CONNECTING PEOPLE TO THE WILD SINCE 1994
Welcome to Southwest survival!
YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR NUMBER ONE MISSION-
WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!
With Southwest Survival you will enjoy a premium customized experience for you and your group.
Making Southwest Survival the number one choice for those wanting EXCEPTIONAL wilderness adventures and hands-on instruction that is not based on someone’s ego, but on proven success for over 30 years of experience.
Learn from an experienced, proven teacher!
Other schools will give you less overall value for your time. They don’t have the background of unique teaching methods to facilitate faster and higher levels of learning. Your experience with me is carefully crafted to maximize your learning and growth throughout our courses and wilderness adventures.
A true teacher understands how to guide new people, share the excitement of learning and predicts mistakes and knows how to help you work through those mistakes, accelerating your learning- surpassing your expectations of what you thought you could do, and inspiring you along the journey!
I certainly have a lot of experience! I've worked as a certified public school teacher for 25 years, and for over 30 years through Southwest Survival. I have enjoyed sharing the excitement of outdoor skills and wilderness adventures to thousands of people in a variety of offerings- public and private groups, outdoor adventure companies, as well as for public schools, homeschools, community colleges and universities!
Unique and extensive experience in related fields
In my experience, the most inspirational teachers are people that really know a lot about what you are learning and can make connections to related fields.
I believe that a great teacher is someone who is also a curious, and driven student! 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… and I've taught martial arts and self defense courses at Northern Arizona University for over 9 years,
Along the way, I’ve also trained in medical emergency care through Wilderness First Responder and EMT training.
I am constantly learning and applying new knowledge from my mentors, and sharing this to with my students.
Whether new to the outdoors, or experienced adventurers, I can certainly help you and your group become more wild!
Looking forward to guiding and sharing outdoor skills with you!
Jon
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