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Now that the days are longer, many kids want to spend more time outside. And what better way than enjoying nature while learning about survival techniques?
If you haven't heard of survival schools or courses before, yet you are interested in learning about how to successfully cooperate with nature in case of emergencies, then this is the guide you've been waiting for.
Here is a list of schools and organisations which offer workshops on endurance in the wild, useful for children and parents alike!
Otium Luxembourg
At Otium, wilderness is 'loved and lived'. They want to share daily adventures with others as well as focus on slow living and mindfulness. The organisation offers wilderness survival workshops for families as well as certification programs for young people who want to become wilderness instructors.
Their next workshop takes place from 9-11 August and it is a weekend all about herbs you can find in the wild.
Where to find Otium Sàrl: Otium - Natur- und Wildnispädagogik
Delta Survival School
Delta Survival School offers survival family adventures and holiday camps for kids which revolve around learning how to build a shelter, purify water, protect yourself from insects ticks or make a fire in the wild. Find out more on their website.
Epic Adventures
In the breathtaking nature of the Belgian Ardennes in Wallonia, Epic Adventures offers survival courses in winter and summer. Their main aims are to build a shelter, find and prepare food and water in the wild, learn how to orient yourself when you are lost and first aid — all whilst removed from all civilisation. It is also possible to do individual trainings as a family.
The courses are available in German, English and Dutch, either in Belgium or in Wipptal, Tirol.
The next three-day survival guide is on 6-8 August in Tirol. Find out more here.
Survival by Night
Although not a classical survival school, the Youth Hostel in Beaufort organises a 'Survival by Night' event with a guided hike of about 4 km around the hostel, which features the most essential tips to survive in nature. Afterwards, the highlight will be to bake campfire bread ('Stokbrood') and eat a stew.
The event takes place in the late evening of 3 August. Find out how to register here.
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Survival School Belgium
Amid many other survival schools, this Belgian survival school offers parent/child training weekends from May to September.
The training includes an overnight stay in nature where parents and children perfect their skills but also create many unforgettable memories.
SaarVival
SaarVival, located in the German region of Saarland (as the name suggests), has an array of survival courses depending on your level of expertise. Whether you are a beginner, a family or already advanced, you can always learn more.
Their basic wilderness training is three days and two nights, a time when you only have the bare necessities and you are introduced into the basics of surviving in the wild such as orientation — although the instructors also share their wisdom on plants, herbs and the weather. Read further here.
Wildlife Park Academy
Situated in Saarbrucken, Germany, the Wildlife Park Academy is a great experience for families with smaller children as there are specific programs for children from 0 to 3 years.
Apart from geocaching tours and the opportunity to learn survival skills, the academy offers courses on how to care for animals appropriately. They also organise children's birthday parties with the theme of 'respect for nature'.
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Wildnisschule Pfalz
Another parents/kids survival experience in German is offered by Wildnisschule Pfalz, in Rheinland Pfalz, and includes an overnight stay outdoors by the campfire. There is also the option to sleep in a tree tent three meters off the ground, in case you're feeling extra adventurous.
Archery, rock climbing, cooking over the fire and more, are all on the menu. Find more details on their website.
Rangerschule Pfalz
A two and a half hour drive from Luxembourg, the Rangerschule Pfalz is conveniently located near the Holiday Park in Haßloch, Germany. The survival school is mostly interested in offering practitioners a period of 'digital detox' — an opportunity to become one with nature while engaging in a bit of family bonding. After enjoying 24 hours in the wild, you can reward yourself and your kids with a rollercoaster-filled day!
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'Wildnistraining' Eifel
Have you been called by the wild? Then you should answer by engaging in a bushcraft and survival training. The 'Wilde Scouts' organise team challenges, educational workshops on animals and plants as well as fire-making lessons. Wildniscamp Dahlem is the perfect escape from everyday life and the tedium of sitting at work or school, am I right? Find out about upcoming events here.
At this wilderness camp for families, you can expect an exciting combination of action and mindful experiences. Parents, children, but also grandmas, grandpas, uncles or aunts can participate in a family weekend in nature that will not be forgotten: try out new and exciting things, spend the night in wooden huts or tents, cook and sit around the campfire, carve, get to know wild plants and much more!
Vosges Aventure Survie
As a lot of families from Luxembourg spend long weekends or even longer in the beautiful area of the Vosges, this time can be combined with survival trainings in nature. From discovery trainings to advanced excursions, there is something for everyone. In the French woods, families can experiment with making a fire, learning what can be eaten in the forest, how to correctly filter water and identify natural resources. Book your 24 hour experience here.
If you are still looking for something fun and adventurous to do this summer, then consider engaging in survival camps! Not only are they educational, they are also a great opportunity to test your limits and bond with your family.
Enjoy your adventures and let's TravelMatKanner!