CONNECTING PEOPLE TO
THE WILD SINCE 1994
Welcome to Southwest survival!
For over 30 years I have been sharing outdoor skills for public and private groups, outdoor adventure companies, as well as for community colleges and universities.
My journey started with travels all over the West studying from many amazing herbalists, emergency survival training programs, traditional native americans, and wilderness living experts.
Survival is not just for the wilderness! I’ve also trained for many years with Arizona Tactical Adventures in tactical training in combat rifle & pistol tactics- executive protection, field and urban combat, etc...
Along the way, I’ve also trained in medical emergency care through Wilderness First Responder and EMT training.
Here are some of my teaching experiences
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Survival Instructor for Northern Arizona University, Pima, and Coconino Community Colleges
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Guest lecturer for public organizations and business including Museum of Northern Arizona, Bass Pro Shops, Cabelas, Arizona Game & Fish BOW program, U.S. Forest Service, ROTC, and many others
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Created and instructed Youth Adventure Camp for Coconino Community College, Camp Colton, and others
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Northern Arizona University self-defense instructor
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Flagstaff Bujinkan Dojo martial arts instructor.
Whether you're new to the outdoors, or an experienced adventurer, I can certainly help you become more wild!
Looking forward to sharing outdoor skills with you!
Jon Helleson
TESTIMONIALS
""I wanted to once again thank you for such an amazing and eye-opening class. This was one of the best investments I could've made to my future as an outdoor recreation guide and just as a fellow human being."
PAUL
"I just finished the "knife only" wilderness survival course. Thanks to Jon Helleson's patience and expertise, the experience was incredible. Every learning module (shelter, fire, water, foraging, hunting etc.) was jam packed with information and hands-on training."
DERRICK
"Jon is an excellent teacher with many years of knowledge and experience. His classes are fun and very practical. His prices are very affordable- a great value that can't be beat!"
RACHEL
SELF-RELIANCE
UNDERSTAND AND PRACTICE WHAT IT TAKES TO SURVIVE IN THE WILD. LEARN AND REFINE NECESSARY SKILLS WITH MINIMAL TOOLS AND TRUE KNOWLEDGE.
plants
IDENTIFY AND USE MEDICINAL AND EDIBLE PLANTS IN THE NATURAL GROCERY STORE ALL AROUND US.
connection
GAIN AWARENESS OF THE NATURAL WORLD AND UNDERSTAND THE DEEPER INTERCONNECTEDNESS OF IT ALL.
confidence
FEEL SAFE AND SELF-ASSURED WITH YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR LOVED ONES IN A TIME OF UNPREDICTABLE EVENTS