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HOLISTIC SURVIVAL CAMP WITH JESS CALDWELL: SISTERS, OREGON, JULY 16–19th 2026

HOLISTIC SURVIVAL CAMP WITH JESS CALDWELL

Join Jess Caldwell Founder of Wildkind Outdoors and Joel van der Loon Founder of Primal Skills Academy for a unique holistic survival training and nature immersion for men and women. We will incorporate the foundational outdoor skills needed to enjoy wild places with more confidence and build resilience, day hike in the remote and beautiful wilderness to natural spring waters, enjoy campfire discussions, enliven the senses through our ALIVENESS training and build community connection.


To join, follow this link to Jess’ page!

HADZA FULL IMMERSION ADVENTURE (10 DAYS) TANZANIA, MAY 2026 - $4,000 TOTAL - $2,000 DEPOSIT TO RESERVE

HADZA BUSHCRAFT & ANCESTRAL IMMERSION

Live With One of the Last Hunter-Gatherer Tribes on Earth

A rare, full-immersion experience living alongside a Hadzabe family at Lake Eyasi, Tanzania — hunting, foraging, crafting tools, and learning directly from one of humanity’s oldest continuous cultures.

This is not tourism.
This is a return to our human origins.

📍 Lake Eyasi, Tanzania | 🗓 May 22–31, 2026 | 👥 10 Participants Max

WHY THIS EXPERIENCE EXISTS

Modern life has severed us from the rhythms that shaped our bodies, minds, and values.

For thousands of years, humans lived as hunter-gatherers — skilled, present, communal, and deeply connected to land and life.

This immersion offers a rare glimpse into that way of being.

Living alongside a Hadzabe family we have a close relationship with, you will:

  • Craft traditional bows and arrows

  • Hunt and forage alongside the Hadza

  • Make fire by friction

  • Gather wild honey, roots, and fruits

  • Learn culture, language, and worldview firsthand

For most participants, this experience is profoundly life-altering.

WHO THIS EXPERIENCE IS FOR

This immersion is mildly demanding — physically, mentally, and emotionally.

THIS EXPERIENCE IS FOR YOU IF:

  • You feel called to understand our ancestral roots

  • You want deep cultural immersion, not observation

  • You’re physically capable of hiking for hours daily

  • You’re open to mild discomfort, simplicity, and reality

  • You respect hunting as survival, not sport

This is not a luxury retreat.
It is raw, real, and deeply human.

WHAT YOU’LL EXPERIENCE

As a small group, we will live and move as a tribe.

  • Full immersion with a Hadzabe family

  • Traditional bow making and hunting

  • Fire making and primitive skills

  • Foraging for wild foods

  • Daily movement across rugged terrain

  • Cultural exchange and learning

  • Nights under the stars

Food is provided and supplemented with wild foods we harvest together.

The Hadza respect all wildlife — and there is no sugar-coating the realities of dispatching, processing, and eating animals. This is survival, not spectacle.

🎥 [Click here to watch a video of what to expect]

SAFETY, RISK & MEDICAL REALITY

We will be very isolated, far from advanced medical facilities.

  • Emergency beacons are carried

  • Comprehensive first-aid supplies are on hand

  • Activities are guided with care and experience

That said, this is a remote and physically demanding experience.
A reasonable level of fitness is required.

After booking, a mandatory phone call is required to assess health and fitness.
We reserve the right to refund your deposit and refuse participation if minimum standards are not met.

ITINERARY OVERVIEW

DAY 1

Pickup at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or hotel in Arusha.
Transfer to lodge in Arusha for the first night.

DAY 2

Travel from Arusha to Lake Eyasi (approx. 5 hours).
Meet Hadza guides and family. Set up camp and orient to the land.

DAYS 3–7

Hunting, bushcraft, and cultural immersion.
Six full days (and sometimes nights) living, learning, and moving with the Hadza.

DAY 8

Final hunt in the morning.
Midday departure to Tarangire National Park.
Overnight at a tented lodge.

DAY 9

Full-day safari in Tarangire National Park.
Witness Africa’s large game including elephants, lions, giraffe, zebra, and more.

