills) meet is fun and inexpensive. Very informal, you sort of hang out and sign up for whatever classes anyone is sharing. Classes are done by people like us, Joe Schmoe, and generally not by someone known/loved/hated by the masses, or even certified as such; just a hobby or skills they often live by or passionate about. Cost is dirty cheap, and it's a chance to reconnect with folk of similar mind you've met along the way. You can also stumble upon more advanced skills, such as primitive blacksmithing, without having already completed intro courses previous. I met one gentleman who was a true gem in every sense of the word, a 'knowledge keeper' of his tribe. I've only been once, but they seem like a real fun gathering, almost more like a small festival than a workshop. Depending on your location, you may have just such a group around. Gatherings are a great place for many reasons!
If you're pretty good with the basics, then an introductory course will be more like a refresher with the chance to get direct assistance on the kinks in your technique. It seems like most schools that offers advanced workshops, will require you to take their introductory workshop. Any workshop you take is just like being given a tool or technology, you'll take the bits n pieces back to your own life, put in the dirt-time, and make them yours. If not, it's a bit like watching youtube. More of my life is like youtube than I care to admit
:foot:One of the best ways to learn is to have a skills buddy to practice with, just like it was martial arts or whatev. Test & challenge eachother to grow & learn at every opportunity. Keep that conversation alive and dynamic!:thumbup:
In terms of courses, I'd suggest casting your net as far and wide as possible, take what works and leave the rest, and be richer for it; with multiple streams of input, you'll still stay afloat if one dries up on ya. I err on supporting local, since it's easier to maintain the connection, and the info generally more relevant. Maintain your foci, but avoid exclusivity; modern OR primitive tech reliance can both help/hinder.
Then come back here n share the wealth
I've always wanted to check WLC after joining here, but don't have my game together yet. One day I'll make one of their events, at the very least, and hopefully many more after. Doesn't hurt that one of our very awesome mods here is an instructor there
Goodluck, and have fun!
