This survival weekend is not an endurance test or an "extreme" course. It is an experience designed for those who want the opportunity to look around with different eyes, learn new things, and discover the pleasure of getting by with simplicity, immersed in nature and accompanied step by step. This survival course in Veneto is a special opportunity to break away from the monotony of city life and rediscover contact with nature in a careful and safe way, accompanied by a local naturalist and nature guide. Together, we will learn practical skills that are useful in any situation, such as how to tie knots and find your way under the night sky, as well as how to call for help effectively in an emergency. We will end our nature experience with a beautiful nature hike, combined with learning about plants and mushrooms and how to purify water. This weekend is a great opportunity to learn by doing, learning how to be independent and safe in nature!
WHERE ARE WE GOING?
Program
First day
We will meet in the afternoon, around 3:30 p.m.: we will get together and calmly begin to familiarize ourselves with our surroundings. After a brief introduction, we will immediately dive into the heart of our survival course: fire.
With our nature guide, we will learn how to safely prepare a fire pit, how to recognize and collect natural tinder, and how to light a flame even without modern tools. No skills are required, just curiosity and a desire to try! The day ends with a dinner around the fire, cooked together in trapper style: a convivial, simple, and surprisingly satisfying moment, perfect for concluding this first day of our group weekend.
Second day
Makeshift shelters and orientation under the stars
The second day begins with a hearty breakfast, essential for replenishing our energy for the day ahead. Today we will be doing some manual and creative activities; we will learn the basics of pioneering: knots, ties, and simple techniques for building makeshift shelters and stable camping structures.
Without rushing, we will discover how to gather wood, how to make functional cuts and joints, and how to transform natural materials into something useful and solid.
In the evening, when the forest becomes silent, it will be the perfect time to observe the starry sky and learn how to orient ourselves by looking at the stars: an evocative experience that reconnects us with more ancient and natural rhythms.
Third day
Orienteering and emergency reporting
The third day is full of new experiences in nature: today is dedicated to orienteering and awareness of the territory. Our guide will teach us how to use a compass and map, and together we will learn how to read a map and interpret the natural elements around us.
We will tackle the basicsof orienteering and topography in a simple way, without technicalities, with practical and easily applicable examples.
We will also talk about emergency signals and how to call for help in case of need: useful, reassuring information that increases safety and peace of mind when outdoors.
Fourth day
(During the 4-day, 3-night weekend)
Nature excursion, recognizing plants and making water drinkable
We will begin the last day with a wonderful nature excursion that encapsulates and completes the journey. During the walk, we will learn how to make water found in nature drinkable and we will discover allimurgy, or the recognition of useful and edible plants.
We will also delve into the topic of poisons and toxins found in nature, both animal and plant: where they are found, how to recognize them, how to avoid them, and what to do in case of contact.
In the afternoon, around 3:30 p.m., we will say goodbye with the feeling of having experienced something different and concrete and of having enriched our knowledge, always in contact with nature!
overnight stays in a country house (sleeping bag and mat required)
breakfasts, lunches, and dinners
light a fire and cook outdoors
nature guide and naturalist
learn to navigate by the stars
medical and baggage insurance
compasses, maps, orienteering lanterns, flints, cords and ropes, poles, work tools, fire starters, waterproof sheets, tools for collecting and analyzing water, tools for identifying flora and faunaround trip travel to the location, extras, and anything not specified under "Includes."
Farm stays and local homes in the hills around Vicenza.
The events will take place on the first date in a district near the Castelgomberto Valley, and on the second date in the Rossati district of Valdagno.
The events will take place on the first date in a neighborhood near the Castelgomberto Valley, and on the second date in the Rossati neighborhood in Valdagno. The venue for the first date is easily accessible by car via Castelgomberto or Gambugliano. For those arriving by car, there is convenient parking near the venues for both dates.
For those arriving by public transportation in Castelgomberto, there is a stop in Valle di Castelgomberto near the school and the church; for those coming from Rossati, there is a stop at Maglio di Sopra di Valdagno or in Novale. In either case, the guide can pick you up by car to avoid having to walk upon arrival (subject to availability).
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