Thurston Outdoor Education Centre: Bushcraft and wilderness skills policy

Revised: December 2020

Introduction

Bushcraft and wilderness skills allow learners to venture out and explore the natural environment, it promotes environmental awareness and teaches new skills.

These procedures cover bushcraft in the centre grounds or at other venues.

It includes firecraft, the use of stoves and Kelly Kettles, shelter building, the use of tools (such as axes), foraging and water sourcing. It could be used as part of a journey or as an individual activity.

Venue

Any suitable location this is to be agreed with Head of Centre or Instructor in Charge.

Staffing

Ratio: The normal instructor / student ratio.
Staff should be suitably trained and experienced for the aspects of the activity to be undertaken.

Equipment

Steel and flint, matches, kindling.
Stoves and / or Kelly Kettle, appropriate fuel carried in a suitable container.
String and / or rope
Knife and / or axe(s)
Collection vessels for water collection or foraged food

Operating considerations

Thorough briefing to be given to all students
Suitable location, ensure fire will remain contained and controllable
Ensure adequate supervision when lighting, maintaining and extinguishing fire
Ensure suitable means is available for extinguishing fire.
Ensure suitable water supply is available
Leave minimum footprint
Considerations given to environmental factors, i.e. do not collect wood from live trees
Ensure any made structures are stable before students enter
Ensure adequate supervision when using tools
Ensure identification of any foraged food before consumption