WMS Survival Workshop February 2021 Preparation List
Given that this workshop is virtual, hands-on training will be challenging. I propose that, to get the most out of the workshop, you read the syllabus before the actual date of the workshop. You will need to procure certain items in order to make the workshop enjoyable and interactive.
During the workshop, short 10-15 minute films on survival skills will be shown, with a 15-20 minute break to do the skills demonstrated, or in the syllabus (or maybe you have a pearl of wisdom to teach us)! Then, we will move on to the next subject and skill demonstration. At the end, we will have a debrief. Granted, a 1.5 hour virtual workshop may not give you expertise, but should motivate you to practice on your own thereafter. That continuous practice is what will ultimately give you some expertise.
Having said that, if you have a survival kit, bring it to the meeting. We will be covering “no matches” fire making, shelters, water procurement, and food. Please have these materials on hand before the workshop. Items below are suggestions only-feel free to obtain items wherever! An army surplus store, if open, might have.
1. A metal match/ferro rod (https://www.amazon.com/bayite-Ferrocerium-Drilled-Survival- Emergency/dp/B00S6F4RDC) and a multi-tool knife. In addition, bring a magnesium bar (https://www.amazon.com/SE-FS374-All-Weather-Magnesium-Firestarter/dp/B0010O748Q) if you have access, or care to compare. Other fire starting materials welcome.
2. Vaseline, and cotton balls for tinder (fire starting material); if you’re feeling adventurous, have on hand pitch wood or a large clump of dry grass or other tinder to light. You can also obtain XXXX steel wool without soap, (https://www.amazon.com/Homax-Products-Finish-Package- TV713206/dp/B078JWWCBZ/ref=sr_1_11?dchild=1&keywords=xxx+steel+wool&qid=1611854077&s=hi&s r=1-11) and a 9-volt battery. If you’re more experienced bring other types of tinder. If you’re really adventurous, try to assemble a bow and drill. Or, a magnifying glass (if you have enough sun).
3. An ice water bath to dunk hands in, and matches, as well as a cigarette lighter. A towel to dry self.
4. Small very dry twigs for kindling, the size of a pencil lead, approximately 6 inches longer or more.
5. A large fire plate to start a small fire, a grill, fireplace, or something in which to start a small fire. Have on hand some means to extinguish the fire if necessary. Larger branches if desired.
6. Tarps and cordage for building a simple shelter. You can also bring supporting material, such as logs, ski poles, skis or whatever similar materials you have on hand. If possible, have a means to tie your tarp onto a pole (s), and with the ability to use an anchor. If indoors, use imagination! If you are near a tree, great! Also have cordage-550 paracord ideal, see https://www.amazon.com/WEREWOLVES-550lb-Paracord- Parachute- Strand/dp/B087QY1N79/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=550+parachute+cord&qid=1611854405&sr=8-5 and/or duct tape on hand for lashing things together. Ideally you would be out in a field or somewhere near snow, provided a good internet connection.
7. Clear plastic bags and a small candle. I will let you use a match for the candle as well.
8. Set up a transpiration bag with clear plastic and cordage in the morning, in an area that faces the sun all day (see syllabus). You may put the bag over some boughs of a nonpoisonous shrub or tree. If this is far from where U will be attending the zoom conference, take a picture of the bag in its entirety before the conference to show and tell. If able, build a solar still as well. Use a shovel.
9. Bring several pieces of fairly straight or carvable wood (from 12 inches to 5 feet) as well as 26-gauge hobby wire to fabricate some traps. You can use a long 5 foot stick. Use a multi-tool knife to be able the cut/carve pieces. If you are not near a tree and want to do a twitch up trap, I can show you an improvised way for a twitch up which will involve a Y shaped branch that will be deep enough to dig into the ground, or to somehow be able to be fastened, with a long stick, and cordage to attach a rock to the other and. The whole idea is to improvise! So, have an assortment of small and medium rocks-nothing over 10 pounds.
10. If you’re brave enough, procure some insects–crickets and meal worms can be bought at a pet store or a fishing supply/sporting goods store. If you know of some native plants that you can eat near your locale, bring them. We will cook with a camp stove…with utensils. You’re also free to the procure some of the plants discussed in the syllabus. It is recommended that you cut, slice and prepare some of the food for cooking beforehand.
11. Unfortunately, we will not have much time to discuss signaling but will discuss briefly. The whole idea is to enjoy the workshop given the restrictions that we have. Feel free to contact me through the WMS for any questions.
Be safe, and until then!
Darryl