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The Boulder Outdoor Survival School (BOSS) is the oldest outdoor survival school in the world.[1] BOSS is based in the small town of Boulder, Utah, where it has operated since 1968. In 1994, BOSS opened a marketing office in Boulder, Colorado. BOSS' president and CEO is Josh Bernstein, former host of The History Channel's Digging for the Truth.
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History
BOSS was conceived in 1968 by Larry Dean Olsen, author of Outdoor Survival Skills. Olsen felt that our modern lifestyle had dulled our ability to adapt to harsh conditions, and created a wilderness program to challenge participants both mentally and physically. In 1980, BOSS was incorporated as a private business in Boulder, Utah by Doug Nelson. In 1985, BOSS was taken over by David and Paula Wescott. They expanded the program to teach the skills of the local Puebloan cultures, and hired instructors with an appreciation of their history. In 1994, BOSS alum and former staff member Josh Bernstein returned as Marketing and Administrative Director, opening a new office in Boulder, Colorado. Bernstein restructured BOSS to include a more pronounced emphasis on traditional cultures, attracting greater media attention.[2] In 1997, Bernstein became CEO/owner of BOSS.
Philosophy
The BOSS philosophy is to teach with technique, not technology. In the field course, a BOSS staple since 1968, participants carry no tents, sleeping bags, stoves or backpacks, and carry little more than a knife, a poncho, and the clothes on their backs. BOSS believes in traveling light and becoming part of the wilderness.
Testimonials
Many testimonials can be found on the company's web site, and also by using a search engine to look for "Boulder Outdoor Surivial School". While surely a harsh experience, alumni who made it through the entire 14-day or 28-day field course usually agree that this was one of their most memorable and worthwhile achievements ever.
Criticism
The outdoor experience offered by BOSS is not without its dangers. In July 2006, a participant in one of BOSS' field courses died of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.[3] A lawsuit was filed by the participant's family in May, 2007, and was settled in November, 2007. [4]
References
- ^ About BOSS
- ^ BOSS in the News
- ^ N.J. man died of thirst during wilderness survival trek in the Utah desert
- ^ Buschow Case Resolved
