The Real Deal

A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Survival Instructor School, Class 71- 02, and a former  USAF Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Instructor, Byron is regarded one of the top civilian wilderness survival instructors in North America.  You'll only need the fingers of one hand and maybe a couple on the other to count the number of former USAF Survival Instructors over the years who have created and designed a successful survival school for civilians.  Byron's first  from 1996 to 2005 was Mountain Shepherd Wilderness Survival School in the hills of Virginia, earning him national media coverage, some of which are indicated below.   Now with his second endeavor, Byron Kerns Survival, he brings instruction to the outdoors-loving people of Florida.  More than thirty years of teaching experience, his Erwin-like enthusiasm, and a caring, gentle, no-worries character provide students a serious, fun, humorous, and bodacious source of learning.





Together, Byron and his wife Francine, a darlin' emergency room nurse, bring success to Byron Kerns Survival.  In what spare time they have, they enjoy Tahavadream - their small horse ranch located in central Florida.  And, while most are sleeping, Byron continues writing his first book, a collection of survival advice and wilderness tales. 

   






Student Testimonies


    

Byron, I enjoyed the course a lot, learned a lot, and really valued the experience.   I think your view on priorities, your discussion of some fanciful common ideas (like edible plants), and general approach will help me immensely in hiking and in life.
- Chris R., Attorney, Orlando, FL

 

I just wanted to say to you and Francine thank you for everything the two of you provided me. I doubt I will ever forget that weekend nor will I ever forget your wise and insightful instruction.  Since we left, Kendall and I have been thrown back into the world of business and schedules, and the whole time we longed to be back in the woods practicing the techniques you taught us.  From firecraft, knots and practicalities to observation, self reliance and even the craft of walking quietly enough to catch the chorus of singing frogs, you have educated us on the world around us.  As soon as I returned I got a chance to write about our experience in my blog:
http://wadeberryadventures.wordpress.com/2009/05/05/a-positive-attitude-and-some-550-cord-never-hurts/
- Wade B., Marketing Coordinator, Jacksonville, FL


Byron and Francine:  Just wanted to drop you a quick line and let you know how much I enjoyed the weekend.  It definitely ranks as one of the most awesome things I have ever done.  I was never a real good student in school; I was more of a " do-er " than a learner.  I was the kid that broke away from the pack, did my own thing, and usually wound up injured or arrested.  I feel like I learned  more in that short weekend than I did in four years of high school!  Anyway, long and short of the whole deal, you are about the baddest *ss dude I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.  And, trust me, I know some pretty ornery s-o-b's.  So thanks again to both you and Francine for everything.
- Ray B., Load Foreman, Titusville, FL

First, let me say to you and Francine, thank you.  The obvious value of what you taught us and instilled in us over the weekend has had time to settle in and I have to say I am eternally grateful.  For what it's worth I wrote up an article for my site on my experience and hopefully it will serve to convince anyone that comes across it to attend your school.  Here it is:
http://sursussel.wordpress.com/2009/03/23/byron-kerns-survival-school-bodacious/#more-510
Again, speaking for the newfound safety of my family, a heartfelt thanks to you and yours.  You have given me and my family and anyone I'd come across that needs help something that cannot be bought in a store and we cannot thank you enough.
- James M., Internet / Information Security, Minneola, FL



Again I just wanted to say thank you for what you do – educate persons with minimal to heavy experience on how to keep a Positive Mental Attitude.  The Survival 101 course sounds so basic, but each and every one of us learned multiple things to insure our future safety, enjoyment and teaching of the wilderness.  You are an inspiration to all wilderness lovers and I hope that you will continue your endeavors so that I can meet back up with you one day wherever it may be to take any course you are willing to provide.  I wish you and your wife the best.  Good luck on your book.
- Brent M., CPA, Bradenton, FL

For course offerings and registration, please visit our Training page.

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