“Cody, I just wanted to send a quick note to let you know how we enjoyed the course. It was fun, informative, and I think got both of us thinking about the right concepts. I feel like we’ll be better prepared in wilderness outings, and therefore, have more fun. It was also a great "hands-on" after reading 98.6.”
Doug H. San Diego, CA.

“Cody’s teaching style is EXTREMELY effective and refined - you don’t just practice what you learn, you LIVE it. Cody keeps the atmosphere fun, but still communicates a lot of practical information very efficiently. The pace is lively, the environment is rich for learning, and you have a lot of fun. Of all of the instructors I have known over the years, in the military, undergraduate college, and graduate college, Cody is one of the best I have had the privilege of knowing.”
Clay Owsley, Electrical Engineer and Research and Development Project Manager, Cave Creek, AZ.

“Dear Cody, I want to thank you for your leadership of our Desert Drifter experience. It has had a pretty profound influence on my life thinking in several ways. I think I can safely say at this point that this experience ranks among the top three physical adventures in my life as far as Spiritual significance goes. A lot was packed into a mere seven days. I am sure there will be more treasures to be uncovered in time. I want to express my deep gratitude for your role in helping to impart these lessons. Thank you.”
Mark T. New York, NY.

“Greetings Cody, Just wanted to drop a quick note to say thank you again. I had an incredible time and look forward to my next class. I learned a great deal of info, (I’m actually trying to compile a written After Action Report so I don’t forget it all.:), and had a lot of misconceptions blown out of the water by your direct and matter of fact teaching method, which was very kick ass. I appreciate the time you took to explain each new skill and technique and have no problem giving a 5 Star recommendation to anyone interested in taking classes from you.”
Niko L. Trenton, NJ.

“What a life-enhancing two days. OK, I’ve read your books, but they were words on a page. Good words, important topics, but not living experiences. Not until this weekend. Your words came alive in the Sonoran Desert Daze class. Fairly early in the white board session under the tarp on Day 1 you spoke of the liberating power of the knowledge to be gained in this class. How un-“f-ing”-believable a statement that is. I have a whole new appreciation and respect for our Mother Earth and our role within it. As I was driving home Sunday night at dusk, an overwhelming feeling of peace came over me as I entered into the terrain we spent just two short days. I know you were kidding when you talked about the plants becoming “our friends.” But I saw the mesquite and palo verde and the creosote, and felt the comfort of their familiarity. I saw the endless field of mustard and felt like I was truly at home. I really relish the past two days experience in nature, with the fellowship of new friends from the tribe, and the wisdom you so freely shared. It was a life experience that made a significant impact. I know it sounds strange, but it changed the way I am viewing the world now and I am not sure exactly why. My view of the world was a pretty good one. I’ve always subscribed to the theory we will never stop learning and continually add to the “magic bag of tricks” throughout our entire lifetimes. But something did change for a greater good this weekend. Call it empowering yet peaceful; gutsy yet gentle; bold yet subtle; full of independence yet connected. I sincerely thank you for the clarity and the spirit. I will carry it with me always.”
Nanette Towsley, Phoenix, AZ.

 

 

Client Testimonials

“I took my thirteen year old son on the Arizona Combo Special, in the summer of 2008. David had watched every survival reality show he could find, and let me tell you, not a single one had portrayed anything of reality. On this course we spent time in rugged, ancient desert, then under the wide sky of high mountain desert, and finally into thick alpine forest. We built shelter, found water, made fire, and signaled for rescue. We worked in unison with other students, fine tuning personal communication and community strength. Course instruction and personal grit was put to the test. For a week, David and I were given the opportunity to experience the power of the wilds and the beauty of what it has to offer man; under the competent, professional, and protective instruction of Cody Lundin. Take this course for necessity. Take it out of curiosity. Take it for bragging rights. For whatever the reason, sign up and I promise it will impact your life. I can’t convey how empowering authentic confidence is – put your hands to it – then you’ll know.”
Kristina Freeman, author of Loca and Distance of Touch

“I want to thank you Cody, for teaching me the skills, giving me the muscle / experience memory for possible situations, making great memories, giving me food for thought, and making a difference in my life.”
Lynn Kot, engineer and sustainable living enthusiast, Tucson, AZ.

