Spawning Survivalists Spotted- Class 33/52…

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The end of Survival 101 season marks the annual migration of survivalists up Harrison Branch to their mountain oasis. They will be back when it cools off, but for now, congrats to Class 33/52!

A friend of a friend recently made the comment “I can’t believe people pay you to make them miserable…”

I shrugged it off, knowing that he is only looking at the surface of my program and not what lies beneath. While I can tout on the benefits of my class all day long, nobody can say it better than a graduate. This week, I received several nice emails and a blog post,  which I will share below.

“On the other side of your fear is your freedom.” Jen Sincero

I took a two day wilderness survival course last weekend. Our final drill for the class was called “woman/man in the creek”. We had to submerge ourselves in the creek (temp outside was around 45 degrees; the water was around 52 degrees) for 10+ minutes and then start a fire after we got out using only the gear we had in our pockets (wet lighter, cotton balls with petroleum jelly and a fire starter). I dreaded this drill from the moment I signed up for the class. I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to stay in the water. I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to start a fire on my own. I was scared . . . plain and simple.

Well, I was able to stay in the water. I was able to start a fire on my own. The best part? It was so incredibly freeing! I now have more confidence going on solo adventures. Instead of thinking about the things I’m not sure I can do, I’ve now been thinking about the things I can do . . . and new things have been added to the bucket list because of the freedom and empowerment I experienced from doing this one simple drill.

Thank you to Andrew Herrington and Big Pig Outdoors for such a powerful experience. I highly recommend his class to anyone who plays outside.  Jeanna – Class 33/52

I’m sending this from my phone, so please excuse any typos. I want to thank you so much for this past weekend. I cannot tell you how much I learned both about myself and the survival tactics that were covered.
Before I left, Ruth said, “I hope you learn something new this weekend and it isnt just going over stuff you already know!” And oh my god did I. When I got back I told her how I didn’t just learn new information, but I learned how almost everything I THOUGHT I knew was wrong or off base. The information you present is life saving. I thought I might be fine in an event but have had my eyes opened on what type of real information is out there.  Ty  – Class 33/52
In a class full of combat vets, seasoned outdoorsmen, and a BUSAR team member,  Jeanna and “Two Step” Ty made up for their lack of experience with a wnning mindset and the determination to push through challenges, all while learning life-saving skills.
Congrats to them and the rest of Class 33/52. We wish you many future adventures…
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The Survival 101 class will be returning in the fall of 2017, but check out our other course offerings here: http://www.bigpigoutdoors.com/

SPOT Gen3 on sale..

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I am a big fan of sattelite messengers and the SPOT Gen3 is on sale at Cabelas for $75.

I run a DeLorme InReach on the SAR team and an ACR ResQLink while hunting, but have handled the SPOT. At only 4 ounces and $13 subscription fee per month, it is some of the best survival insurance out there, when paired with a trip plan.

Cabela’s SPOT sale

BUSAR Update – December & January..

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Training – We trained at Lookrock in both December and January. December focused on hypothermia treatment, SKED packaging, and high angle recovery.

January focused on multiple reps of steep angle, with sessions after dark as well.

Morgan and Sharbel also completed BigPig Outdoor’s Survival 101 course in January.

And the Jernigator did a little run up Groundhog Ridge manway..

Responses – 

  • Grieco, Ransom, Sharbel, Campbell, Sledge, Jernigan, Geist, Wadley, and Lewis responded to the crash of N1839X. Plane crash in the Smokies
  • Grieco responded to missing AT hiker at Peck’s Corner

Team Workouts – 2017 marks the end of 35 pound kettlebells as we up it to 45 pounders. Thank you for the loyal service and punishment you have brought to the team…

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Recruitment – 

  • Jeff Wadley – Former Lt Colonel in Civil Air Patrol and SAR theory junkie. Literally wrote the book on plane crashes in the Smokies – Mayday, Mayday
  • Ben Harrell – Former Civil Air Patrol ground team leader and computer wizard

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