Primitive Survival & Tracking Intensive
Natural History/September 18, 2026 to September 19, 2026Past experience

Primitive Survival & Tracking Intensive

Two days in the field learning to read the landscape through primitive survival skills, wildlife tracking, and close natural observation.

This is an immersive two day course in survival basics, taught on the ground at Sylvan Dale Ranch. Participants learn to produce primitive shelter and fire and to procure food and water from the landscape itself. Hands on skills include bow drill fire, primitive traps and simple weapons, simple containers, and debris hut style shelters. Students also study the uses of local and common plants, animal and landscape tracking in depth, and the philosophy behind survival and living with the land. The emphasis here is not survival for its own sake. It is learning to observe carefully, understand what the land is telling you, and engage with it respectfully. Expect long stretches outdoors, dirt under your fingernails, and instruction that rewards patience and curiosity.

Who it is for

Outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, naturalists, educators, photographers, search and rescue personnel, veterans, land stewards, beginning trackers, and experienced outdoorsmen who want a deeper understanding of the landscape. Ages 18 and up, or 16 to 17 with a registered adult present.

What you will learn

  • 01Primitive tracking and reading sign
  • 02Fire by friction with the bow drill
  • 03Primitive shelter building
  • 04Plant identification and use
  • 05Water procurement
  • 06Animal awareness
  • 07Landscape observation
  • 08Primitive traps, simple weapons, and containers
  • 09Natural navigation
  • 10The philosophy of living with the land

Meet your instructors

Matt Corradino

Matt Corradino

Primitive survival instructor

Matt has been learning and living primitive survival skills for more than 26 years. He taught for the survivalist and tracker Tom Brown Jr. for 17 years, and during that time spent 7 years living in a primitive shelter in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey. He has taught for schools across the country and worked with Clay Hayes and Tom McElroy. He was a participant on season 8 of the History Channel series Alone. Matt and his wife run their own school, Caribbean Earth Skills, from their home on St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands.

Bill Marple

Bill Marple

Tracking instructor and naturalist

Bill is an experienced tracker, teacher, and naturalist from Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He served in the Marine Corps as an infantry officer and later apprenticed under Tom Brown Jr. at Tracker School, where he worked as the Tracking Instructor for 15 years. Over the past 20 years he has taught business professionals, primitive skills enthusiasts, law enforcement and military professionals, hobbyists, and professional trackers. He also served as a subject matter expert for tracking with the USMC Combat Hunter Program. Bill believes human beings are born to track, and he is glad to share that study with his students.

Schedule and flow

  1. Day one, 9:00 am
    Arrival and orientation

    Introductions, the ground rules of the ranch, and how the two days will run.

  2. Day one, morning
    Field instruction

    Survival priorities, shelter siting, and first work on debris hut construction.

  3. Day one, midday
    Fire by friction

    Bow drill from raw materials, with individual coaching until coals come.

  4. Day one, afternoon
    Plants and water

    Common and local plants, their uses, and methods for finding and treating water.

  5. Day one, evening
    Campfire discussion

    Stories, questions, and the philosophy behind living with the land. Camping available for an additional fee.

  6. Day two, morning
    Tracking fundamentals

    Track anatomy, gait patterns, aging sign, and the tracking box exercise.

  7. Day two, midday
    Tracking in the field

    Following animal and human sign across ranch terrain.

  8. Day two, afternoon
    Scenario based practice

    Applying survival and tracking skills together in the field.

  9. Day two, 5:00 pm
    Reflection and departure

    What to keep practicing at home, and where to take the study next.

Resources and downloads

  • PDF
    Packing list

    Clothing, tools, and field gear for two days outdoors.

    Sent after registration
  • PDF
    Recommended reading

    Tracking and primitive skills titles our instructors return to.

    Sent after registration
  • PDF
    Course schedule

    Detailed daily outline for both field days.

    Sent after registration
  • PDF
    Participant information

    Arrival, parking, camping, and what to expect on the ranch.

    Sent after registration
  • Form
    Liability waiver

    Required before the first morning of instruction.

    Sent after registration
  • Map
    Directions to Sylvan Dale Ranch

    2939 N County Road 31D, Loveland, CO 80538.

    Sent after registration

Questions people ask

Do I need previous experience?
No. The course is built for beginners and still gives experienced outdoorsmen plenty to work on. Instruction is hands on and individually paced.
What does registration cost?
The course fee is $195. Course with one night of camping is $245. Course with two nights, September 17 and 18, is $295. Course with two nights, September 17 through 19, is $345. A $50 deposit option is available with the balance due one week before class.
Can I camp on site?
Yes. Camping at Sylvan Dale Ranch is available for an additional fee and can be added during registration.
Are meals included?
Meals are not included. Bring your own food and water for both field days.
What should I bring?
Sturdy boots, work clothes you can ruin, rain layers, sun protection, a hat, a knife, a notebook, water, and lunch. A camp chair and gloves are useful.
How physically demanding is it?
You will be on your feet outdoors most of both days, walking uneven ground and working with your hands. There is no running or heavy lifting, and you can work at your own pace.
What if the weather turns?
The course runs rain or shine. Colorado weather in September swings widely, so bring layers for heat, cold, and rain.
What is the refund policy?
Contact the Heart-J Center office for cancellation and transfer questions before the course date.
What is the age requirement?
Participants must be 18 or older. Ages 16 and 17 may attend with a registered adult present.
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