Our Mission

At our survival school, our mission is to empower individuals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to thrive in any outdoor environment. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive and hands-on training that instills a deep respect for nature, fosters self-reliance, and promotes resilience in the face of adversity. Our goal is to inspire a lifelong passion for exploration, survival, and preparedness, ensuring that our students are equipped to overcome any challenge they may encounter in the wild. We at APSI feel that in the years to come, these skills will be invaluable. We strive for the good of humanity and try to make our world a better place. We also aim to provide you with the right gear and supplies to help you survive in a wild world.

Extraordinary Experiences

Prepare to learn a lot, and prepare to have fun!

What is it like at APSI? Think of it like camping while learning survival skills. Our day starts in the morning with coffee and breakfast. We then go into lecture and a lot of hands on learning. We break for lunch around noon, and afterwards get into more classroom time and “dirt time.” In the evening, we break for dinner. After dinner we see how we are feeling. We might have more class, or you can practice the skills you have learned. Eventually we end up around the campfire and tell very interesting stories (think Bigfoot). At this point feel free to stay up and be a participant in our Podcast. Or just hang out. You are also free to turn in for the evening and return to your tent, hammock, or even your hotel room in town.

Our Core Values

At APSI, we strive for the good of humanity and try to make our world a better place. Our core values include the following:

I was featured in Outside Magazine, read the full article at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/trapped-in-a-blizzard-these-tips-could-save-your-life/ar-AA1TC2M1?ocid=socialshare&fbclid=IwY2xjawPLostleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFmcndSWEVqWlJZRFFsR0t3c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHqynpAIvCG2UrmiRRurY4NuwCzQudc8Dn6YX3VcriSrQd6NPEx8R6SbyMywp_aem_qolNMinqiSy4wZ4AAMfWbQ

In 2025, Arcturus Primitive Skills Institute was invited to train the U.S. Army National Guard in Michigan.

At Arcturus Primitive Skills Institute, our mission is to equip individuals with the survival skills, mental resilience, and practical preparedness needed to thrive in an increasingly unpredictable world. We believe that self-reliance is no longer optional—it is essential. As societal systems grow more fragile and emergencies more frequent, we train students to meet adversity with confidence, clarity, and capability.

Our courses are designed to forge strength through experience. Whether you’re a veteran, first responder, church leader, or everyday citizen seeking readiness, we provide hands-on instruction that reconnects you with the land, sharpens your instincts, and prepares you to lead under pressure. We honor those who serve and empower those who step forward.

Through partnerships with veterans groups, churches, state agencies, and community organizations, we extend our reach to those who protect, heal, and uplift others. Every student who trains with us becomes part of a growing network of prepared, principled individuals committed to service, stewardship, and survival.

We teach not just skills—but mindset, mission, and meaning. Come on out to our camp, and join the growing APSI family.

We have worked with the following organizations:

Checkout some of my 5-Star Reviews:

BEST: I have been to other survival schools throughout the country and can honestly say, Art’s school is the best I have attended in the Midwest. Keith Shepherd

Me and my 15 year old son came out for the weekend 101 survival course and it was amazing. Art was extremely knowledgeable and patient with us since we really didn’t know anything. We really recommend these to anyone who is interested in learning techniques and skills for surviving in the wilderness. We will be signing up for the 201 course for sure. David Novak

I just took Art’s 101 course. What a great weekend I had! Art is very knowledgeable about each skill he demonstrated. Every skill was low stress, and Art took the time to go over each skill, so that you’re able to understand how to perform the skill and understand where and why you would use the skill. Very good conversations around the campfire at night, making new friends and like minded people. Looking forward to the 201 course next year. Jon Rivard

Took the basic weekend course and had a blast! Loved the land and camping spots with easy access to car. Art is super knowledgeable and patient and the skills I learned have motivated me to practice and learn even more. The group was fun and we enjoyed hanging around the campfire talking and telling stories at night. Highly recommend! Amy Timmons

I took two teens to the full weekend 101 course. Art(hur) was a gracious and unpretentious host. Throughout complex knot tying, fire starting from zero, foraging, etc. conversations he gave time and energy to every question and struggle. This is a highly accessible experience for anyone of any level, including folks who are pitching a tent for the first time. While I think some other schools and camps like this are borderline militaristic, Art is a very hospitable salt of the earth guy. My two teenagers (if you know, you know, they are age 14) absolutely loved the experience and are excited to return for another visit in a 201 or other course. The entire experience left a mark on us and left us with a memory and many skills that we will never forget. To my casual camping friends, the things I can now do (starting fires after everything is wet, making tea from foraged materials) will make me look like Sylvester Stallone or Macguyver! Lee Roberson

My girlfriend and I did the survival 101 weekend. We had a great time. Art was a wealth of knowledge and we felt empowered leaving with a new set of skills. Domenico Consiglio

Great instructor, very easy going and beginner friendly! Steven S.

Arthur teaches you skills that you can take into any SHTF scenarios! Highly recommend taking his course. Tony Laskowicz

For a first-time camper, learning basic survival skills like knot-tying and fire-starting has given me confidence. I’m grateful to Art for sharing his knowledge and making this experience so wonderful. I would gladly recommend this institute to anyone. Tammy Thoms

Did the full weekend course, good mix of an enjoyable weekend camping feel with instruction on basic survival skills. Learned a good amount but not burned out at the end of the weekend. Basic food is provided so you don’t need to bring anything as long as you’re not picky, you cna just show up with a tent and be fine. Aaron Brumbaugh

Took the knot and fire class with a group of fellow veterans, during one of Art’s veteran’s events. Highly recommend it! Shana Ouf

I’ve spent most of my life in the backwoods of Michigan, and I don’t hand out praise lightly. After training with Arthur, it was clear he’s the real deal. Arthur pushes you just enough to sharpen you, but never beyond what you can handle. If you want to walk away from a single weekend with more real, usable skills than most folks pick up in a year, Arthur is the man you want to train with. Every hour with him is hands‑on, practical, and packed with fieldcraft you can actually use. I had no idea there was this level of survival training in Michigan. Tim Sorenson

Partnerships & Strategic Alliances:

APSI builds alliances with organizations that strengthen Michigan’s resilience, expand community readiness, and reinforce the standards we hold in the field. Every partnership is chosen with purpose: shared values, proven capability, and a commitment to practical, boots‑on‑the‑ground skills that hold up when conditions turn real.

Our Partnership Philosophy

We partner with groups that:

Operate with integrity and real‑world experience
Support Michigan’s outdoor, emergency‑response, and preparedness communities
Bring value to students through equipment, land access, training support, or specialized knowledge
Strengthen the state’s ability to respond to grid‑down, severe‑weather, and wilderness emergencies

These alliances allow APSI to deliver training that is broader, deeper, and more field‑relevant than any one school can provide alone.

Current Strategic Alliances

Uncivilized Vitality™ is a program developed by Dr. Jon D. Morey, focusing on optimizing health and happiness by mimicking aspects of ancient lifestyles. The program aims to combat modern health issues, such as obesity, anxiety, and depression, by promoting a return to more natural living practices. It emphasizes the importance of self-sufficiency and the development of three core abilities: Capability, Adaptability, and Durability. Visit: greatlakesmovement.com

Arcturus Primitive Skills Institute

About