Instructor David Arama, leading a course in wild edibles.

 Vince Talotta/Toronto Star
Instructor David Arama, leading a course in wild edibles. Vince Talotta/Toronto Star

Academically, David has the following credentials: B.A. Environmental Studies (York); Diploma in Business Administration (Seneca); Certificate in Outdoor Recreation (Humber); and Certificate in Wilderness Emergency Care (Humber). Presently he is completing a M.Ed/Phd (BSU) in youth at risk education.

Instructor David Arama posing with "Survivorman" Les Stroud during a film shoot
Instructor David Arama posing with "Survivorman" Les Stroud during a film shoot

Our Approach

David Arama 'The Survivorguy'

David been teaching and leading outdoor programs for more than 30 years at community colleges (e.g.. Humber, Seneca, Mohawk, Niagara, Conestoga), universities (McMaster, U of Guelph), numerous district school boards, and city Parks and Recreation departments (e.g., Vaughan, Markham, and Milton).

His teaching also extends to numerous clubs, business, and industry groups. Some past and present clients include: Great Lakes Helicopter School, Pontiac Search and Rescue, Humber College (Flight Aviation Program - commercial airline pilots), Falconbridge Mining Coorporation, Five Winds Ski Club, Camp Mini-o-wee, Upper-Canada College, Markham Scouts and Venturers, and the Single Gourmet Social Club.

David has numerous television and radio appearances on TSN's the Great Outdoorsman Show, the Hunter & Angler Show, City TV's Breakfast Television, The Weather Network News, Global TV News (survival tips), and FAN Radio. He has also written numerous newspaper articles concerning Wilderness Survival and Preparedness. In addition to his media appearances, he also presents seminars and workshops at conferences held by such organizations as the Ontario Camping Association and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters.
Many of his presentations extend to public shows as well, such as the Ontario Out-of-Doors Annual Hunting and Fishing Show, the Toronto Sportmen's Show, and the Outdoor Adventure Show.

David also appears on Outdoor Life's "Camp n' Out Series" (the survival expert), "Survive This" TV Series (trained the castaways, survival consultant and involved in designing the series), Les Stoud's "Survive!" book, and in SARSCENE magazine.

Our Story

canoe-trip samll

David is currently researching lost victims and survival preparedness, and has recently received a grant to develop a "standardized" survival program aimed at saving lives in the wilderness, in association with Search and Rescue and Emergency Measures organizations.

Due to David's extensive knowledge in wilderness survival, GPS navigation, map & compass use, nature lore, edible and medicinal plants, and outdoors camping training, he is also a consultant and program designer, having pioneered numerous outdoor programs for groups, individuals, and many summer adventure camps.

Associated with the Wilderness Survival School, David has written several of the school's manuals, including the WTI Wilderness Survival Manual, the Outdoors Pursuits Camp Manual, and the Project LOST manual.

logo2011

Attend a Course

Find a local or online program that suits your interests and needs!