FAQ's

Demanding enough to promote success! The Woodsrunner School is not a military style boot-camp, nor is it a place for wilderness romantics. We take a realistic approach to the outdoors by combining knowledge, skills, and experience along with modern methods and techniques to teach students how to thrive in any outdoor situation.While all our courses are educational, some are very demanding. However, through all of them, we add a good dose of fun that gives our students a great sense of achievement. We emphasize participation, not sightseeing. Many of the courses are accompanied by hands-on practical experience, which also contributes to our students’ high success rate and enjoyment.

You must be at least 16 years of age in order to participate in any scheduled course or event without a parent or legal guardian present. The minimum age for participants in any Woodsrunner School scheduled courses is 12 years of age. For youth ages 7 to 17 years old we have our youth program.

Sometimes. Some courses have different requirements so please check the gear description link located on each training description page. Most items required should be a small expenditure. We also have some items for loan, so our students can mitigate the cost of courses. Our courses are designed to help students learn to do more with less.

We have a fully dedicated non-profit program for youth ages 7 to 17.

Alcohol is not permitted for obvious safety reasons.

Not at all! You do not need any prior experience to take our courses. The only prerequisites are listed in some of the courses. In order to progress, you must complete each course in order. However, some students who have prior experience may advance without being required to complete the entire course or phase before advancing. If you have further questions about qualifying for an advanced course contact us.

Click here to register for a course or events. From the main training or events page, choose a course or event by selecting Learn More for full descriptions and course dates.” Every course or event will have a full description, gear list, cost, and date. Click the "book now" button to register.

Each course description includes a meal checklist. Some of our courses we will prepare meals as a group. Also Note: Some courses are away from base camp and may require students to pack their meals in.

Firearms are not prohibited as long as you abide by all SC State & Federal Laws. Guns should remain concealed at all times.

We teach methods of fishing, hunting and trapping during certain courses. We follow all state game and fishing laws and require all students to have a valid state license during these courses.

We have a basic primitive style camp with multiple composting toilets. We find this more environmentally friendly than digging latrines and infinitely more comfortable. During multiple day courses, we do offer a hot shower. Each student is responsible for their own hygiene necessities such as toilet paper, biodegradable soap, washcloths, and towels.

Our course sizes range from 5 to 12 with an instructor ratio of 1:6 or fewer. Expectations for numbers of students are stated on each individual course description.

It is the student’s responsibility to let us know if there are any health restrictions or allergies before taking the course. We follow several safety standards and protocols to ensure the safety of our students.

Sometimes. Some of our backcountry courses require camping, but other courses and events do not require it. If you do have to leave for any reason, please inform an instructor or a member of the staff before you do, for safety reasons. If you require assistance getting back to your vehicle, our staff is happy to assist you.

While we cannot restrict the presence of cell phones during courses, we ask that students limit the use of them, placing them on silent or airplane mode to limit distractions.

We understand that emergencies happen. Should the need arise to cancel for any reason contact us as soon as possible. Due to the cost of materials, other costs, and having a limited number of spaces open. For each class or course there is a 30% fee for all cancellations. 30 days before a course or event begins - 70% refund with a 30% cancellation fee 29 days to 16 days before a course or event begins - 50% refund 15 days or less before the course event begins - no refund No refunds on guest instructor courses