BUSHCRAFT AND SURVIVAL SKILLS
Rediscover the wild in you
There’s something deeply satisfying about going back to basics – learning the skills that kept humans alive for thousands of years. Bushcraft isn’t just survival; it’s about slowing down, reconnecting with the natural world, and realising just how capable you are when the distractions of modern life fall away.
Our Bushcraft & Survival Skills sessions are practical, hands-on and tailored to you. Whether you want to learn fire lighting, shelter building, or just experience a day living closer to nature, we make it happen in a safe, friendly and inspiring way.
There is a range of options for getting children outdoors and thriving.
Get in touch so that we can design something that suits your needs.
What is bushcraft?
Bushcraft is the art of living comfortably in the wild. It’s more than just surviving – it’s about thriving, using simple tools and the resources around you. Think fire lighting without matches, crafting a shelter from branches and leaves, foraging for food, and learning to read the land.
When you understand these skills, the outdoors changes from something unknown to something familiar and welcoming. That’s the magic of bushcraft.
What you'll learn
Every experience is different, but here are some of the things you might dive into:
Fire lighting – Sparks, embers and techniques for getting a fire going without modern shortcuts
Shelter building – Strong, weather-proof shelters from natural materials
Knife and axe skills – Safe handling and practical uses
Water sourcing and purification – How to find and make water safe
Foraging basics – Identifying edible plants and seasonal food
Navigation – Reading the land, finding your way without GPS
You’ll get hands-on with all of these – no long lectures, no standing around watching.
“Chris established an excellent rapport with our students from the start, getting them excited and actively engaged as soon as they arrived for our residential. Not only did he demonstrate a strong understanding of how to manage a large group of children, his interaction with students was always positive and developmentally appropriate. Chris was clearly concerned about the social and emotional well-being of our students, and the activities on offer masterfully balanced play, imagination, adventure, and outdoor skills. It was such a memorable and high quality nature-based learning experience, that we asked him to return the following year.”
Chris Hupp, Class teacher, ACS Cobham
Why it matters: The benefits of bushcraft
Learning bushcraft isn’t just about skills – it changes the way you see the world and yourself. Here’s what people take away:
Confidence – Knowing you can rely on yourself
Connection – Feeling part of the natural world instead of separate from it
Resilience – Staying calm and capable in unfamiliar situations
Mindfulness – Slowing down, focusing, and finding calm away from screens and schedules
Physical & mental well-being – Fresh air, movement, and that sense of achievement you can’t get from a screen
What we're aiming for
Our goal is simple: to give you a real, immersive experience in nature that leaves you feeling capable, grounded, and energised. It’s not about ticking boxes – it’s about discovery.
Whether you’re with us for a day or a full programme, you’ll leave with:
Practical skills you’ll never forget
A deeper appreciation of nature
A sense of personal achievement
A spark of curiosity to keep learning
Who is it for?
We welcome anyone who’s curious about life outdoors:
Families – A brilliant way to spend time together and learn something new
Individuals – Build confidence and take on a new challenge
Schools & youth groups – Life skills that stick for a lifetime
Corporate teams – A real break from the boardroom and a chance to work together in a new way
WOLF PACK FOR BOYS (13-15 yrs)
A journey for a tribe of boys becoming men, aged 13-15 years (Years 9 to 11).
Four trips brimming with challenge, risk and meaningful shared experience with strong role models, in Sussex woodland, Dartmoor and the Peak District.
WOLF PACK FOR GIRLS (14-16 yrs)
A wild, free and very fun week in August for a group of warrior women.
Bushcraft, survival skills, an expedition and a big new group of “forever friends.” Make sure you see the messages from the Wolf Pack girls further below.
CALL TO ADVENTURE for boys 12-13 yrs
Outdoor mentoring programme for a group of boys aged 12-13 (Years 7 & 8).
3 trips between May and October, including an expedition to Dartmoor. Participants often get a lot of “first times” under their belt, and a lot of confidence.
Why choose Chris Packe?
With years of experience leading outdoor adventures, we focus on making every session personal. No big crowds, no one-size-fits-all. We keep things small, flexible and friendly so everyone gets stuck in and feels part of it.
We provide everything you need – tools, materials, and expert guidance. All you need to bring is curiosity and a willingness to try.
Message from Chris to parents:
Message from Chris to teenagers:
Where we run our bushcraft activities
We don’t stick to one site – the outdoors is too big for that! We work across Sussex and Kent, using beautiful woodland spaces. We also run expeditions to Dartmoor and The Peak District.
Ready to start your bushcraft adventure?
There’s nothing quite like making fire from nature, building your own shelter, and feeling truly capable in the wild. Ready to give it a go?