About
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A top-notch, caring, real deal kind of teacher.
Byron, a former U.S. Air Force Survival Instructor, has been designing and teaching wilderness survival classes for the public for twenty-seven years, and consistently ranks in the top tier of wilderness survival instructors in the United States. Byron has shared his teachings with more than 800 small groups - from Boy Scouts and their leaders to a very special SEAL team to Department of Homeland Security personnel to law enforcement personnel to Fish and Wildlife agents and even to folks with wilderness survival on their bucket list. Generally put, people from all walks of life. "Byron Kerns Survival was founded - near historic Madison, Georgia - as an affordable means for outdoor recreationists and others to learn wilderness survival. While other costs in all that we do seem to be on the constant rise, I have decided to reflect my pricing back to 1996, so more outdoorsy people with an interest in staying safe in the backcountry can afford to attend the classes. And, more importantly, they can learn some important and bodacious stuff." 
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Laurence Gonzales, author of Deep Survival, says this: "As I caught my first glimpse of our instructor, Byron Kerns, he swaggered toward us wearing an 18-inch machete, a big, macho looking guy. He had worked at the famous USAF Survival School in the state of Washington. When I saw him, I thought: We're in for it now. Byron turned out to be soft-spoken, polite, cheerfully earnest, and gentle to a fault. He moved slowly, never hurried, and was always carefully assessing himself and his environment. He wasn't prone to high emotional states. He carried with him a contagious air of calm. Even after a lifetime in the wilderness, Mr. Kerns entered the woods with a deep sense of respect and humility, like a man approaching an unpredictable creature."
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What do graduates say about Byron?
"Within 2-minutes of meeting Byron, I knew all was going to be okay."
- Neil G., Heart surgeon
"Thank you, Byron, for such an incredible insight into the wilderness. I was intimidated and quite nervous and you never made me feel less than important and equal to those that knew more than I regarding the outdoors. You are a force to be reckoned with! I learned so much and now I have much more confidence on survival skills. Thanks for an incredible learning adventure.
- Terrie P., Retired
"The course was awesome! From learning how to build emergency-action shelters - with just a few simple items - to enjoying some jerky that we made, and everything else in-between. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. My camping experience was very limited coming in to it, but Byron was very patient with me, and extremely capable and knowledgeable about wilderness survival. Can't wait to put the knowledge gained and the techniques learned to the test on my next camping trip."
- Matt S., Real estate agent
"I would like to thank you for an amazing weekend full of fun and learning. From start to finish, I felt that I was learning in an intellectual and spiritual way. You are a wonderful instructor and human being - full of compassion, patience, and respect for others and Mother Nature. Not only did I learn from the tasks, but from your quiet and well-centered demeanor. You give off such a peaceful vibe that it soothes any fears one may have about embarking on the experience. I loved every minute! "
- Natasha S., Accountant
"Your methods and message were always delivered in a manner which was serious, yet witty. You created a comfortable atmosphere from which to learn for all attendees, regardless of occupation, background, experience or preconceived expectations."
- Joe G., Software designer
"While the skills you've accumulated over the years are beyond impressive, your character and attitude are what impressed me most."
- Nick R., SunTrust Bank President
"Your demeanor is unbelievable."
- Andy H., Physician
"Positive Mental Attitude has uplifted me in ways that I cannot describe."
- Lou L., High School principal
"Meeting you, Byron, and being a member of the group for three days has changed me in ways I never thought would be possible. I left the course a different person."
- Glyn J., Engineering inspector
"Another lesson that you taught was that having the ability to help one another is the best way to help yourself. It amazed me how contagious that attitude was."
- Terry G., RN
"Within 2-minutes of meeting Byron, I knew all was going to be okay."
- Neil G., Heart surgeon
"Thank you, Byron, for such an incredible insight into the wilderness. I was intimidated and quite nervous and you never made me feel less than important and equal to those that knew more than I regarding the outdoors. You are a force to be reckoned with! I learned so much and now I have much more confidence on survival skills. Thanks for an incredible learning adventure.
- Terrie P., Retired
"The course was awesome! From learning how to build emergency-action shelters - with just a few simple items - to enjoying some jerky that we made, and everything else in-between. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. My camping experience was very limited coming in to it, but Byron was very patient with me, and extremely capable and knowledgeable about wilderness survival. Can't wait to put the knowledge gained and the techniques learned to the test on my next camping trip."
- Matt S., Real estate agent
"I would like to thank you for an amazing weekend full of fun and learning. From start to finish, I felt that I was learning in an intellectual and spiritual way. You are a wonderful instructor and human being - full of compassion, patience, and respect for others and Mother Nature. Not only did I learn from the tasks, but from your quiet and well-centered demeanor. You give off such a peaceful vibe that it soothes any fears one may have about embarking on the experience. I loved every minute! "
- Natasha S., Accountant
"Your methods and message were always delivered in a manner which was serious, yet witty. You created a comfortable atmosphere from which to learn for all attendees, regardless of occupation, background, experience or preconceived expectations."
- Joe G., Software designer
"While the skills you've accumulated over the years are beyond impressive, your character and attitude are what impressed me most."
- Nick R., SunTrust Bank President
"Your demeanor is unbelievable."
- Andy H., Physician
"Positive Mental Attitude has uplifted me in ways that I cannot describe."
- Lou L., High School principal
"Meeting you, Byron, and being a member of the group for three days has changed me in ways I never thought would be possible. I left the course a different person."
- Glyn J., Engineering inspector
"Another lesson that you taught was that having the ability to help one another is the best way to help yourself. It amazed me how contagious that attitude was."
- Terry G., RN