

Pathway Program Overview
Basic - Advanced survival courses by Wilderness Wild
Become self sufficient through the ultimate hands on program around in Utah. This program will go beyond survival and teach you how to THRIVE in the wilderness.
Location: Utah, USA
Eligibility: Open to all adults 18+ or teens 14+ with an accompanying adult.
Program Focus: Learning to live and thrive in the wilderness with minimal gear.
The Pathway Program offers a structured series of immersive courses designed to take participants from foundational survival skills to advanced primitive living expertise. Located in the rugged landscapes of Utah, this program emphasizes practical, hands-on learning and builds confidence in wilderness self-reliance.
Program Structure
The program consists of a series of 3-day courses. Participants can choose to begin with Survival Basics or Mountain Trekker, depending on their current skill level and experience. Each course blends instructional time with practical, hands-on activities, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.
- SAVE -
Get $200 Off
When you book all 4 courses in the pathway series. *Excludes Survival 2 Thrival Expedition Course*
Course Pathways
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1. Survival Basics
For participants new to wilderness survival, this course covers the essential skills needed to safely navigate and survive in the wild. Topics include:
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Survival Kit: Stay Prepared by learning to build and carry a minimal survival kit that will get you through harsh weather and keep you alive.
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Fire: Learn how to find the right materials to make fire & discover several ways to make a fire that will keep you warm and dry.
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Shelter: Learn essential shelter skills to keep you warm and protected from the elements.
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Water: Learn how to locate water in the wild and safely disinfect it with minimal gear.
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Signaling & Rescue: Don't miss a chance to get rescued! Learn how to properly signal and communicate with rescuers to increase your chance of being found.
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2. Mountain Trekker
Designed for those with foundational survival skills, this course focuses on skills needed for extended wilderness excursions. Topics include:
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Land Navigation: Learn basic map and compass skills to be able to navigate across country and even find your location.
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Fire: Learn how to build a bow drill kit from locally sourced material and then make fire from the land.
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Shelter: Up your shelter game with advanced Bush craft skills for making shelters in the wilderness.
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Water: Learn to disinfect water with new advanced water disinfection techniques.
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Wild Resources: Learn to identify local plants and vegetation for resources.
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3. Hunter / Gatherer
This advanced course delves into the art of thriving in the wilderness with minimal gear. Topics include:
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Passive Hunting Systems: Learn to make and use primitive traps and snares to harvest food giving you more time for other tasks.
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Active Hunting Skills: Learn how to make traditional throw sticks for hunting small small and fowl. Learn stalking skills to get close.
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Track & Sign: Lean how to identify animal tracks and sign to find the best locations for setting traps and active hunting.
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Wild Plants: Learn to identify wild plants for food and medicine. Learn how to make cordage (string) from plant fibers.
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Wild Resources: Learn to identify local plants and vegetation for resources to use for trap baits or materials.
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​​4. Primitive Skills
This advanced course delves into the art of thriving in the wilderness with off the land primitive gear & tools. Topics include:
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Stone & Bone Tools: Learn to make and use stone & bone tools. Making your own tools from the land opens doors to boost your confidence.
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Hand Drill Fire Off The Land: Learn how to make a Hand drill kit using your stone blade. Then learn how to make fire with the hand drill.
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Primitive Shelter: Learn to make shelter that will keep you warm and dry without the aid of modern tools or cordage.
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Water Disinfection: Learn how to disinfect water with primitive tools without the aid of metal pots, bottles, or filters.
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​​​Optional Capstone Experience: Primitive Living Challenge
Graduates of the pathway program can opt to participate in the Survival 2 Thrival Expedition. This 7-day immersive experience allows students to put their skills to the test by surviving and thriving in the wilderness with only the tools and knowledge they have gained throughout the program. Instructors will provide guidance and support while encouraging independence and creativity. During this course students will spend the first 3 days making a bow and arrow while exploring the wild.
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Program Benefits
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Hands-on experience in real wilderness environments
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A chance to develop resilience, problem-solving, and self-reliance
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Opportunity to connect with nature and learn sustainable living practices
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Skills applicable to recreational adventuring and emergency preparedness
Logistics
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Each course runs for 3 days, with a blend of campfire-classroom instruction and hands-on practice in the field.
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Students are required to bring personal gear, including gloves, safety glasses, water, snacks, and appropriate clothing for the season. Blanket pack kits may be purchased from us.
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Courses are held May - October, with adjustments to content and activities to suit the season.
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All courses are led by experienced instructors who are passionate about wilderness education and primitive skills.





Survival 2 Thrival
Are you ready to put all your skills to the test? Join the Survival 2 Thrival Field Expedition Course in the ultimate challenge on this cross country survival expedition. In this course you'll travel remote wilderness of southern Utah using your blanket pack kit and the skills learned in the pathway program.
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Bow Making: build a bow similar to what local tribes used in the area & make 2-3 arrows and arrow points from local materials while we travel.
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Blanket Kit Travel: Travel some of Utah's scenic landscapes, explore old ruins, and live comfortably from your blanket pack kit while putting your skills to the test.
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Hunt & Gather Food: Use your skills to harvest wild plants, make digging sticks, and set primitive traps for food.
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The Ultimate Test: Use your skills to find water, make tools, and live and thrive with your group as you explore and live in the wildernes

Your Intructors
- Kyle Thomson
Hi, I’m Kyle Thomson, the owner and instructor of a Utah Survival school called Wilderness Wild. For nearly two decades, I’ve been practicing wilderness skills, and for over 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching survival, bushcraft, and primitive skills to students from all walks of life. My approach is easygoing and student-focused—I’m truly invested in helping each person grow in their abilities and confidence.
My experience includes working as a field guide in wilderness therapy, where I lived in the desert and mountains for two weeks at a time, teaching & living primitive skills in real-world conditions.
When I’m not teaching, I’m often out on solo outings, exploring and refining new skills, or sharing my passion for the outdoors with my kids and family. I’m also proud to be an instructor at primitive skills gatherings like Fire 2 Fire, collaborating with others who share my dedication to this craft.
At Wilderness Wild, I offer immersive, hands-on courses to help people reconnect with nature and rediscover the timeless skills of self-reliance. While I’m the primary instructor, I occasionally collaborate with other experts to bring even more value to my students.
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I look forward to sharing the adventure of wilderness thrival with you!