“I am the Programs Manager and Search and Rescue Coordinator for the National Indian Youth Leadership Project in New Mexico. I brought Cody out for two, three-day training’s for my staff and rescue team for a summer and winter primitive living skills workshop. It’s not just the knowledge and common sense that Cody possesses, it’s the fact that he lives and breathes what he teaches that keep my staff so engaged and in belief of everything he says. ‘Whether you live or die in the wilderness all depends on you,’ comes across so strong in every skill that he shares.”
Jason Flesher, Program Manager and SAR Coordinator for NIYLP

“Thank you for coming to our Paddle Club meeting. So many people have called to tell me how much they enjoyed your talk, as well as how valuable the information you shared is for recreational day hikers and others.”
Mary Curan-Perkins, Steering Committee Chair, Prescott Paddle Club

“The full effects of the trip are still just sinking in! I had a wondrous time and you ‘rock’ as an instructor and as a truly original character! I’m looking forward to being back ‘on course’ next year.”
Andreas Seppelt, Writer and Proprietor of Bukowski's Bar and Bistro, Vancouver, B.C.

“I wanted to thank you for the experience of a lifetime. My intention was simply to understand and gain an appreciation for the daily life of aboriginal peoples of times past. To feel how hard it was to do most everything for yourself, to be a member of a tribe supporting each other as best as possible, to make fire before it got too dark or cold, to not know whether the next day would bring any food to eat, the stress and anxiety of many unknowns, and many other things. You delivered far beyond what I could have possibly expected. I will now use this new knowledge not in Wilderness living, but in my every day life. I am continuing to downsize my personal life now that I have more knowledge of what is truly necessary.”
Will Harrison, Now Experienced Wilderness Survivalist, San Francisco, CA

“Thank you for the tremendous contribution you have made over the years to the Ecosa Institute. I can confidently say that our program would not be what it is if it was not for the significant role you play in introducing our students to the fundamental concepts and practices of sustainability and teamwork. By leading our students through the wilderness with virtually none of the traditional equipment and supplies of backpacking, you are able to weave together what many of our students say is a life changing journey. Our class comes to you as a collection of individuals, yet in a short time return from the wilderness as a bonded, functioning team of friends.”
Tony Brown, Architect, Program Director, Ecosa Institute

“On behalf of the Scottsdale Sportsman's Club, myself and all the guests at the meeting, I want to thank you for an excellent presentation. Hopefully our paths will cross again and we as a club may well utilize your services in the future.”
Rick Ersland, President, Scottsdale Sportsman's Club

“I plan to take my nine year old on a father and son camping trip this fall and teach him some of the things you taught us. I find myself more confident in many areas than I was before I met you. Thank you again for the unforgettable experience.”
Mark Reardon, Vice President of Operations, Trabon-Paris Printing Company

“Thank you once again for a incredible outing. I have never in my life experienced such a great time. I have since finished weaving my pack-strap, restrung my gourd canteen and am practicing my fire skills. The experience and my new skills will be with me always.”
Charles Vogt, Client Account Manager Aide, Xerox Business Services

“I want to thank you for the unforgettable experience of your Ultimate Abo course. Your insightful teachings and deep respect for the environment are truly priceless. Not only was the course very comprehensive in aboriginal basics; but, many of the lessons learned were directly applicable to day-to-day living and the corporate world. The experience provided renewed focus, increased passion for life and freedom, enhanced respect for others and the environment, and an overall appreciation for native peoples. Without hesitation, I would recommend the Aboriginal Living Skills School to others---the curriculum is thorough and the instruction superb!”
Dianne N. Bridges, Account Manager, PM Solutions

