FAQs about Mountain Shepherd Wilderness Survival School

Who attends a survival training course?

People attend our courses from all walks of life. Backpackers, camping enthusiasts, recreationists, search and rescue teams, entire families, corporate managers, attorneys, scientists, FBI, CIA, and military personnel, city parks and recreation specialists, university outdoor program staff, doctors, electricians, biologists, geologists, teachers and professors, engineers, nurses and EMT's, private pilots, law enforcement, forestry and park ranger personnel, hunters ... the list goes on. Our students are diverse with many different personal learning objectives. Mountain Shepherd understands this and is prepared to adapt the instruction to each individual.

"Not many survival schools can say they've trained Boy Scouts, as well as Navy SEALs."

Is wilderness experience required?

No wilderness experience required. The majority of our students arrive at the training area with fears, anxiety, and some trepidation. Understandably so. Fear of the unknown, mixed with peer pressure and a dash of inexperience, is a recipe that is familiar to us at Mountain Shepherd. Fears and stresses play a significant role in the outcome of any wilderness survival situation. It is our job and duty to make you better aware of the roadblocks to psychological and physical well-being in an outdoor environment. Regardless of your wilderness experience, Mountain Shepherd welcomes you to attend our training.

Who are the instructors?

All survival courses are taught by high-level, quality instructors. They're duty-bound to share knowledge and skills. They're compassionate, professional, and caring. They've received the best possible training in all the geographical regions of our planet − temperate, desert, open sea, seashore, high altitude, arctic, jungle, and have more than 6,000 miles of off-trail experience using a map and compass. They've received training in camouflage and concealment, escape and evasion, and POW behavior and interrogation. They're experienced and trained instructors who have shared their knowledge and experiences with hundreds of civilians and military personnel. They're graduates of the world-famous U.S. Air Force Survival (SERE) Instructor School.

"Please don't think that your instructors are regimented, military-oriented, mean, and forceful. Really, they're quite the opposite. Humble, soft spoken, and love nature; dedicated to your learning endeavor. And, they like to have fun and share stories around the campfire."

What is the training area like?

The field training area is located on 100 private acres in Catawba, VA, and adjacent to the Jefferson National Forest. Your training area is primitive and an outstanding place to learn the art of wilderness survival. The Appalachian Trail meanders through the training area and the Blue Ridge Parkway is minutes away. This is our headquarters and primary field training area for our full compliment of courses.

The multi-purpose 3000 square feet “schoolhouse” features a training room, conference area, full kitchen and 2 bunk rooms to sleep more than 20 with separate showers and rest room facilities...the fireplace, deck and magnificent views are a bonus! It's perfect retreat for corporate team building, group outings and for those that want survival training but prefer to sleep inside with all the modern convenience

How do I register for a scheduled course?

Forms can be emailed, or snail mailed. Four forms are required per student for course registration and are listed below in PDF format. For student ease, each form can be opened and printed from this page. Once printed, please complete, sign, and, if paying by check, forward with full tuition payment to: Mountain Shepherd, 57 Hemlock Ridge Lane Catawba, VA 24070. If paying by credit card register on the course page.

Registration Form
Participation Agreement Form
Visitors Acknowledgement of Risks Form
Health History Form

What forms of payment are accepted?

Tuition payment can be made by personal check, money order, PayPal or major credit card.

What equipment do I bring?

Once registration forms and tuition payment are received, each student will receive an equipment list via email as a Word document or via snail mail in printed form.

Will Mountain Shepherd supply my food?

Food options are dependent upon the course. Mountain Shepherd can provide food for an additional charge or each student can bring their own food. The course equipment list will be specific regarding meals and snacks. Stoves and grills are not used for cooking; meals will be prepared using campfires. Email if you prefer having Mountain Shepherd provide your food.

If I arrive by plane, will ground transportation be provided?

Yes. Roanoke (VA) Regional Airport will be the destination point. Mountain Shepherd offers transportation for students to their motel, the training area, and to the airport at course end.

If I arrive one-night early, where do I stay?

Mountain Shepherd has bunk rooms available for students for an additional $50 per night including dinner or evening snack and breakfast. If you prefer a hotel or campgrounds we are happy to provide recommendations.