Bush Class USA - Free!

[Sittingbull]

I thought I would share an interesting discovery. Don't be put off by the "USA" in the title; the contents of the class are applicable anywhere in the world:

Terry Barney (AKA the Iowa Woodsman), a former US Air Force survival instructor (S.E.R.E) has a free online Bush Class. The format is real simple.
For each level, there is list of skills to learn. For each skill there is a Youtube video demonstrating the task. Then you post your work on the forum as proof and also for feedback. There is no time limit and you do it at your own pace whenever you feel like it or have time.

More info here: http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/forumdisplay.php/132-BushClass-USA

Here are the requirements for the "Basic" level:



1.Feather Sticks and Shavings


2. 5 Man-made Tinders


3. The Twig Fire


4. Four Basic Bushcraft Knots


5. Improvise a Cooking Implement from Metal


6. Knife Sharpening


7. 2 Strand Twist with Man-Made Materials


8. Braiding Man-Made Materials


9.Set a Tarp Shelter


10. Make a Simple Snare


11. Tree Id and Uses


12. Cook Bannock with Fire


13.Make a Pot Hook


14. 5 Outings

http://www.youtube.com/feed/UCycUrDiCrDrJ_G6GsydKveQ

http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee364/773JME/Debrisshelter1.jpg

[OakAshandThorn]

It is indeed a great program from what I hear, thanks for sharing the info ;).

The only problem I see with it, and this is certainly not your fault, is that Bushcraft USA has become too much like the 'Wild West' - many of the mods there abuse their power and act like ignorant fools (though I seriously doubt IAWoodsman or SkogKniv are among them). I've seen quite a few people there who have done nothing wrong end up banned, and threads have been closed because the mods were tired of them...or they just don't like the topic. Many of the members are wonderful folks, no doubt, but a lot of them are leaving or considering leaving because of the corruption (some of these ex-members have formed their own blogs or joined other forums).
Bushclass seems to me like an attempt to encourage more people to join the site (after all, you have to post on the forum for the course/s) because members are leaving.

I don't want to restrict people from taking the course/s and therefore joining BCUSA, but do so at your own risk.

[Sittingbull]

It is indeed a great program from what I hear, thanks for sharing the info ;).

The only problem I see with it, and this is certainly not your fault, is that Bushcraft USA has become too much like the 'Wild West' - many of the mods there abuse their power and act like ignorant fools (though I seriously doubt IAWoodsman or SkogKniv are among them). I've seen quite a few people there who have done nothing wrong end up banned, and threads have been closed because the mods were tired of them...or they just don't like the topic. Many of the members are wonderful folks, no doubt, but a lot of them are leaving or considering leaving because of the corruption (some of these ex-members have formed their own blogs or joined other forums).
Bushclass seems to me like an attempt to encourage more people to join the site (after all, you have to post on the forum for the course/s) because members are leaving.

I don't want to restrict people from taking the course/s and therefore joining BCUSA, but do so at your own risk.

You may be right, but I personally have no experience with any of the forum politics. I just think that working your way through the projects is a great way to learn bushcraft skills. You don't even really have to join the forum. I just think the projects are a fun way to learn.

I have been a member of other types of forums in the past where the moderators were overbearing, so I definitely empathize. The internet in particular is about free and open discussion, so censoring people doesn't advance the cause.

[OakAshandThorn]

I just think that working your way through the projects is a great way to learn bushcraft skills.
As do I ;).
But to take the 'Bushclass', you would need to create an account on the BCUSA forum and become a member.
I definitely agree, however, that any of these skills and projects don't require you to take the course as it is from BCUSA.

Well, to be honest, I was never a member there, but I have lurked a bit - and I'm quite glad I only lurked.

[Sittingbull]

You don't have to join. You can just do the projects. You only need to join if you want their feedback or the certification.

In my experience the people on the forum have been nothing but friendly and helpful.

[jacko1066]

It seems to come up with a blank page gents?

And I am already a member of bushcraft USA!!

[Sittingbull]

It seems to come up with a blank page gents?

And I am already a member of bushcraft USA!!

Try this one: http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/showthread.php/27234-Bushclass-Index

[Kernowek Scouser]

It seems to come up with a blank page gents?

And I am already a member of bushcraft USA!!

Yeah the same happened to me. You probably have not been on there in a while and they have made your account inactive.

If you look at the top you will see a message starting 'If you are reading this...' there is a link in the message, copy it into your browser and you will got to a contact from. Request they reactivate your membership and, in my case, within ten mins you should be able to view the site again.


Sittingbull good on yer fella, this is very interesting and informative stuff. I am sure I will spend a fair few hours trawling through it
T^

[Sittingbull]

The lessons seem to build on one another. For example setting up the tarp incorporates the knots lesson.


Incidentally I came upon Natural Bushcraft because I was looking for a video on making a tent stake/peg for the tarp lesson.

[OakAshandThorn]

You only need to join if you want their feedback or the certification.

In my experience the people on the forum have been nothing but friendly and helpful.
My bad...should've included that in my last post :ashamed:.
I am glad that they were friendly towards you :).

[jacko1066]

Cool yeah I can see it now.

Can anyone see an actual thread for the basic class? I can see one for intermediate and also seperate lessons but no actual basic thread

[Sittingbull]

I just work off the index, don't know about a thread for the basic class.

[MASC703]

You used to be able to view the classes without logging in. Now it appears that they changed it and now have to login. Still not a big deal, just create an acct. You don't have to post or actively participate to view the lessons, etc.

[Sittingbull]

As with most areas of life, just take what works for you and don't drink the kool-aid.

[shepherd]

thanks for sharing.. T^

[MASC703]

you can also just search youtube for the basic classes.

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD02F192C4172E8DE

the intermediate ones are a little more disorganized as far as grouping on youtube