Cover photo courtesy Bri Loveall
By Karie Lee Knoke
During a recent course at Sacred Cedars Wilderness School, called Survival Sisterhood, I dove in deep about the concept of creating an ongoing community of women centered around the subject of survival. In the circle of women who attended the course, we discussed what ‘survival’ really means. With the popularity of reality survival TV shows, most folks instantly think of survival as something we do in the wilderness or preparing for when SHTF. However, the real meaning of survival is much more serious.
In short, survival means, “to continue to live, especially after being in a difficult or life-threatening situation.” The key words are life-threatening. Let’s not forget our dear loved ones who are faced with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses who are often left to fight their battle, alone. How can we, as women, support each other? It can be as simple as going for a walk with someone who just wants companionship while they are going through Chemo. A simple, yet priceless act of compassion can go a long way!
As we contemplated the many facets of survival, we set the intention of our circle as this: Survival Sisterhood is a circle of women teaching women survival skills in a safe, supportive, non-judgmental, non-competitive, heart-centered, fun and community-oriented environment. To empower women with tools that build self-confidence, self-reliance, courage and strength to endure whatever challenges life brings forth.
Throughout the Survival Sisterhood course, we covered several skills starting with the basics of knife safety and cutting techniques. The knife is an essential tool in survival, and knowing the proper way to use it and care for it is critical.
We found fresh tracks of coyote, bobcat, skunk, black bear, moose, snowshoe hare and a feral house cat. Tracking what animals are in your area can not only provide an opportunity for food, but also alert you to what predators are around.
Foraging for wild edibles is always a hit! Harvesting fresh cattail roots for dinner during a refreshing swim was the most hilarious adventure of all! I haven’t laughed that hard in years! We cooked up the roots in a hollowed-out pumpkin using hot stones.
One of my favorite skills is archery. Witnessing the transformation of a woman who pulls a bow for the first time to hitting her target is astonishing. Taking aim at something, whether small game for dinner or an envisioned personal goal, teaches you how to have the fortitude and courage to go for what you want in life.
One skill that is almost always overlooked, yet vitally important, is self-care. Maintaining your well-being when times are tough is critical for mental clarity, keeping your emotions in check, and your physical body vibrant and resilient.
In future Survival Sisterhood courses, top-notch women instructors will be offering other practical skills, such as self-defense, wilderness emergency care, herbal medicine, S.E.R.E. (survival, evasion, resistance, and escape) tactics, hand gun training, and hunting techniques, just to name a few.
You don’t need any experience to belong to this community. Survival Sisterhood is a supportive and safe environment for women to learn and grow. It allows women to connect with each other, creating life-time friendships and a support network to help those in need. Survival Sisterhood is more than survival; it’s about thriving in all areas of life.
Survival Sisterhood will launch as a new program in Sacred Cedars Wilderness School this November. Come on ladies! Let’s do this!
Karie Lee Knoke is a wilderness/primitive skills instructor and founder of Sacred Cedars Wilderness School. She was a contestant on the reality survival TV show, Alone Season 9, on the History Channel. Go to www.karieleeknoke.com for more information, or follow her on Facebook @SacredCedarsWildernessSchool or Instagram @karie_lee_knoke
