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Briar Patch Outdoors

Florida Wilderness Skills Trip (Part 4)

by Keith A. Williams

To add a little something extra to the experience, we took advantage of one of the benefits to having access to so much unoccupied space. We were able to send individuals out in separate locations, with nothing but the most basic gear and the knowledge and skills that they had acquired, to make their own separate shelters and spend time living on their own. This gave them a chance to take concepts which they had seen and heard about and truly test the techniques, as well as their own abilities. Spending the night alone in a strange environment, particularly with little gear to lean on, is a very eye-opening experience. Many of these participants noted a new level of self-confidence that they may have never experienced.

  

To be true to our generous host, as well as to the environment, we cut only as many plants as we needed for demonstration of a particular concept. We either re-used materials or substituted others whenever possible so as not to put any unnecessary strain on the plant or animal life in any particular area. Of course, every effort was made to erase our presence before we departed.

Although this trip was not quite as difficult as I had hoped, the feedback that I have received left me feeling like everybody enjoyed themselves, and left feeling like they learned a thing or two about their abilities, and maybe even about themselves as well. As for me, I viewed this as not just a chance to spend some time with a few old friends, or even an excuse to meet a few more, but also as an educational experience on a level that few people ever get to enjoy. I would like to thank all who participated in our little adventure! For those of you who missed out, I’ll look forward to seeing you the next time around. Also, I would like to extend our hearty gratitude to Tuppie Rushing, Ed Emmons, Margie Williams, Jerry Williams, Angie Williams, Possum and Pearlie Mae Miller, Guy and Mandy Ramsey, Wayne Rushing, and everyone else who went out of their way, both to make us feel welcome, and to enlighten us to what its like to grow up and live in such a wonderful area.

              
              

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Briar Patch Outdoors
219 Holmes Street
Durand MI 48429
(989) 288-0168

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