Prerequisites: Primitive Skills, Primitive Living, and being 15-18 years of age in good physical condition.

Primitive Challenge, the apex of the Primitive Skills Path, is a 6-day immersion in primitive living and survival. Your week begins with camping gear that is gradually taken away, requiring you to rely on survival skills you have developed in previous courses. The week concludes with a 24-hour survival solo during which you are provided with basic food, a knife and a piece of cord.  You must be practiced in building a debris hut, cordage making, knife use, and most importantly bow drill fire. The success of your clan depends on your ability to quickly build a group shelter and start a fire with a bow drill set. This course is designed to promote self-reliance, self-initiative, problem solving and teamwork. Your instructors will challenge, and push you to new ability levels and self-understanding.  Successful completion of Primitive Skills and Primitive Living programs (or equivalent) is strongly recommended.

Mal Stephens, Head Instructor of the Maine Primitive Skills School, will be your instructor for Primitive Challenge.

You will need to bring the following items with you:

Backpack
Sleeping Bag
Wool Blanket
Clothing (besides what you will wear to camp)
2 Pairs of Underwear
1 Set Long Underwear (not cotton)
2 T-Shirts
1 Long Sleeved Shirt
1 Wool Sweater or Heavy Wool Shirt
1 Pair Long Pants
1 Pair Shorts
1 Swim Suit
1 Set Rain Gear
1 Wool or Fleece Knit Hat
2 Pair Wool Socks
Cup
Bowl
Fork
Water Bottle
Sheath Knife w/4” blade
Tooth Brush, Tooth Paste, Dental Floss
Shampoo, Soap
Wash Cloth
Towel
Shower Shoes