2-day Course at Shiv Nadar School, May 2016

 

The 2-day and 1-night Hawks Survivor Course is customised for school children and is conducted within School premises. A camping experience is simulated on the School grounds and participants camp out in tents for one night. Though short and concise it serves well as an introductory exposure giving participants an overview of the science and art of wilderness survival.

The module is extensive and participants are exposed to about 100 tips and tricks over the two days. More importantly, many of the tips have a direct relevance to what they are learning in class, whether Chemistry or Physics or Geometry or Geography or Botany or Biology. Telling time using a compass, arriving at latitude/longitude using the Sun and the stars, moon watching, disinfecting water with chemicals, etc. A lot of stuff is based on common sense and that is something that is inculcated in the participants - to open their minds to simple and alternative possibilities. To multitasking. Some very important survival first aid tips are also taught - CPR, the Heimlich manoeuvre, victim evacuation, controlling excessive bleeding, etc. Participants have a lot of fun and end up learning a lot of interesting stuff.

To make it more interesting, a couple of modules are taught during the night, particularly after the participants have been tucked into bed. The motive is for them to understand not to take anything for granted and to be aware of opportunities that present themselves.

Apart from this one possible forced sleep deprivation, the participants do not face any food or water deprivation. There are regular water and snack breaks, they are largely protected from the elements and get their meals on time.

Number of participants per Course

Each Hawks Course comprises 50 participants. The endeavour is to keep the level similar among the participants of each Course. The groups, therefore each individual Course, are divided as follows:
(1) Participants from Classes VI to VIII,
(2) Participants from Classes IX and X, and
(3) Participants from Classes XI and XII.

There is a requirement of at least three back-to-back Courses conducting in a seven day period.

What does the School have to provide?

All equipment is carried by the Instructors but, the School is requested for the following:

  • Availability of the School playground for the duration of the Course
  • Adequate drinking water facilities for the participants
  • Snacks and meals for the participants
  • Two Teachers to assist the Course Instructor(s)
  • Display table(s) for gear, equipment and samples

How does the Course run?

  • Arrive at School by 8am on the first day of the Course
  • Participants come dressed in sports gear, sneakers and a cap or hat
  • It is imperative that participants come with a sense of humour
  • Get safety instructions
  • 'Classroom' sessions explaining skills throughout the duration of the Course
  • Practical and interactive demonstration of skills
  • Certification

Modules of the Course

  • Basic kitting for survival
  • The 7 Ps of survival
  • Shelter construction
  • Firecraft
  • Water purification
  • Navigation and cartography
  • Signalling tips and tricks
  • Some basic knots
  • Survival first aid

What should participants bring?

The following is a list of the items that have to be brought by each participant. These are all items that will be required during the Course.

  • Tracksuit and sneakers
  • Cap or hat
  • Water bottle
  • Two bed sheets for the night (blanket or sleeping bag in winters)
  • Mosquito repellant

In case you wish to have the Hawks Course conducted in your institution, kindly do send us a message and we will take it forward from there. Meanwhile take a look at a couple of videos compiled from previous Hawks Courses.

OTA Survival School 5-day Eagles Course

OTA Survival School 15-day Advanced Course

OTA Survival School 1-day In-depth Courses

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