Develop practical survival skills and confidence in the outdoors with courses on Dartmoor. Sessions range from half-day introductions to full-day and two-day immersive courses, covering firelighting, shelter construction, food preparation, water purification, and essential safety skills. Activities are suitable for beginners, families, and those wanting to gain bushcraft experience in a safe and supportive environment.
Half-day sessions focus on core survival skills, including firelighting, basic shelter construction, and using tools such as knives and axes safely. You will practise water collection and purification, and complete a short outdoor cooking activity to prepare food over a fire. Team challenges and problem-solving exercises are included to apply the skills practically.
Full-day sessions build on half-day content with longer practical exercises. You will practise firelighting in different conditions, construct thermally efficient shelters, cook full meals on open fires, and apply knife and axe skills in supervised scenarios. Safety, planning, and emergency concepts are integrated throughout, giving you a solid foundation in outdoor survival.
Two-day courses provide an immersive experience. Day one focuses on core survival skills, while day two consolidates these through scenario-based challenges, extended navigation exercises, and practical applications of food preparation, shelter building, and water purification. Optional overnight shelter practice allows participants to test their skills in realistic conditions.
Family Funday sessions combine survival skills with games and interactive challenges. Activities include firelighting, den building, map reading, climbing, weaseling, capture the flag, hide and seek, and capture and evade. These sessions are designed to be engaging for children and adults alike, helping families apply skills practically while having fun in a safe environment.
Bushcraft/Survival Party sessions are tailored for groups wanting a unique outdoor experience. Held for 4 hours, these sessions include firelighting, knife and whittling skills, shelter construction, cooking on open fires, marshmallow cooking, and team-based games. Parties can take place on Dartmoor, Sidvale Scout Centre, or a suitable outdoor space such as a private garden or field. Activities are adaptable to age, ability, and available space.
Dartmoor provides a variety of terrain, including open moorland, wooded areas, and clearings ideal for practising firelighting, shelter building, water sourcing, and other survival skills. Terrain is suitable for all practical exercises and games while remaining safe for children and adults.
Sidvale Scout Centre and other suitable outdoor spaces provide accessible areas for practical exercises. Courses can be delivered off-site to private locations, giving flexibility for family days, parties, or group bookings.
Accommodation is not included. Two-day courses allow for optional overnight shelter practice using skills learned during the course.
No previous survival experience is required. Participants should have a reasonable level of mobility and wear suitable outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear. Drinks and snacks should be brought for personal use.
All specialist equipment, including firelighting materials, knives, axes, and cooking tools, is provided. Instructors guide participants in safe and effective use throughout all activities.
Experienced instructors deliver practical, engaging, and structured outdoor sessions. Courses focus on building confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills in a supportive and safe environment.
Dartmoor’s diverse landscapes provide varied terrain for realistic skill application, while Sidvale Scout Centre and adaptable outdoor spaces allow flexible delivery. Instruction balances practical exercises with challenges, games, and scenario-based learning, ensuring participants gain skills they can use in real outdoor situations.
For more information contact us before making your booking
About the centre
Newton Abbot
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
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Devon, United Kingdom
From £195
