Invisible Legends: Summer Survival Camp 7/21-7/27

Welcome to 'Invisible Legends' Summer Overnight Backpacking, Survival, and Scout Skills Camp! Nestled in the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains, this immersive experience is designed for adventurous youths aged 12-17, offering a unique blend of outdoor exploration, survival training, and martial arts mastery. Led by seasoned instructors, our co-ed camp fosters a supportive and inclusive environment, where campers learn invaluable skills while forging lasting friendships. At any level of comfort in the outdoors, seasoned naturalists, or new to the outdoors, our program caters to all skill levels, providing personalized instruction and hands-on learning opportunities.

Throughout the week, participants will:

• Master the art of stealth and survival with expert training in scout skills, wilderness navigation, and shelter building.

• Learn the ancient martial arts techniques of capoeira, Apache tactics, Kali stick fighting, and Systema Russian martial arts, under the guidance of skilled instructors.

• Embark on thrilling overnight expeditions, exploring the pristine beauty of the Sierra backcountry while putting newfound skills to the test.

• Immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of the region, discovering the secrets of hidden villages and ancient legends.

• Develop resilience, self-reliance, and leadership qualities through team-building exercises and outdoor challenges.

Our camp provides a safe and supportive environment for young adventurers to push their limits, discover their strengths, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Join us for an unforgettable week of exploration, empowerment, and adventure in the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Location to be determined—prepare to embark on the journey of a lifetime. A few options for location are being decided on including: Trinity Alps, Lassen, Fir Top Campground or, Faucherie Campground in Tahoe National Forest. Please reach out to Lukehefele@icloud.com with any questions or concerns.

Camp

Participants and instructors will establish a base camp, with tents, sleeping pads, sleeping bags, small kitchen, and modern camp gear. This will be a return point through the week where we will have lessons, games, briefings and debriefings. From this point we will embark on day long or multiple day long expeditions with minimal gear where the skills taught through the week can be put tom practice

Food

Food will be provided but basic, dried goods, grains and other light weight survival, camp foods. Additional local wild edibles will be foraged where the opportunity is presented. Fishing will likely be an option and a license for participants according to the California regulations will be required.

Medical Info

Because of our semi-remote location and the overnight nature of this camp, it is absolutely vital that we have complete medical information and history for all of our participants. Please let us know about any concerns you have or changes to your child’s medical information or health. Please bring any medications for your child in a ziplock bag with name and instructions. We will keep them secure and help remind campers to take their medications when needed.

Gear Suggestions:

• Tent: one person tents, or multiple person tents to be shared. As we gather sign ups we will create a group list to coordinate tent assignments and logistics.

• Sleeping bag: small, lightweight, synthetic

• Sleeping pad, inflatable, or foldable pad, Thermarest or other.

• Wool layers: merino t-shirts, longsleeves are cool when its hot and warm when its cold. Sweaters are also great.

• Shoes and socks: make sure they’re comfortable. I prefer hiking in sneakers but the important thing is they can be in them through the day. Often two pairs of shoes can be a great option, camp shoes and hiking shoes. Good thick wool socks are also key to keeping blisters from forming. I avoid cotton as much as possible.

• Knife: fixed blade, ideally a “Morakniv Companion”, or similar style knife is preferred, it is an all around great knife, affordable.

Packing List

• Backpack, 30+ Liter

• Wool Blanket

• Small tarp, or military rip stop multi use poncho

• Large mouth stainless steel water bottle

• Mug, plate/bowl, and cutlery

• Paracord, 50-100 ft.

• Journal/Notebook and pencils: Rite in the Rain, and space pens are a great combination. A note book and ziplock bag do fine as well.

• Bandanas

• One heavy duty trash or contractor bag

• Fixed blade knife, no folding knives

• Folding saw (optional but handy to have) Silky Pocket Boy is an excellent saw

• Headlamp/Flashlight (having a red light option on a flashlight is always great)

• Layers, merino or synthetic, avoid cotton, except as a base camp comfort option or last day of camp

• Other optional gear: camp soaps like bronners, hand sanitizer, bic lighter, pillow, binoculars, magnifying glass, fishing license, camelback (not a replacement for bottles)