Learn to be More Self-Sufficient
Learn to be more self-sufficient. In today’s fast-paced world of constant notifications and busy schedules, many quietly long for a slower, simpler rhythm, closer to nature and more rooted in our own interests and values.
At Wilderness Trails, our Six Principle Philosophy—nature connection, nature conservation, self-sufficiency, personal development, empowerment, and conscious awareness—guides everything we do. In this newsletter, we want to share how Self-Sufficiency is part of every experience with us:
Self-sufficiency here is the ability to thrive independently in nature by mastering essential skills such as fire-making and wild edible identification, together with the positive mindset to overcome challenges and to be the master of one’s own destiny. It means experiencing a practical, hands-on way to live closer to nature and to oneself. Sometimes that is all that is needed to reset from the constant noise.
Here are some of the ways you can learn to be more self-sufficient with us:
Self-Sufficiency Training
During our self-sufficiency training, you will learn essential skills such as fire-starting, campfire cooking, wild edible identification, drinking fresh creek water and finding or building natural shelter. At the same time, you practise the mindset of being capable, independent and self-reliant. Learn to be more self-sufficient as you learn useful skills to experience nature and everyday life in a more authentic way, along with the confidence and competence to put these skills into practice in other environments, including in your own home.
Whether you want to develop self-sufficiency skills as a family, with a friend or alone, we can customize to your interests. Learn more about our different options here.
Wildlife Tracking Conservation Horse Pack Trips
Our horse pack trips bring you into the remote backcountry, where self-sufficiency becomes part of every moment. You learn to saddle and care for your own horse, navigate using the mountains as your compass and experience true empowerment through your wilderness adventure. Along the way, you track grizzly bears, mountain goats and other wildlife and harvest wild foods such as wild potatoes, wild onions and berries, just like the bears.
If you would like to experience what it means to live for 5 or 7 days with only what your horse can carry, your horse and the mountains, a conservation pack trip might be your way to experience a more self-sufficient lifestyle.
Contact us to discuss your interests.
Conservation Volunteer Program
with the Chilcotin Ark Institute
Spend six weeks or more living at our remote research ranch in the Chilcotin Ark and turn your passion for nature into practical skills, experience, and impact. As a conservation volunteer, you do not just “help out” – you receive wilderness and horseback training, gain field research skills, and build real wilderness experience. Because you stay for more than just a quick visit, you also become part of the daily rhythm of ranch and camp life, learning to be more self-sufficient in the wilderness. You join a committed community, sharing daily chores and reflections. The combination of meaningful work, simple chores and close contact with nature is deeply grounding and your chance to take time and space to reconnect with nature and with yourself.
Learn more here.
Kickstart your journey at home
With our different media options, you can start your journey and learn how to be more self-sufficient from anywhere in the world. By listening to our music or podcasts, watching our videos, learning more with our online courses or by reading books, blog stories and past guests’ and students’ certificates, you can get a taste of what your experience could look like.
Learn more on our partner website Trails to Empowerment
Listen to our Music
Our new album Rise on the Chart remixes some of our own wilderness songs with an 80s energy, sharing messages of purpose, resilience and connection to nature. It is available on most streaming platforms—listen now on Spotify.
Self-Sufficiency Online Course
Discover the skills and mindsets to become more self-sufficient as you learn more about reconnecting with nature and yourself.
Learn more about our online courses on our partner’s website, Institute for Human Potential.
Read our Philosophy – Self-Sufficiency Book
The book shares real stories of how our guests, students and volunteers embraced a wilderness lifestyle and became self-sufficient. Topics include harvesting our own food from nature, building our own shelters such as log cabins, training horses, thinking outside the box to solve problems and taking responsibility for ourselves and our environment. Get the ebook and other Wilderness Lifestyle Books on our partner’s website, Fortress Books and Web.
Stay up to date with what’s going on by following Trails to Empowerment on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
Partnership for Conservation
Together with the Chilcotin Ark Institute, we contribute to conservation and stewardship efforts in the Chilcotin Ark. All of our guests and students make their contribution to the conservation of the wilderness they are immersed in. That’s why they get involved in hands-on conservation projects and 5% of every trip and training program goes towards stewardship in the Chilcotin Ark.
Donate Towards Conservation
Donate here
University Practicum Opportunities
We believe a Practicum should be more than just a line item on your resume – it should be a life-changing experience profoundly expanding your vision of who you can be and what you can accomplish. Learn more on our website.
Stay up to date with what’s going on by checking out new podcasts and blog stories, certificates and online courses on our partner website Trails to Empowerment or by following Trails to Empowerment on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
Are you ready to experience a transformational wilderness adventure?
Fill in our Wilderness Readiness Survey.
We look forward to sharing a Six Principle wilderness experience with you,
Your Wilderness Trails community