Before I began teaching at Arcturus Primitive Skills Institute, I immersed myself in various survival schools to refine my outdoor abilities. These experiences laid the foundation for countless solo excursions into the wilderness, where I put my skills to the test. Even now, I dedicate time each day to studying and expanding my knowledge—constantly adding … Read more
In the dry woodlands, open fields, and roadsides of North America—especially near pine forests—grows a plant as mysterious as it is medicinal: Sweet Fern (Comptonia peregrina). Despite its name, this aromatic shrub is not a true fern. Its feathery leaves and resinous scent have long captivated Indigenous healers and modern herbalists alike. With a rich … Read more
Looking for a real outdoor challenge? One that tests your patience, skill, and grit? Try building a fire in the rain.In wet weather, fire-building becomes one of the toughest survival tasks. Rain, sleet, snow, and high humidity make it nearly impossible to find dry materials. Even if you do, moisture in the air can smother … Read more
When the power goes out in the dead of winter, staying warm and safe becomes a top priority. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you survive—and even stay relatively comfortable—during a winter blackout. 1. Create a Warm Core Zone• Isolate to One Small Room: Choose the smallest room in your home with the fewest windows. This … Read more
1. Knot-Tying Can you tie an Evenk Hitch or a Taut-Line Hitch to secure a ridgeline for shelter? If not, you should learn. Why it matters: • Knots save lives—literally. • Improper knots can lead to collapsed shelters or lost gear. • Mastering knots means mastering control over your environment. 2. Shelter Building Do … Read more
Shepherd’s pie is a savory baked dish consisting of minced meat topped with mashed potatoes and baked until golden. Its roots lie in the British Isles, where it emerged as a practical solution for households to repurpose leftover meat. The term shepherd’s pie was first recorded in Scotland in 1849. It was distinguished from cottage pie … Read more
Surviving radiation after a nuclear event requires both immediate protective action and long-term medical management. Radiation exposure can cause acute radiation syndrome, internal contamination, cutaneous injuries, and delayed effects such as cancer. The first step is to seek shelter in a reinforced or underground location to minimize exposure. Decontamination is critical—removing contaminated clothing and washing … Read more
The threat of nuclear attack is one of the most sobering realities of modern life. While the likelihood may seem remote, history and current global tensions remind us that preparedness is not paranoia—it is prudence. Surviving such an event requires understanding the dangers, planning ahead, and acting decisively when the unthinkable happens. The Threats A … Read more
A dislocated shoulder is a painful and often alarming injury, but in many cases, it can be treated effectively without surgery. Among the various reduction techniques, the Cunningham method stands out for its simplicity, gentleness, and reliance on the body’s natural relaxation response. This technique uses traction, muscle relaxation, and massage—particularly of the trapezius, deltoid, … Read more
Imagine the unthinkable: a nuclear World War III. Not a distant nightmare, but a real, unfolding catastrophe. Cities vanish in seconds. Infrastructure collapses. The air becomes poison. And for those who survive the initial blast, a slower, invisible killer begins its work—radiation. If a nuclear event were to strike the United States, the aftermath would be … Read more
