The Bushcraft Training Association grew from industry leaders that needed proven competence in safe practice for Their instructors
Quality standards based in Experience
Bushcraft Training began with the requirement for proven competence from the Outdoor Activities sector in the Peak District, where Outdoor Instructors were being asked to deliver introductory sessions to groups and so the Bushcraft Safety Award was born. The BSA draws together a broad wealth of knowledge and experience across the outdoor activity industry.
The syllabus’ development was led by Jamie Dakota over a 10 year period whilst training instructors nationally for the YHA in bushcraft provision for young people; the syllabus has involved expertise and input from members of the Association to bring the Award to fruition in 2022.
The Association came together organically and over several years while the training package was being built.
As with all projects of this nature, it evolved over time from an in-house training scheme to a outreaching program for all kinds of outdoor instructors wanting to practice the best standards of safety.
In consulting with various peers and industry leaders the need for a agreed Safe Practice requirement was recognised, as well as a pragmatic approach to implement the training to active instructors of various backgrounds.
Associated participants continue to pool their experience and that of their instructors to bring the real-time safety requirements of the field to bare for the training of the award.
Jamie Dakota - Howl Bushcraft
Having started his career in bushcraft delivering training to outdoor centre instructors for youth activities, Jamie has had the opportunity to see how the attitudes, experience, and the understanding of an instructor can hugely shape what a learner takes away from a workshop.
We draw from this experience in the field to teach a set of skills and knowledge based in practical deployment of best practice in range of settings to provide instructors with a framework with which to deliver their sessions how they want to, safely.
We teach these practical skills in a friendly and open way, engaging you in the learning and assessment process to help you build a robust system to bring to your delivery. We'll help you cultivate a positive attitude, a confidence in yourself, and a connection with the natural world which you can bring to your sessions.
Andy Charlton - Adventure Expeditions
Founded in 2010, Adventure Expeditions is a Not-For-Profit organisation that uses the depth of experience of our staff team to deliver safe, quality outdoor programmes that are authentically adventurous - we provide real adventures.
Our programmes are designed around your chosen aims and we remain adaptable to changing conditions and the needs of your group through the experience of our instructors.
With a full-time staff team of five working hard to construct, manage and deliver your adventures, we dedicate time and energy to designing the best programme for you. We are lucky to be supported by a fantastic freelance team - all chosen for their qualifications, experience and approachability.
Adam Logan - A.Woodsman
Adam is a UK based bushcraft instructor with a passion for the Boreal landscapes of the world. A desire to teach from a place of authenticity has led to spending hundreds of nights camping out in sub zero forests relying on handcrafted clothing, shelter and equipment.
Collaborative work with other instructors, schools and organisations across Europe and Canada gives Adam a unique perspective to reflect on how bushcraft and wilderness journeys are conveyed, and enables him to relate to a diverse audience of students in meeting their learning desires and needs.
Adam draws on a twenty year career working in the UK bushcraft industry designing and delivering adult training courses and expeditions where his focus has been on accessing, modifying, and relying on natural materials and traditional processes of manufacturing utility items.
Edale Activity Centre - Instructor Team
YHA Edale activity centre has been at the forefront of youth adventure activities since 1986. It has been a launch pad for several waves of outdoor instructors and has helped shape the standards of the industry.
They welcome over 3000 young people each year to take part in adventure activities, breaking down barriers to participation all the way.
YHA Edale has hosted Bushcraft activities since 2013 and have over the years developed a robust in-house training programme for it’s instructors which has helped inform the Bushcraft Safety Award.
Robin Heath - Whitehall Activity Centre
White Hall is one of the country’s leading Outdoor Education Centres. Situated in a stunning location in the beautiful Peak District National Park, White Hall has given thousands of people unforgettable learning experiences since it opened in 1951 as Britain’s first Local Education Authority Outdoor Centre.
All of their instructors are committed to providing high quality outdoor education. They have a wealth of experience to call on, with backgrounds including teaching, youth work and environmental studies.
Their outdoor activity qualifications are of the highest standards; this means they are technical experts, trainers and assessors in a number of outdoor activities.
Their instructors are not only committed to the outdoors professionally, but also on a personal basis and amongst us you will find competition climbers, Himalayan mountaineers, mountain bike racers, cavers, canoeists, competitive fell runners, triathletes and even a surfer.
Tom Bardon - Wild Passport
Established in 2018, there are hundreds of practitioners following the WILD Passport programme all over the world; evidencing the impact of their work, offering pathways of progression to their learners and ensuring their efforts are sustainable by providing cost effective evidence of their outcomes to leadership teams.
Used as a stand alone programme, a Forest School Skill Progression tool, an afterschool club framework, curriculum for home education groups or many other applications, the WILD Passport is designed to be flexible rather than rigid, making sure it provides the benefit and outcomes that you require.
Additionally, we offer accredited training for Outdoor Learning Practitioners and Forest School Leaders via our national training network. Whether you require outdoor learning CPD, Forest School CPD or are looking for new ways to enter the outdoor learning industry, our quality assured and rigorously assessed training is a time efficient and cost effective way of accessing the qualification you need.
Jamie Walls - Learning and development: YHA England and Wales
Travel and adventure connect people to each other, to nature and the outdoors, to culture and heritage. These connections improve health and wellbeing; build essential skills for work and life; and nurture respect for the environment.
Through our places, programmes and activities, we create opportunities for everybody to make these connections. Welcoming solo travellers, families, groups and schools to our amazing properties in exceptional locations, we deliver memorable, meaningful experiences that have a measurable impact.
In 2019/20 more than 1 million people accessed the benefits of travel and adventure through YHA.