DAY 10

Breakfast and transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

DETAILS

Dates
May 22–31, 2026

Location
Lake Eyasi, Tanzania
Nearest airport: Kilimanjaro International (JRO)

Group Size
10 Participants Maximum
Contact us to join the cancellation list

Investment
$4,000
$2,000 non-refundable deposit required

WHAT YOU’LL WALK AWAY WITH

  • A lived understanding of ancestral human life

  • Deep respect for hunting, survival, and culture

  • Greater resilience, humility, and perspective

  • Skills and awareness that modern life rarely offers

  • A lasting shift in how you see yourself and the world

“You are almost guaranteed to be personally transformed by this trip… In hindsight, it is hard to imagine my life without this experience.”
— James McMillan, Colorado

WHAT TO BRING (MINIMALIST APPROACH)

We encourage participants to bring only essentials, mirroring the Hadza way of life.

RECOMMENDED GEAR:

  • One set of clothing + warm sweater

  • Knife

  • Sunscreen

  • Stainless steel water bottle or canteen

  • Hat

  • Broken-in hiking boots or running shoes

  • Sleeping bag or wool blanket

  • Personal sanitation items

  • Headlamp or small flashlight

  • Water filter (Grayl GeoPress recommended)

Sleeping mats are provided.
We recommend sleeping under the stars — tents are not necessary during the dry season.

Extra luggage can be stored at the lodge before entering the bush.

REQUIREMENTS (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY)

  • Reasonable physical fitness required (5–10 miles hiking daily)

  • Participants must be healthy

  • Must disclose allergies, heart conditions, diabetes, etc.

  • Ages 14+ if accompanied by a guardian

  • Ages 18+ if unaccompanied

  • Liability waiver required

  • Tanzania visa required ($100)

  • Travel insurance strongly recommended

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Private 4x4 safari vehicle & all transportation

  • Airport transfers

  • All village, park, and entry fees

  • Professional guides

  • All meals

  • Accommodation

  • Drinking water

  • Sleeping mats (tents available upon request)

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

  • International flights to/from JRO

  • Tanzania travel visa

  • Personal sanitation items

  • Gratuities (optional, appreciated)

HEALTH INFORMATION

Malaria exists in Tanzania. Risk in our area is relatively low, but prevention is advised.

  • Consult your doctor or the CDC regarding prophylactics

  • Bring mosquito spray and netting

  • Notify us of any medical conditions prior to booking

We are happy to discuss health concerns directly.

BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS (SUMMARY)

  • $2,000 non-refundable deposit required

  • Balance due 60 days prior to start date

  • Cancellation penalties apply based on timing: More than 60 days before start date - deposit. 29 to 56 days before start date - 50%. 0 to 28 days before start date - total cost of tour

  • Travel insurance is required

  • If minimum of 5 participants is not met, a full refund will be issued

Full terms apply upon booking.

HOW TO APPLY

This experience is intentionally small, selective, and rare.

If you feel the call, the next step is to contact us and begin the application process.

HOLISTIC FAIR CHASE HUNTING COURSE - AUSTIN, TEXAS FEBRUARY 25-28th 2026 FULL

HOLISTIC FAIR CHASE HUNTING COURSE

A 4-day immersive hunting course designed to give you a clear, grounded foundation in ethical hunting — from scouting and strategy to shot placement, processing, and cooking wild game.

Led by experienced bowhunters Cole Wilks and Joel van der Loon, this course is ideal for beginners and seasoned hunters looking to refine their approach.

📍 Johnson City, TX | 🗓 February 25–28, 2026 | 👥 8 Students Max. FULL

“I feel at least 10x more prepared going into this season than I did prior to the course. My approach will be vastly different based on the information and advice presented.”
— James McMillan, Colorado

WHY THIS COURSE EXISTS

Hunting is part of who we are.

For some, the call is to eat wild food.
For others, it’s a deeper connection to land, self-reliance, and challenge.

Where to begin can feel overwhelming.
This course removes confusion, shortens the learning curve, and gives you a clear, ethical, and practical path forward.

