Who's a typical student at Living Wild?

We strive to cultivate a village atmosphere where people of different skill levels can learn from each other. For 7-day classes we welcome beginners and experienced people alike. However, considering the living arrangements at the primitive camp (see below), we require that people have experience and be comfortable with primitive camping situations for an extended period of time.

Additionally, we require that people be able to work with their hands, as most classes involve some crafting skills. Some of our classes are week-long intensives and some for a month or longer, either way students should be in good physical condition to complete all the projects we will work on. Finally, participants should have a high level of motivation!

There is no age limit for our classes, for many classes we encourage families with small children, teens and "elders" to join, however due to the physical demands of some classes and the immersion programs they may not be suitable for children under 12, get in touch to find out more. Generally, we do not take children under the age of 18 without an accompanying adult.

Children under 5 are free, between 6 and 12 half price, and over 12 they will pay the full class price and be treated and taught as an adult.

How do I sign up for Living Wild classes? 

If you have decided to join a Class, you will be asked to send a 200 Euro non-refundable deposit to Lynx Vilden Living Wild school, contact information can be found below. Please also enclose a note with name, a little about yourself, and the details on the class that you wish to attend. If you have any questions about which classes are best suited for you, or whether or not there are any available positions in a class, go ahead and send an email to livingwildinfo(at)gmail.com.

Also keep in mind that some classes have prerequisites to joining, especially the longer mini immersion and Immersion Programs. If you are thinking about joining one of these programs, you should take a Basic Skills class or equivalent 7 day intensive and contact us specifically with regard to your interest.

What accommodations are available at the primitive camp?

Being a primitive camp, there are limited modern amenities around: limited electricity, no running water, no bathroom, no laundry, no shower, and we ask students to disconnect from habitual use of cell phones and wifi. Please consider whether you are willing to release your devices for the duration of the class before you sign up. There will be an emergency contact number that you can leave your loved ones. Let’s unplug!

Students cook on open fires, carry drinking water and bathe in the lake or creek.
Be sure you can be comfortable with these living conditions before you apply to our classes.

In our modern world we run regularly to the shops to buy our needs and desires, we think nothing of jumping in the car to run back down for something we have forgotten. At Living Wild School in Blikberget (near Rena) Norway, we do not have a vehicle for supply runs. The advantage of this is that you must be extra conscientious about making sure you have what you need for the duration of the course. This does not have to be cause for stress and anxiety, Living simply yet comfortably is fun! When you sign up for a class we will give you a general and detailed gear list that will cover your needs for the length, season and focus of your class. There is a taxi service in Rena that can provide service in the event that you need to go to town for something indispensable. This is not a service that Living Wild provides.

Why does it cost money to take a Living Wild class?

It's all about energy. There are expenses in running a program of this kind; land payments, insurance, communication and transportation costs. Lynx has spent 30 years of her life learning and refining these techniques that we consider valuable.
Unfortunately, we still need to live with a foot in each world to be able to share
these skills.
The time that we spend teaching is time taken from simply living.
In our culture, time and energy spent is paid for in money.

Are there any work trade positions?

Sometimes there are work trade opportunities but all work trade applicants

MUST FIRST HAVE TAKEN A LIVING WILD CLASS TO BE ELIGIBLE.

Can I join a class late or leave early?

For the sake of the other students and transport logistics Living Wild classes can only be booked in their entirety, we cannot accept late arrivals and early departures. For longer Immersions, if there are certain days that you need to miss in order to accommodate pre-existing commitments, that is usually okay, but it will be up to you to catch up with the class when you return. There are also usually reflection weeks, where there will not be class, but in which time students will continue living on site and working on projects. If you de need to leave the site, these weeks are the best time to do so.

Does Lynx live Stone Age all the time?

No, Lynx is often portrayed by the media as being fully Stone Age. This is not true, she is just a human with all the foibles, desires and flaws as the rest of humanity. She may be seen munching ice cream, on her cell phone dressed in a plastic raincoat at times. Leave behind your expectations that she is more than human!

If I take a Basic Living Wild intensive, will I have the skills to disappear into the wilderness and survive?

The intensive classes are introductions to the wilderness skills and the focus includes not only crafting and outdoor skills but how to live and communicate in a small clan. There is a balance of skills, this is not ‘survival training’ it is about learning how to interact with nature and all the beings around us. The longer programs will develop these concepts and after years of practice you will find that you have acquired a deep knowledge of how to live in the natural places you have spent time in.

What's the gear list I should bring to a program?

You are responsible for your own sleeping gear. Bring a tent, a sleeping bag, a sleeping pad, a tarp, etc; whatever you need to remain comfortable regardless of the weather (see notes on climate below).

When you sign up for any Living Wild programs you will receive a more comprehensive gear list catered to your specific class.
In the immersions and longer programs you will have the opportunity to connect with the outside world for a limited amount of time between classes. The gift of presence and  connection with your immediate surroundings and community will reap rich rewards that you will undoubtedly take back home with you.

