Back to Courses
Welcome to the first step of a true adventure. The Amazon Wilderness School operates this course as a wilderness journey for those from an industrialized culture seeking adventure and challenge. Conducted in the Amazon rain forests of Brazil's most northeastern state, AMAPA, it is a unique opportunity to experience the mystery, comradeship, and adventure of an expedition into a primeval tropical environment. It is an invitation to the unexpected, a chance to accomplish something very exciting, and explore strengths you never knew you had.
More than tropical outdoor recreation, we strive to teach skills in working more effectively with others, and in living better with yourself.
This is not a tour, and it is more than a unique vacation. It is a training program, and an experience that will challenge and thrill you. We know it will change your life.
Assuming NO previous wilderness experience, we start with the basics:
Initially there will be a lot to learn. Working in a group in an unfamiliar environment will challenge your problem-solving ability. Though we start as strangers in an intimidating environment, you will soon gain confidence as a member of a team facing challenges together. As the forest gives up some of its mystery, discomfort gives way to fascination, confidence, and a sense of freedom. After we start the expedition portion of the course, more advanced subjects will be taught in the most practical terms.
The course
has five components.
1. A day or two of preparation and acclimatization short hikes and workouts.
2. A skills development workshop which will be conducted from the comfort of a very pleasant base camp in a remote area of the forest. It will include basic skills training in the forest. Including walks in the forest at night, and accessing the rain forest canopy.
3. The expedition - We will traveling deep into the forest on foot or by canoe, camping along the way. Instructors will begin to decrease their involvement with the leadership of the course allowing students to develop leadership skills as we go.
4. The expedition finale - further exploration and the hike out.
5. Wind-down, course debriefing, party,and free time will conclude the course.
All courses will include these elements although components may vary slightly in length from course to course due to the nature of the environment. For this reason a set itinerary is not presented. Remember, this is not a tour.
Of course there is so much to be learned that can not be formally taught. Basic values seem easier to identify in this primeval environment, and the satisfaction in accomplishing today what yesterday seemed impossible is not easy to forget. An appreciation and respect for the rain forest is easily fostered during the course, along with a deeper understanding of natural environments. One of our goals is to pass through the forest leaving no trace of our presence. This by itself is an accomplishment.
Your Course Tuition will include:
What is meant by accessing the rain forest canopy?
The huge trees of the forest form a canopy with their interlocking branches high above the ground. This canopy is an area of increasing interest to the scientific community because it is known to contain species yet unstudied. Biologists studying the canopy environment have adapted recognized mountaineering rope methods to gain entry to this ecosystem. During the course you will be taught to use this equipment, and climb into the tree tops safely. A very rare experience!
Is the course too hard for someone like me? Don't I have to be athletic?
Definitely not! This is not a Rambo style survival course. It is designed to teach you how to safely enjoy a beautiful and fascinating ecosystem. Of course you must be in good health, but the program is designed to be challenging on all levels not just physically. If you are on a fitness program of your own, great. If not, we would expect you to get out and have some fun in preparation for your course. Walk, hike, swim, cycle or whatever, on a regular basis, and only to the point that it remains enjoyable. Break in the boots you will be using and try out the pack you will bring. As in all things in life, the more you put in the more you get out. (Just as important will be a suggested reading list and recommended "night-school" courses list included in your briefing package.)
But isn't all this really dangerous?
Safety is always our primary concern, tropical rain forests suffer a bad reputation in some regards due to a sensational view of potential dangers. This program will give you a good idea of the myths and misconceptions there are surrounding the Amazon. This is not to say we ignore the hazards. There are risks inherent in all wilderness travel. Imagine arriving downtown in a major city and not having the slightest idea what traffic lights are for, or even being aware that they exist. Dangerous? Yes when you don't know the rules. What we will teach you is the rules. We have the advantage of technology on our side. Each patrol will be radio equipped. Although map and compass will be the main system of navigation, staff will be equipped with handheld global-positioning system units. This little piece of the 21st century uses navigational satellites to provide a position fix within seconds.
Fine, but what about tropical disease?
The reason local people are susceptible to various health problems results from the lack of simple systems to protect themselves (I.e. water and food purification, insect repellent, proper sanitation, basic immunization, etc.). We do not have these problems and can protect ourselves. Again we teach you the rules. Don't forget these problems are present throughout all of Africa and Asia and not just South America. What you learn here can be applied elsewhere. Vaccinations are a simple precaution, and you should discuss this with your doctor.
What will I need to bring?
One of the best things about tropical rain forest travel is an absence of need for warm clothes, sleeping bags, tents and all the other things normally identified with wilderness travel in North America, and that make for a heavy pack. You will need to bring a comfortable medium-sized pack, jungle-type boots, appropriate clothing, a comfort kit and an army style poncho.
Will I have a chance to take photographs, and enjoy the rain forest?
Absolutely! Most of your time will be dedicated to such activities. In the rain forest, you never know what lies around the next bend in the river or curve in the trail. There is always something intriguing to see or some new situation to explore. For photo buffs we will have along some super telephoto lenses to use with SLRs.
Who will be teaching the course?
The Course Director is Charles Scott, the executive director of Freedom of the Forest Association, who has overall responsibility for the progress of training.
The actual instruction in carried out by hand picked experts in their perceptive fields. Brazilian and international universities provide experts in natural subjects such as botany, anthropology, and animal sciences. In the more "practical" subjects
The remainder of the staff will be made up of local foresters and guides. All with a wealth of expertise drawn from a life on the river and in the forest. (Getting to know these people will be a treat in itself.)
What other expenses will I have?
In addition to outfitting yourself with a few inexpensive pieces of equipment for the trip and obtaining travel insurance, you should budget for some souvenirs and pocket money for your free time.
We need your feed back!!!! By policy, since all of the
information about the AWS is available on this site, we
do not send information in the regular paper mail,
nor do we produce any kind of glossy brochure. We feel this is a more
environmentally friendly approach, and takes full advantage of this information
medium. If you have any specific questions that are not answered on this site,
or comments we would be more than happy to hear from you.
Reach Brazil: Web Consulting and Marketing in English and Portuguese: Carmo
Scott Consulting
Copyright �1996 by Amazon Wilderness School - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED