Rated ★★★★★ by our Primal participants
Wilderness Survival & Hunting Classes
Group & Team-Building Gatherings
African Safari and Cultural Immersion
PRIMAL GATHERINGS
YOU FEEL THE CALL BEFORE YOU UNDERSTAND THE REASON
Your soul is seeking internal growth and connection with community and nature.
BE COURAGEOUS AND TRUST YOUR INSTINCT
Primal Skills Academy uses the potent medicine of nature connection to help people reconnect with intuition, purpose, and real-world capability.
MENTAL, SPIRITUAL, AND PHYSICAL GROWTH
You’ll leave with renewed vitality, embodied confidence, practical bushcraft skills, and a grounded balance between instinct and intellect.
THE THRESHOLD NEVER CROSSED
Many people move through life without ever experiencing a true rite of passage. Growth happens gradually, but without clear moments of challenge, reflection, and transition, identity can feel unfinished — as if something important was never fully claimed.
Modern life rarely creates space for meaningful discomfort. Challenges are softened, failure is buffered, and resilience is often talked about more than it is lived. Without experiences that demand presence and responsibility, confidence remains fragile and self-trust is slow to form.
“I walked into the course with very little knowledge of fire building mechanics, and was able to pick it up very quickly, thanks to your patience & guidance.”
—Michele Bradley
San Diego
For young adults especially, this absence is deeply felt. Without opportunities to test themselves in real situations, many young people struggle to understand who they are becoming or what they’re capable of when things aren’t easy. Adulthood arrives without a clear threshold, leaving uncertainty where confidence should live.
For most of human history, rites of passage marked the shift into greater responsibility, awareness, and belonging. These experiences grounded individuals within themselves and their communities, offering clarity about identity and purpose.
Today, many people carry a longing for those missing moments — experiences that challenge, shape, and reveal who they are beneath comfort and expectation. Not as escape, but as a necessary step toward becoming whole.
PRIMAL SKILLS ACADEMY
For those who have never crossed a clear threshold, these moments offer something rare: a chance to meet themselves honestly. Not to perform or prove, but to listen, endure, and emerge with earned clarity. Confidence forms naturally when responsibility is carried and met.
Primal Skills Academy exists to create these containers with care and respect. Through guided experiences in the natural world, we hold space for challenge, reflection, and transition — honoring the role such moments have always played in shaping grounded, resilient human beings.
In crossing a threshold that was once missed, something settles. Identity feels more complete, self-trust deepens, and the path forward becomes clearer — not because answers are given, but because they are discovered.
“I’m excited to grow upon the skills that I learned this weekend as I continue to explore and experience nature and the wild.”
—Randi Ross
Florida
Across cultures and throughout history, people marked transformation with intention. Rites of passage were not accidental moments, but carefully held experiences — spaces where individuals were challenged, witnessed, and welcomed into a deeper sense of responsibility and belonging.
To step into such a space is to slow down and become present. Removed from distraction and routine, attention turns inward and outward at the same time. Challenge becomes a teacher, reflection becomes unavoidable, and identity begins to take shape through experience rather than expectation.
When people learn to provide, protect, and persevere, they do more than survive: they lead, adapt, and thrive.
We want to take you deeper into
connection with the natural word.
YOUR GUIDE: JOEL VAN DER LOON
I’m a lifelong wilderness instructor and guide. I was raised living off-grid along the wild coastlines of South Africa and Tanzania, where I developed practical survival skills from an early age. In short, I’ve been shaped by years of immersion in some of the world’s most remote environments.
Over the past decade, I’ve traveled to more than 40 countries, crossing oceans as a professional crew member and training in deserts, jungles, alpine terrain, and temperate forests, often relying on minimal equipment in extreme conditions.
I’ve taught survival skills to a wide range of students, from U.S. special forces, Marines, and first responders to youth groups and families, always emphasizing real-world experience over theory.
I have been featured on Discovery Channel’s Bushcraft Build-Off, History Channel’s Alone (Season 7), and Alone: The Skills Challenge, and I co-host the In the Bush podcast, where we explore traditional skills and deeper connection to the natural world.
IN THEIR WORDS
“Joel’s method of instruction is clear and concise. You get the most amount of knowledge in the least amount of words. I highly value that as a United States Marine and an instructor myself.”
—Brian Wood
US Marine
San Diego, CA
“I met Joel through my mom’s research. I needed someone with great experience and knowledge to prepare me for the show Survivor. In Joel’s course I found not only the best help i can get but a great friend.
I took his Bushman Walkabout course, which really opened my eyes. We then drove down to Mexico and camped out near the Pacific Ocean. He taught me how to catch fish and make a meal with minimal supplies. Long story short, Joel is the man and his training is the bomb. Thanks for everything.”
—Eser West
Survivor Show Participant
Istanbul, Turkey
“We had an incredible experience working with Joel during a 5 day survival course. Joel offers a unique depth of experience combined with unmatched practical knowledge and bushcraft expertise. His command of the subject matter is exceptional and he consistently demonstrated both technical skill and understanding of traditional survival practices.
Joel’s passion for teaching and the outdoors was undeniable. He created a relaxed yet engaging learning environment, where we felt supported and encouraged. His effective teaching style allowed us to learn and reliably execute complex survival concepts. I highly recommend Joel to anyone seeking an authentic bushcraft experience.”
—Mike
1st Special Forces Group (Airborne)
San Diego, CA
“So happy I did this!!!