At Living Wild School, we do not have a vehicle for supply runs. The advantage of this is that you must be extra conscientious about making sure you have what you need for the duration of the course. This does not have to be cause for stress and anxiety, Living simply yet comfortably is fun! When you sign up for a class we will give you a general and detailed gear list that will cover your needs for the length, season and focus of your class. There is a taxi service in Rena that can provide service in the event that you need to go to town for something indispensable. This is not a service that Living Wild provides.

What do we eat during Living Wild Classes?

Breakfast and dinner are provided in the price during the week-long intensives, students contribute by cooking as a team for the meals. The food provided is Paleo based on animal protein and vegetables. We try to source our meat and vegetables locally and/or organically. If you are vegan or vegetarian we can separate the meat dish from the vegetables but you should plan on bringing your own protein sources. Everyone is also expected bring their own snacks for lunches and between meals.

During the Immersion Programs you are responsible for all your own food, it is NOT included in the price. Bring enough food/snacks so that you don't need to resupply for at least a week. It may be useful for you to also bring containers/coolers to store your food in. Bring some personal camp cookware that can stand being used on open fires/coals, as well as a plate/bowl and utensils. In the immersion programs we will give you a Paleo food list that has worked well in the past for students that will be sharing and creating delicious, nutritional meals together. At the outset of the course some time will be taken to purchase temperature stable food sources such as nuts, seeds, herbs and spices, dried fruits, cooking oil, butter, nut milk and cream, eggs, salami, and minimal grains , dairy and preserved goods. We may also have a weekly food drop of local wild meat and organic, locally grown vegetables during summer time. These costs average about 12 euros per day when supplemented by wild harvesting what is seasonably available. You are encouraged to consider your own lunch needs with similar types of food . If you desire carbohydrates, try crackers, muesli, granola etc which keeps for longer periods. We encourage letting go of addictive tendencies toward sugary foods and desire to produce as little waste as possible so think about bulk purchasing where possible and other ways to reduce packaging.

What kind of gear should I bring?

We will send you a detailed gear list when you register for a class.
Please bring clothes with muted, earth-tone colors that blend with the natural environment, natural materials do not melt from campfire sparks.
Finally, please minimize the modern gear you bring. We want to give you an immersion experience into wilderness living skills and it's hard to do if you bring unnecessary electronics. We ask you therefore to refrain from using phones, tablets and computers in our camps. In some classes, there will be designated time to connect with loved ones and catch up on emails, but we do ask that the requirements of your class regarding these devices are followed as it takes a way a great deal from the rest of the students if some people are constantly connected. Simple and natural is better!

What's the climate like?

Since our classes range across many different latitudes and longitudes as well as seasons we can help you decide what specific needs you will have for the class you are interested in attending.

What materials are included in a Living Wild class?

The materials we use in classes are generally found and processed directly from our natural environment. This takes extra time but gives you the ability to learn how to use and integrate yourself in any location. For some classes where we have to purchase materials specifically there may be additional costs such as for hides. In this case it will be stated on the class sign up description.

What is there to do in between classes if I decide to stay at camp?

There's always a lot to do! You can finish the projects started in class, experiment some more with the new information you were taught and practice your new skills, start other projects, go out and gather wild foods, hike in the mountains and fish at alpine lakes, be exposed to taking care of animals, enjoy some relaxing time... There are endless possibilities; we're never bored.

Can I bring my dog to classes?

NO, no dogs are allowed.

Where are the nearest modern conveniences I can use?

Many of our classes are situated within walking distance from small villages where supplies can be purchased from a grocery store and Internet access and communication services are also available. during immersion programs we are sometimes very remote for several weeks at a time where these services are unavailable.

What is the policy on addictive substances at Living Wild classes?

On all of the Living Wild courses there is a strict No Alcohol, No Tobacco, No Caffeine and No Illegal Drugs policy. Furthermore, on Immersions we usually suggest reducing sugars and processed foods.

What is your cancellation policy?

Deposits are non-refundable.

If you cancel the class within 28 days of the class start date, your deposit can be transferred to another class within the same calendar year.

Full payment of programme must be made by bank transfer at latest two days before the beginning of class. Additional food cost contributions must be brought in cash.

If you have to cancel your participation in the programme, please let us know as soon as possible.

If you wish to give your place to a friend that is possible if you send their name and contact details no less than 7 days before the beginning of class.

If you choose to discontinue the programme after it has already begun, you commit to paying the full price of the programme.

Although highly unlikely, we reserve the right to change or cancel any programme if deemed necessary.

If the event needs to be cancelled due to Government restrictions, you will be offered an alternative date to attend. If you cannot attend the rescheduled date, you will be offered credit for that amount to attend another Living Wild class within the same calendar year.