OVERVIEW
The Scout Adventure leads you deep into the tranquility of the Texas hill country woods. In this quiet setting, you will experience relational space for refreshment and renewal as you re-orient your life to the things that matter most.
Each day you will be guided through prayer, biblical teaching, solitude, journaling, and reflection. There is hiking, air rifles, archery, fishing, sling shots. Whether you are a seasoned outdoor adventurer or you want to experience the joy of the woods for the first time, your Scout Adventure will be a refreshing and transformational experience - and provide a memory of a lifetime.
Come engage with like-minded leaders, be strengthened and encouraged in your faith, and take an important step in your journey to live fully into your identity, freedom, and influence.
SURVIVAL SKILLS AND BUSHCRAFT
The Scout Adventure emphasizes hands on training in basic wilderness survival and bushcraft skills. Each day you will learn a core concept of surviving and thriving with minimal gear - and how to provide for your basic needs anywhere you travel - even if your technology fails. This is practical and fun knowledge you will want to implement and develop over a lifetime.
FIRE
The ability to make a fire is the most fundamental skill you can learn and is an essential part of self-reliance. Once you have fire you have warmth, light, the ability to cook, and peace and comfort for the soul. You will learn how to make tinder, gather kindling, and start a fire with several basic methods.
WATER
The ability to procure water is the next essential skill to survival. Water is essential for hydration, cooking, and cleaning. You will learn how to find water and how to make it safe to drink using a variety of primitive and modern filtering methods.
SHELTER
The ability to build a shelter is essential to keep you dry, warm, and protected against the elements. It also provides a sense of place - which is a great morale boost in any situation. You will learn different tarp set ups as well as how to construct different types of primitive shelters.
FOOD
The ability to forge and catch food is the final essential skill for survival. You will be introduced to several edible and medicinal plants, learn how to make a basic trap and snare to catch wild game, and experience some tips and tricks for how to cook effectively on an open camp fire.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Camping in the remote Texas hill country woods
- Daily worship, scripture teaching, prayer, and journaling
- Basic instruction in primitive survival skills and bushcraft
- Leadership development and encouragement
- Hiking, archery, fishing, sling shot, and more
- Gospel friendship and shared learning
- Solitude and renewal
ITINERARY
Wednesday, Jan 15
We will meet for lunch together at 12:00pm at a cafe in a nearby town. Then, we will caravan to the ranch and park our vehicles. Our adventure begins with a three mile hike (with all gear and clothing) to the Revelo Primitive Camp. Please arrive packed and dressed accordingly.
Thursday - Saturday, Jan 16-18
A typical day in the woods begins with coffee and morning prayer. We eat breakfast together, which is followed by a biblical teaching and solitude time for journaling and prayer.
The rest of the day is devoted to learning and enjoying a variety of outdoor skills and activities, including: survival skills, bushcraft, hiking, fishing, archery, sling shot, and more.
Each evening we reflect upon the highlights of the day, relax around the warmth of the campfire, enjoy the company of new friends, and conclude with evening prayer.
Sunday, Jan 19
We will enjoy morning prayer and breakfast together, followed by a biblical teaching and solitude time for journaling and prayer. Then we clean up camp, have lunch together, and end.
GEAR & CLOTHING
The key to staying comfortable while on an active adventure at high altitude is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation, and weather protection. This gear list has been created to help you choose the proper equipment. Try to bring only what is necessary; this will help you and your guides.
Gear
The following items are required and brought by you:
- Backpack (55-70L) with rain cover
- Sleeping Bag (20 degree recommended)
- Sleeping Pad
- Headlamp (with fresh batteries)
- Bowl, Cup, Spoon
- 2 Wide Mouth 1-Quart Water Bottles (Eg. Nalgene)
- Work Gloves
- 100’ of 550 Paracord
- Sunglasses
- Sun Hat
- Bandana
- Sun Block
- Lip Balm (with sunscreen)
- Insect Repellent with Picaridin
- Small Backpacking Camp Towel
- Toilet Paper and Personal Wipes (in Ziplock bag)
- Hand Sanitizer
Hygiene
Your instructors will explain about backcountry hygiene when you arrive. Please bring a toothbrush, toothpaste, and any prescription medications you need.
Clothing
The following items are required and brought by you:
- Outer Layer Rain Jacket (hooded, waterproof)
- Inner Layer Jacket (warm, fleece or down)
- Rain Pants (lightweight, waterproof)
- Hiking Pants (1 pair)
- Hiking Shorts (1 pair)
- Hiking Shirts (quick dry, 1 long sleeve, 1 shirt sleeve)
- Hiking Socks (2-pair, synthetic or wool)
- Hiking Boots
- Comfortable Shoes to wear around camp at night with warm socks (eg. Tevas, Crocs, etc.)
