Survival Skills 101: Training Highlights from JLBC Cadet Corps Camps

**Survival Skills 101: Training Highlights from JLBC Cadet Corps Camps**

*By Kirk Carlson

Stepping into the wilderness, a group of young and eager cadets embarked on an unforgettable journey that would test their mettle, skills, and wits. At the Junior Leadership Boot Camp (JLBC) Cadet Corps Camps, participants undergo rigorous training in essential survival skills. These skills aren't just for outdoor enthusiasts but anyone looking to be prepared for the unexpected. Here's an overview of the highlights of what these young leaders learn:

**1. Orientation and Navigation**

The first lesson is knowing where you are and where you're heading. Cadets are taught to use a compass, read maps, and understand natural landmarks. Today's digital age often makes us forget the importance of these basic yet essential skills.

**2. Shelter Building**

A shelter is a basic necessity for survival, and cadets are trained in constructing temporary shelters using materials they find in the environment. Depending on the climate and terrain, this could be anything from lean-tos, tarp setups, or even snow shelters.

**3. Fire Making**

Creating a fire is vital for warmth, cooking, and morale. Cadets learn multiple techniques, from traditional flint and steel to more advanced friction-based methods.

**4. Water Procurement**

Finding and purifying water is another critical survival skill. Cadets are taught to identify freshwater sources, collect rainwater, and use purification tablets or makeshift filters.

**5. Food Gathering**

While JLBC emphasizes the importance of rations, it also educates cadets on edible plants, insects, and essential hunting or fishing techniques. Recognizing toxic plants and insects is equally emphasized to avoid potentially fatal mistakes.

**6. First Aid**

A comprehensive first aid course ensures every cadet knows how to treat common injuries. This includes minor cuts and burns to more severe injuries like fractures or hypothermia.

**7. Signaling for Help**

Signing for help can make the difference between life and death. Cadets are taught different methods, such as using mirrors, and smoke signals, or creating ground signs visible from the air.

**8. Mental Strength and Teamwork**

Physical skills are just one side of the coin. JLBC emphasizes building mental resilience, teaching cadets the importance of staying calm, making decisions under pressure, and the power of teamwork.

**Conclusion**

The JLBC Cadet Corps Camps provide a holistic approach to survival training, blending traditional skills with the challenges of modern-day scenarios. It's more than just a camp; it's a transformational experience that equips young individuals with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to tackle the unexpected challenges that life might throw. As the saying goes, "It's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it." Survival skills are no exception.