Hunting is a sacred ritual — far more than the kill.
It’s the full arc: scouting, patience, skill, responsibility, and respect.

WHO THIS COURSE IS FOR

THIS COURSE IS FOR YOU IF:

  • You’ve never hunted and want a solid, ethical foundation

  • You feel called to harvest your own wild food

  • You want hands-on instruction, not internet theory

  • You want to improve confidence, accuracy, and decision-making

  • You value respect for animals, land, and process

No hunting experience is required.

WHAT YOU’LL EXPERIENCE

This is a hands-on, field-based course with real instruction and real application.

  • Classroom and field instruction blended throughout each day

  • E-scouting and boots-on-the-ground scouting

  • Archery, rifle, and shotgun fundamentals and safety

  • Stalking, wind reading, and camouflage techniques

  • Animal processing, butchering, and cooking wild game

  • Camp-based learning with instructors available throughout

You will camp on site and live the rhythm of a real hunting camp.

HUNTING OPPORTUNITY

Participants will have the opportunity to hunt a wild pig using archery equipment only during the course.

  • Accuracy must be demonstrated at 20 yards

  • Hunting opportunities may not occur every day

  • No license or tags required

  • Ethical shot placement and restraint are emphasized

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

CORE INSTRUCTION INCLUDES:

  • Department of Fish & Wildlife rules and regulations

  • Wildlife identification, habitat, and behavior

  • Scouting methods:

    • OnX & Google Earth e-scouting

    • Tracks, sign, topography, and habitat reading

  • Essential gear and weapons selection

  • Hunting strategies and decision-making

  • Wind reading and approach tactics

  • Vocalizations and calling

  • Archery technique and safety

  • Rifle and shotgun instruction and safety

  • Basic survival skills

  • Field dressing, packing out, and animal processing

  • Cooking wild game

WHAT YOU’LL WALK AWAY WITH

  • Confidence entering your next hunting season

  • A clear system for scouting and preparation

  • Improved accuracy and weapon handling

  • Ethical understanding of harvest and processing

  • Practical, real-world hunting skills

  • A grounded connection to the full hunting process

DETAILS

Dates
February 25–28, 2026
Start: 9am Day 1
Finish: Around noon Day 4

Location
Private Ranch
Johnson City, Texas
~1 hour west of Austin
Exact address provided after booking

Group Size
8 Participants Max
5 Minimum to Run Course
(4 spots currently open)

Investment
$1,800

WHAT’S PROVIDED

  • 3 meals per day

  • Drinking water

  • High-level instruction

  • Camping facilities

  • Field and classroom instruction

Transportation to and from the ranch is your responsibility.

WHAT TO BRING

REQUIRED GEAR:

  • Warm clothing (75°F daytime / 30s at night)

  • Earth tones recommended (camo not required)

  • Rain gear

  • Tent and sleeping system

  • Hiking boots

  • Water bottle

  • Mug, bowl, plate, fork, spoon

  • Small daypack

  • Headlamp

  • Sharp knife

  • Swimsuit (river nearby)

  • Snacks

  • Notebook and pen

OPTIONAL GEAR:

  • Recurve, longbow, or compound bow with arrows

  • Binoculars

  • OnX Hunting App (free trial recommended)

  • Any hunting or survival gear you’d like to test or discuss

HOW TO JOIN

Spots are limited and filled on a first-come basis.

Once registered, you’ll receive:

  • Gear checklist reminders

  • Exact directions

  • Course preparation details

CANCELLATION POLICY

  • Full payment required to secure your spot

  • 60+ days prior: 50% refund

  • 30–59 days prior: 25% refund

  • Within 30 days: no refund

  • If the course is canceled by us, a full refund or alternative date will be offered

INTRO TO WILDERNESS SURVIVAL. APRIL 4TH 2026. AGES 10 AND OLDER

WILDERNESS SURVIVAL FUNDAMENTALS

Build Calm, Capability, and Confidence Outdoors

A one-day, hands-on introduction to wilderness survival skills designed to give you a clear foundation for responding calmly and effectively in an emergency situation.

This course emphasizes practical skills, awareness, and decision-making—not endurance or hiking.

