Why Children Need Strong Role Models: Learning from Survival Expert Rick J Petersen
In a dynamic and fast-paced world, it's crucial for children to have strong role models who can inspire and guide them through life's challenges.
One such role model is Rick J Petersen, a bushcraft and survival educator and former SAS soldier.
RIck is not only a master survivalist, he’s a wise and supportive mentor - and our resident survival expert at Wildlings Forest School.
In 2022, our leadership team headed out bush with Rick for 3.5 days of professional development, team building and nature connection. It was such a privilege to learn from Rick. Adults need mentors too, and it was so empowering for us as leaders and as women to be able to learn hands-on skills and vital knowledge that could one day save us in a survival situation.
Not only that, we’ve been able to share that knowledge and skills with the children at forest school and see the joy on their faces as they come into closer relationship with their environment as well.
In recent years, Rick’s knowledge and expertise have been in high demand all around the country, and now he’s about to put his skills to the ultimate test - surviving in the remote wilderness for 3 months on Season 2 of ALONE Australia.
Now, Rick is teaming up with us to offer a school holiday workshop like no other - Survival Skills Camp for the Zombie Apocalypse! Read on to learn more about mentorship, Rick, and how your child can benefit from venturing into the wild with us these school holidays.
why nature-based mentors are essential for your child
Kids greatly benefit from strong role models, especially in outdoor education and nature connections, where mentors play a crucial role in teaching bushcraft and survival skills. These experiences not only equip children with practical abilities but also instill confidence and resilience.
Mentors who possess a passion for the outdoors inspire children to explore, learn, and connect with nature on a deeper level. By guiding them through activities such as fire-making, shelter-building, and navigation, mentors empower kids to overcome challenges and develop problem-solving skills.
These hands-on experiences foster a sense of self-reliance and resourcefulness, providing children with invaluable tools for navigating the world around them.
Moreover, the bond formed between mentors and children creates a supportive environment where kids feel encouraged to take risks, embrace new opportunities, and develop a lifelong love for nature.
Through mentorship in bushcraft and survival skills, children not only gain practical knowledge but also cultivate a sense of empowerment and connection to the natural world that will stay with them for years to come.
Rick J Petersen, Raising Wildlings Podcast Season 2 Episode 14
“It takes a village to raise a child - and if you can help people out by getting around them, and sharing some of that load with them, and passing on some mentorship, then I feel as a society that that’s what life’s about.”
ABOUT RICK
Meet the man behind the beard - a master of survival, a captivating bush poet, and a TikTok sensation!
Nature has always been a refuge for Rick. Growing up in the foster system, he would often escape into the wilderness when he needed space.
At 14, he left school and worked in a nursery for several years, an experience which seeded his love of native plants and sparked his interest in ethnobotany.
At 17, “with a chip on his shoulder”, he joined the Army, and served for several years before being selected in the elite Australian Special Air Service Regiment in 1986.
Jumping out of planes, teaching survival skills to the US military, leading treks along the Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea, taking fathers and sons into the jungles of Sumatra, exploring the nooks and crannies of the far north of Australia – life’s been a wild ride for Rick.
Rick openly acknowledges the central role his time spent working with traditional custodians has played in bringing him to where he is now. In addition to his years spent guiding in Kakadu and Arnhem Land, Rick served alongside Indigenous soldiers for several years in Australia’s Regional Force Surveillance Units (RFSU) and spent time working in the Central Desert.
Rick's deep interest in ethnobotany, the connection between native plants and their Indigenous cultural uses, further demonstrates his commitment to understanding the natural world and its resources. His passion for fire-lighting, nutritional, medicinal, and crafting qualities of plants has not only fueled his exploration of survival techniques but also earned him a dedicated following on social media, where he shares his expertise with over 180,000 loyal followers.
CALL OF THE WILD
Rick’s journey from the military to becoming a bushcraft and survival educator is about to captivate audiences worldwide. His story serves as a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the importance of family.
Now, Rick is teaming up with Wildlings Forest School to host a Zombie Apocalypse Workshop, offering Sunshine Coast parents and children a unique opportunity to learn essential survival skills in a fun and engaging way.
Rick brings a wealth of expertise and excitement to the workshop, where he combines practical skills with imaginary scenarios to help kids survive the Zombie Apocalypse.
Children can expect to gain invaluable insights into survival strategies that could one day save their lives while enjoying a day of adventure, learning, and adrenaline-pumping fun.
Don't miss this chance to learn from a true survival expert and prepare for the ultimate test of the wild. Secure your child’s spot now and join us for an unforgettable experience with Rick J Petersen!
For more information and to book tickets, visit our bookings page or contact us at hello@wildlingsforestschool.com.
Written by Ellen Nesbitt. Ellen is a nature play advocate and creative writer with a passion for helping families connect with the outdoors. She is dedicated to exploring ways to nurture children's creativity, independence, wellbeing and love for nature.