March & Master: Wilderness Survival Meets Rucking

Join Andrea Bailey of Evolving Mind and Body and Tim Swanson of Owl Eyes Wilderness in this one of a kind class! Students will be lead through nature trails by the instructors on a weighed pack hike. Students can bring their usual backpacking gear, or add any weight they would like to their pack to add to the challenge of the hike and get more out of the fitness part of this hike. After hiking for some time, class will cover many survival skills ranging from map & compass, emergency shelters, fire building, survival kits, wood carving, emergency plans, animal conflict mitigation, and more!

Why is rucking important?

The term "rucking" means that you are intentionally walking with added weight to your pack. This adds a challenge to your hike and can help with strength conditioning, endurance, and overall physical health. Fitness is a survival skill, and adds to your quality of life. Being able to walk or run long distances has a huge impact on your success in an emergency situation. Carrying weight, whether it be your bug out bag, hiking pack, or even your child, means that you can bring more gear with you, or help others in need.

How fit do I need to be?

Fitness is subjective. And we do our best to accomodate everyone who wants to either get started on their fitness journey, or continue with it. We leave it up to the students to decide how much weight they would like to add to their pack, and there is no "competition" on who carries the most. Expect to hike a few miles, on relatively varied terrain with small inclines/declines, roots, and rocks. If you have any concerns or questions, please reach out to us.

What do I need to bring?

Bring your own hiking pack, water, lunch, snacks, and appropriate clothing for the weather. Comfortable hiking clothing as well as comfortable and broken-in hiking footwear will help as well. As for the survival class included in this program, everything is provided, but feel free to bring your own blade, fire starter, and compass. The instructors will also have these tools for sale at the beginning of class.

Who are the instructors?

-Andrea Bailey, Evolving Mind and Body

I’m Andrea—Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Resilience Coach, and Endurance Athlete. I grew up on a small farm in North Carolina, married a Marine and Correctional Officer, and have spent my career walking beside those who carry more than most.I created Group Therapeutic Rucking to break out of the traditional therapy box and bring healing into motion. With a background in functional fitness, mindfulness-based ecotherapy, and trauma-informed care, I guide teams through powerful outdoor experiences that build connection, clear stress, and shift perspectives. This is real-world mental health support—delivered with purpose, challenge, and no fluff. Let’s move through it together.

-Tim Swanson, Owl Eyes Wilderness Survival

Tim Swanson is the founder and lead instructor of Owl Eyes Wilderness
Survival. He holds a double Bachelor’s Degree in Adventure Education
Leadership and Adventure Therapy. He is a Level 2 Certified Animal Tracker, Wilderness First Responder, a Leave No Trace Master Educator, and a published author. Tim teaches wilderness survival and bushcraft from a connective and realistic approach. Classes with Owl Eyes Wilderness Survival are held in Massachusetts and throughout New England for all ages.

Reach out with any questions. Sign up for this awesome experience before the tickets sell out!

Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Gardner, Workshops in Gardner.