📍 Sisters, Oregon | 🗓 April 4, 2026 | 👥 12 Participants Max | Ages 10+

WHY THIS COURSE EXISTS

Most survival situations are not about strength or gear.
They are about calm thinking, simple skills, and good decisions under stress.

This entry-level course teaches the core fundamentals every outdoor traveler, hunter, or family should know—without overwhelming complexity.

It is designed to be approachable, practical, and confidence-building.

WHO THIS COURSE IS FOR

THIS COURSE IS FOR YOU IF:

  • You want a solid foundation in wilderness survival

  • You spend time outdoors and want to be better prepared

  • You’re new to bushcraft or survival skills

  • You’re a parent wanting to equip your child with real skills

No prior experience is required.
No hiking is involved.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

This course blends 30% instruction and discussion with 70% hands-on practice.

CORE SKILLS COVERED:

  • Physiological and psychological challenges in survival situations

  • How to stay calm and mitigate panic

  • Knife handling and safety

  • Shelter building fundamentals

  • Fire-making techniques

  • Water purification methods

  • Emergency signaling and rescue awareness

Students leave with practical experience, not just information.

WHAT YOU’LL WALK AWAY WITH

  • Greater confidence outdoors

  • Calm decision-making skills under pressure

  • A working understanding of survival priorities

  • Hands-on experience with essential tools

  • A foundation you can build on with further training

DETAILS

Date
April 4, 2026

Time
9:00am – 3:00pm

Location
Sisters, Oregon
(Directions provided after booking)

Group Size
12 Participants Maximum

Ages
10 years and older

WHAT TO BRING

REQUIRED ITEMS:

  • Knife (Beavercraft knives recommended)

  • Lunch

  • Water bottle

  • 6" ferrocerium rod
    (4Directions Bushcraft recommended)

  • Gloves

  • Warm clothing

HOW TO JOIN

Spots are limited to keep instruction personal and effective.

Once registered, you’ll receive:

  • Location details and directions

  • Course reminders

  • Preparation guidance

CANCELLATION POLICY

  • Full payment required to secure your spot

  • 30+ days prior: 97% refund

  • 14–30 days prior: 75% refund

  • Under 14 days: 50% refund

  • If the course is canceled by us, a full refund or alternative date will be offered

THE PRIMAL MAN. SISTERS, OR. JUNE 26-28 2026

PRIMAL MEN’S GATHERING

A 3-day immersive men’s gathering that strips away distraction and creates a powerful container for deep grounding into nature immersion, physical challenge, brotherhood, and intentional solitude, and survival skills

📍 Sisters, Oregon | 🗓 June 26-28 2026 | 👥 10 Men Max

This gathering is for men who feel the call to challenge themselves, enhance outdoor self reliance and discover more about their minds and bodies.

THIS IS FOR YOU IF:

  • You want to connect deeper with nature

  • You’re willing to challenge your body and mind

  • You want to learn outdoor self reliance skills

  • You’re committed to becoming more grounded, capable, and courageous

WHAT YOU’LL EXPERIENCE

This gathering is intentionally minimalist. Distraction is removed so awareness, capability, and presence can return.

  • Deep nature connection to slow down the mind and calm the nervous system

  • Practical survival skills & challenges including fire making & shelter building

  • Physical challenge to forge mental and physical resilience

  • Silence and solitude meditations for deep introspection

  • Campfire council for honest conversation and brotherhood

  • Brotherhood without judgement

Everything is guided, intentional, and purpose-driven.

Get to know your guide Joel through his podcast “IN THE BUSH”

THE OUTCOMES MEN LEAVE WITH

  • Deeper calm, focus, and emotional control

  • Clear awareness of habits and weaknesses

  • Renewed vitality, direction, and embodied confidence

  • Practical bushcraft skills for real-world self-reliance

  • A grounded balance of instinct and intellect

DETAILS

Dates
April 26-28, 2026
Arrive by 9am on the 26th
Finishing and departing 4pm on the 28th

Location
Kalamataka Ranch
Sisters, Oregon

Group Size
10 Men Maximum. Minimum 5 person requirement to run gathering
Minimum age: 16