I came into the 2-Day Wilderness Survival Skills course as a novice but I left confident in the skills that I was taught. Joel is a knowledgeable and patient instructor that gives each student comprehensive training at their level.
Joel is encouraging and enthusiastic in his training and I was given a solid foundation of survival skills that will translate into any terrain I may encounter. I’m excited to growing upon the skills that I learned this weekend as I continue to explore and experience nature and the wild.
This was my first Bush Mechanics course and I know it won’t be my last. Thank you Joel for an epic weekend!”
—Randi Ross
Florida
“I cannot imagine a better guide and experience for the Hadza in Tanzania than with Joel and his associates. The experience is truly genuine, immersive, and is far-removed from many of the contrived pony shows which characterize other guided opportunities with Hadza and/or other tribes.
The trip was a unique combination of hunting adventure, cultural immersion, bushcraft skills, and mindful reflection—on our society, oneself, and our own species. While this trip is certainly not for everyone, I would say it is an ideal experience for the open-minded individual seeking to better themselves and their society, wanting to improve their bushcraft/wilderness survival, seeking insight into the human condition, and into our ancestors/ancestral past.
You are almost guaranteed to be personally transformed by this trip, and come away a better person with a better understanding of what life and human existence is about. Joel is not only adventurous and competent in the bush, but he is a caring & compassionate person that will ensure your experience is comfortable, reasonably safe, and somewhat catered to each individual.
In hindsight, it is hard to imagine my life without this experience. I fully plan to visit the Hadza in Tanzania throughout my life. Thank you Joel and crew!”
—James McMillan
Colorado
“THIS is a Survival course! If you are looking for a course to give you the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to be comfortable in the wilderness then look no further, you have found it! I completed the 2-Day Extensive Survival Skills course and it most certainly exceeded my expectations.
The hands-on experience gained from this class has given me more confidence and a real sense of being capable in a survival situation. Joel is a very professional and knowledgeable course leader. He does a great job breaking down the priorities of survival, and takes great care to see that you understand them.
Coming from an avid outdoorsman, I highly recommend taking this course. If you hike, bike, hunt, surf, sail, skydive etc...you need to take this course! Get your Survival on, you’ll be glad you did.”
—Morgan P.
San Diego, CA
“Joel is extremely knowledgeable of survival and bushcraft skills, particularly with his African experience. He is also a very nice person and a pleasure to learn from”
—Greg Raines
San Diego, CA
“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
“I have been to many survival schools, as I was training for a Survival program on Colombian TV, but this training with Joel was the best so far!”
Dual Survivor South America
and The Island TV show star
Colombia
“Joel is the man! He is professional and well-educated in his field. As an instructor myself I know as well as anyone that the devil is in the details and Joel is consistent about providing them which makes the difference! No ‘fluff or flashy’ survival tricks or useless usage of time.
I did the 2-Day Extensive Skills course and though I’m no stranger to the wilderness I learned so much that I’m already looking for the next opening in my schedule to do MORE! If you are interested in learning how to survive as well as thrive in any situation, I’m 100% confident that Bush Mechanics Survival Training with Joel will be a game changer!”
—Vince S.
The Arena MMA Coach
San Diego, CA
“Thank you Joel for an amazing experience with the Advanced Fire course. I walked into the course with very little knowledge of fire building mechanics, and was able to pick it up very quickly, thanks to your patience & guidance.
I thoroughly enjoyed the location of the course, along with the hiking and back country involved. I would recommend this course to anyone (of all ages!) with a passion for the outdoors and willing to learn new and old survival techniques.
The bow drill way of starting a fire is something that takes much patience and skill. Thank you for making it possible for me to master this skill on my first try! Looking forward to your next class. Thanks again Joel!”
—Michele Bradley
San Diego, CA
“We left feeling confident about what we learned and thirsty for more advanced Bush Mechanics Survival Training. Joel is a real gem and a great instructor! His experience and expertise are obvious, but he lacks arrogance or pretense.
He truly just wants to help you learn to be safe and equip you with the skills needed to survive when you find yourself in a pinch.”
—Jay Finney
San Diego, CA
STEP INTO THE WILD! SIGN UP TODAY.
MEN’S GATHERING: THE PRIMAL MAN
SISTERS, OREGON
JUNE 23–27th 2026
10 MEN MAX.
This immersive men’s gathering is designed for those who feel the growing tension between modern life and something deeper within themselves. By removing distraction and routine, the experience creates space to slow down, reconnect with nature, and return to a more grounded state of presence. Through intentional time outdoors, men are given the opportunity to step out of constant stimulation and into a rhythm that calms the nervous system and sharpens awareness.
Across five days, participants engage in a balance of nature immersion, practical bushcraft, physical challenge, solitude, and shared council. The focus is not on performance, but on honest self-examination, brotherhood, and embodied experience. Men leave with renewed clarity, steadier confidence, practical self-reliance skills, and a deeper sense of alignment between instinct and intellect: carrying forward not just insight, but a grounded way of being that extends well beyond the gathering itself.
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.
TEAM BUILDING AND CUSTOM EXPERIENCES
Outdoor experiences that test communication,
build trust, and reveal leadership through shared challenge and real conditions.
PRIMAL
GATHERINGS
Intentional gatherings in nature that build connection, clarity, and belonging through shared experience and reflection.
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.
MESSAGE JOEL
Not sure where to begin? Send me a message!