- Underwear (2 pair)
- Fleece or Wool Hat (especially important for sleeping in cold)
- Personal Hygiene Kit
- All Medication
Optional:
- Tarp (8x8 or 9x9)
- Tent (1-2 person only) or Hammock
- Pocket Knife
- Multi-Tool
- Base Layer (top and bottom, synthetic or wool)
- Camera
- Ear Plugs
- Fishing Rod and Reel with very basic and minimal Tackle
- Fixed blade belt knife (carbon steel with a Scandi grind and 90 degree sharp spine)
- Folding saw (Silky PocketBoy or GOMBOY)
- Ferrocerium rod (1/2'“ diameter x 5-6” long)
Please reach out with any questions about appropriate gear or clothing. It is important that you prepare and pack well.
FOOD
Away from stocked cupboards and the temptation of the fridge, you will be amazed at how satisfying a very basic meal in the back country can be. You are welcome to bring your favorite snack and special dietary items.
Typical meals in the backcountry consist of the following:
BREAKFAST - coffee, oatmeal or granola, dehydrated fruit, power bar, etc
LUNCH - peanut butter and tortillas, summer sausage, bagels, cheese, tuna, trail mix. etc.
DINNER - the very best dehydrated meal pouches
What's Included
All food (except for lunch on day of arrival and personal snacks). All cooking gear. Tents (unless you would like to bring yours). All permits and fees. Leadership coaching. Survival skills instruction. All equipment (except what is required by you to bring - see the Gear and Clothing list).
What’s Not Included
Transportation. Fishing license. Insurance of any kind. Optional gratuities. Items of a personal nature.
Cancellation Policy
We do not refund trips. If you have to cancel for any reason, you may donate your trip as a scholarship or receive credit for your trip that is good for two years.
FAQs & Things To Know
Participants must arrive on time with all the gear and clothing from the required list. We will begin with a three mile hike to the Revelo Primitive Camp - carrying our backpack with all our belongings.
Participants will be immersed in a wilderness setting.
We will stay together at the Revelo Primitive Camp and sleep in personal tents or tarp shelters.
There is no electricity or running water. Please anticipate the potential for cold and wet weather conditions.
There is no cell reception.
For safety reasons, participants must remain present and focused at all times.
Food will be provided by the instructors during this course. We suggest packing non-perishable foods/snacks for break times during the day.
Freshwater will be available on-site.
There is a brand new primitive pit toilet.
Participants will not have access to their vehicles and may not leave the premises to stay at a hotel, sleep in their vehicle, or go to town for food.
Meet the Team
MATT KESSLER
Lead Guide & Spiritual Director
The Rt. Rev. Matt Kessler has 26 years of experience in ordained ministry - serving as a pastor, church planter, regional leader, and Anglican bishop. Matt has started and led several non-profits and taught numerous courses and workshops. He is a certified leadership coach and spiritual director. Matt and Amanda have been married for 24 years and have three children 20, 16, and 14.
DARRIK WALKER
Instructor
Darrik lives in Minnesota where he owns and operates several entrepreneurial businesses including Walkers Braintan Leather & Bushcraft. Darrik and Stacie married in 2009. They teach a variety of courses for both adults and youth. Darrik possess a vast knowledge of primitive living and survival skills and is a highly regarded instructor.
JOSIAH BUCKNER
Instructor
Josiah lives in Mississippi. He is an associate pastor of a local church and leads Kingdom Outdoors ministries. Josiah and Monica have been married 14 years and have four children ages 14, 12, 10, and 1. Josiah is an accomplished hunter and wilderness skills instructor. He is passionate about family and people thriving in their calling.
Preparing for the Adventure
You do NOT have to be an athlete or highly-trained to attend a Revelo Adventure. You DO have to be physically capable and active. You will use your muscles and lungs in new and challenging ways, so begin now to work on your fitness and strength. Have some fun training for your adventure! Your efforts will pay off with enjoyment and comfort.
Also, be ready to be part of a team. Think about other team experiences you may have had in sports, school, or in business. Remember what helped your team be successful, and plan to be a positive contributor during your adventure.
Health Guidelines
Participants must arrive at the course start neither experiencing nor presenting any signs or symptoms of illness. If any signs or symptoms of illness exist, participants will not be allowed to start the course. Participants are encouraged to wear a mask when traveling and follow safe and consistent hygiene practices. There is nothing worse than planning and preparing for an epic adventure and getting sick the week before. (Updated February 1, 2022)
Substance Policy
No alcohol, illegal drugs, or unprescribed medication.
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8622 Crownhill Boulevard, Suite 104 San Antonio, Texas 78209
Revelo is a 501c3 Non-Profit