Investment
$650

WHAT TO BRING

  • Sturdy footwear and cold-weather-appropriate clothing

  • Tent and warm sleep system

  • Personal water bottle and small daypack

  • Simple knife (if you have one)

  • Journal and pen

  • Willingness to engage fully and step beyond comfort

  • breakfast and lunch food items. (coffee, dinners, and water provided)

WHAT’S PROVIDED

  • Dinner and water. bring your own breakfasts and lunch

  • Coffee and tea

  • Camping facilities and porta potty

  • Instruction, guidance, and group containment

SAFETY, RESPECT AND STEWARDSHIP

Training emphasizes safety, environmental responsibility, and respect for the land.
All activities are guided and scaled for different experience levels, with risk awareness integrated throughout.

CANCELLATION POLICY

  • Full payment required to secure your spot

  • 30+ days prior: 97% refund

  • 14–30 days prior: 75% refund

  • Under 14 days: 50% refund

  • If we cancel the gathering, a full refund or alternative date will be offered

KIDS BUSHCRAFT - FUNDAMENTALS. AGES 6 AND OLDER. AUGUST 1st 2026

KIDS BUSHCRAFT - FUNDAMENTALS

A fun day out in nature for kids and parents. For ages 6 and older. The following skills will be covered: Knife use and safety, survival tactics for emergency situations, shelter building, fire-making, water purification, useful plant identification. 100% hands-on. A legal parent or guardian must accompany the child-no extra charge. Hiking is minimal.

Location: Kalamataka Ranch, Sisters, OR (After booking we will send you directions)

Date: August 1st 2026. Ages 6 and older. 15 kid max.

Time: 9am-3pm

What to bring: Knife (Beavercraft knives are a good option) drinking water, lunch, 6 inch ferrocerium rod (https://4directionsbushcraft.com/product/1-2x6-ferrocerium-rod/)

CANCELLATION POLICY: CANCELLATION POLICY: Payment required in full to secure dates and availability. If cancellation is at least 30 days prior to the course start date 97% of course cost is refunded. If cancellation is within 14 to 30 days prior to course start date 75% of course cost is refunded. If cancellation is within 14 days of course start date 50% of course cost will be refunded. Due to minimum class size requirements we might need to cancel a course, if so we will provide a full refund or offer an alternative course date.

3- DAY WILDERNESS WALKABOUT

3-DAY PRIMAL SURVIVAL ADVENTURE

📅 Dates coming soon | 👥 Max 5 Participants | 💲 $500
Ages 16+ (under 16 with parent/guardian)

Strip life down to the essentials and test what you’re truly capable of. Join Joel for an immersive wilderness walkabout where a small, tight-knit group lives with the land—using minimal gear and maximum awareness. This is a raw, physically and mentally challenging survival experience focused on real self-reliance, adaptability, and the skills that kept our ancestors alive.

WHAT YOU’LL EXPERIENCE

  • Deep nature connection to slow down the mind and calm the nervous system

  • Practical survival skills based on the survival needs as a group

  • Living off only what nature provides

  • Physical challenge to forge mental and physical resilience

Everything is guided, intentional, and purpose-driven.

Get to know your guide Joel through his podcast “IN THE BUSH”

DETAILS

Dates
coming soon. contact us to be put on the list if interested

Location
Sisters, Oregon

Group Size
5 Maximum
Minimum age: 16

Investment
$500

WHAT TO BRING

  • Sturdy footwear and cold-weather-appropriate clothing

  • lightweight tarp

  • sleeping bag

  • stainless steel water bottle and small daypack

  • Fixed blade knife

  • folding saw

  • 10 feet of paracord

  • sanitary items allowed

  • Willingness to engage fully and step beyond comfort

No other gear or food are allowed!

WHAT’S PROVIDED

  • Food rations at Joel’s discretion

  • Instruction, guidance, and group containment

SAFETY, RESPECT AND STEWARDSHIP

Training emphasizes safety, environmental responsibility, and respect for the land.
All activities are guided and scaled for different experience levels, with risk awareness integrated throughout.

HOW TO JOIN

This gathering is intentionally small and selective.

CANCELLATION POLICY

  • Full payment required to secure your spot

  • 30+ days prior: 97% refund

  • 14–30 days prior: 75% refund

  • Under 14 days: 50% refund

  • If we cancel the gathering, a full refund or alternative date will be offered

ONLINE WILDERNESS SURVIVAL COURSE.

WILDERNESS SURVIVAL FUNDAMENTALS: ONLINE COURSE

Lifesaving Skills. Learn Anywhere. Train at Your Pace.

A concise, practical online course covering the core priorities of wilderness survival — designed to build confidence, awareness, and foundational skill from anywhere in the world.

This course delivers over 60 minutes of focused instruction at a very accessible price and is ideal as a stand-alone introduction or a supplement to hands-on field training.

[Get Instant Access]

WHY THIS COURSE EXISTS

Most survival failures aren’t caused by lack of gear — they’re caused by lack of understanding.

This online course breaks survival down into clear priorities, helping you think correctly under stress and apply simple, effective solutions when it matters most.

It’s designed to give you a strong knowledge base before stepping into the field.

WHO THIS COURSE IS FOR

THIS COURSE IS FOR YOU IF:

  • You want a foundational understanding of wilderness survival

  • You’re new to bushcraft or survival skills

  • You want to learn at your own pace

  • You plan to attend a field course and want to arrive prepared

  • You want practical, real-world knowledge — not entertainment

No prior experience is required.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

You’ll be guided through the core priorities of survival, step by step:

  • Survival psychology and decision-making

  • Shelter selection and construction

  • Fire-making fundamentals

  • Water sourcing and purification

  • Food acquisition basics

  • Emergency signaling and rescue awareness

This knowledge forms the backbone of all effective survival training.

COURSE BREAKDOWN

This course includes 20 modular video lessons, allowing you to train at your own pace and revisit topics anytime.

MODULE LIST:

  • Main Introduction

  • Survival Gear

  • Shelter Overview

  • A-Frame Shelter

  • Lean-To Shelter

  • Emergency Space Blanket

  • Fire Lesson Overview

  • Finding and Processing Tinder

  • Ferrocerium Rod, Tinder & Accelerants

  • Bow Drill — Part 1

  • Bow Drill — Part 2

  • Building an Established Fire

  • Water Sourcing & Purification

  • Emergency Signaling

  • Food Overview

  • Foraging for Food

  • Fishing with Hook & Line

  • Processing & Cooking Rabbit

  • Paiute Deadfall Trap — Part 1

  • Paiute Deadfall Trap — Part 2

WHAT YOU’LL WALK AWAY WITH

  • A clear understanding of survival priorities

  • Better decision-making under stress

  • Practical, real-world knowledge

  • Confidence entering outdoor situations

  • A solid foundation for hands-on training

HOW YOU GET ACCESS

  • Purchase the course through our website

  • Within 24 hours, you’ll receive an email with your login link and password

  • Access the course anytime, from anywhere, for life

  • Rewatch lessons as often as you like

HOW THIS FITS YOUR TRAINING PATH

This online course is best used:

  • As your first step into survival skills

  • As preparation before a field course

  • As a refresher between hands-on trainings

Knowledge plus practice creates competence.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Due to the nature of digital content, no refunds are provided for this purchase.

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DISCOVER YOUR PRIMAL PATH

Whether you seek to build practical skills, cross a personal threshold, strengthen a team, or experience life close to its roots, Primal Skills Academy can guide you on a range of paths.

SURVIVAL
AND HUNTING

Hands-on training that builds self-reliance, sharpens instinct, and grounds confidence through real-world experience.

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TEAM BUILDING EXPERIENCES

Outdoor experiences that test communication,
build trust, and reveal leadership through shared challenge and real conditions.

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PRIMAL
GATHERINGS

Intentional gatherings in nature that build connection, clarity, and belonging through shared experience and reflection.

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AFRICAN SAFARI
AND CULTURAL IMMERSION

A rare opportunity to step into ancient landscapes and living traditions, gaining perspective through deep connection with land, people, and way of life.

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