“I just wanted to thank you again for an awesome class; it was by far the trip of the year for me. The knowledge and experience I gained from your class was immeasurable.”
Brad Whisnant, Real Estate Agent/ Developer

“Well, it’s been three weeks since my first Abo Camp and I am ready to go again! The weekend I spent with you and the other students was one of the best for me in years. What a confidence builder. You are a master teacher Cody…for learning that really matters. You have touched my life. I have shared my experience with anyone who will listen!”
Gayle Vernon Simkin, Vice President, ITS Operations

“Cody provides a wealth of knowledge to all learners regardless of age or background. Student response to Cody’s classes are incredible. They love his enthusiasm and sincerity as well as his "hands-on" teaching style and passionate speaking ability. Our only complaint regarding Cody’s courses are that they are too short! Imagine that as a problem!”
Jennifer Taylor, Divisional Administrative Assistant Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department, Yavapai College

“After the last ‘Abo Skills’ day the youth expressed a huge interest to learn more about their cultural and traditional ways. Those who were unable to attend wished they had, and parents also wished they could have been involved - I consider that a huge success! What I would like to propose is that we do it again!”
Linda Ogo, Language/Arts/Media Coordinator, Culture Research Department, Yavapai Prescott Indian Tribe

“We very much appreciated your participation in the Church World Service Disaster Ministry Skills Development Institute at the Emergency Management Institute. In your informative and entertaining presentation - Honing Personal Survival Skills, you played an important role in making this year’s Institute one of the best training experiences the CWS Emergency Response Program has offered. The theoretical and practical information and insights you brought to the training program helps strengthen our U.S. disaster ministry.”
Bob Arnold, Associate Director, Church World Service, Emergency Response Office

“If you are interested in a high impact training and development experience for your employees in the area of change management and flexibility, Cody is your man! He doesn’t do boring lectures or memorization of facts. ... He does engage his audience so that they are truly involved in their own learning. His unique approach to helping people look at the value of adapting to ever changing environments is so popular with our employees, I’ve had to limit the enrollment in our in-service programs so that first time participants get a chance to share the experience!”
Susan Spector, Training Administrator - Employee Development, Yavapai College

“On behalf of the Arizona Mountaineering Club, I would like to thank you for giving such a wonderful presentation at our meeting on Monday. It was extremely interesting and informative, and just what all of us needed. I appreciate it and I look forward to putting together some more programs with you.”
Patty Warren, Program Director, Secretary, Arizona Mountaineering Club

“‘Amazing!’ ‘Can’t wait to do it again!’ These are the reactions I get after we do a course with Cody. We’ve been on five different courses with Cody, each leaving us with a sense of accomplishment and confidence that we can handle a survival situation if the need arises. Cody gives you a new appreciation for the environment, showing how it can help you or hurt you if you’re not prepared."
Frank Ventura Jr., Former President, Arizona Outing Club at Arizona State University

“Cody, your presentation was spectacular! People have already called to find out when you’ll be back! I look forward to working with you again soon!”
Christina Mencuccini, Special Events Coordinator, Recreational Equipment Incorporated (REI) Paradise Valley/Tempe, Arizona

“The completion of a months work in Aboriginal Living Skills reflects some of the most foundational studies I have ever experienced as an outdoor education student. Never before have I learned such utilitarian survival skills and then applied them in a ‘real’ context.”
Jeffrey Adorador, student self-evaluation for "Aboriginal Living Skills" course, Prescott College

“Your course was some of the best hands-on, practical training our group has ever had.”
Susan Williams, Yavapai County, Mounted Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Posse

“Cody teaches an excellent survival class! His method of teaching is fantastic and entertaining. He covers everything one needs to know to survive ... without all the gimmicks sold at the stuff-mart stores. His course is so good, we use his material to help protect humanitarian aid workers around the world.”
Terry and Tina Wesbrock, International Security Specialists

“Training with Cody Lundin is one of the best investments I’ve ever made. I thought that I new how to handle an emergency survival situation, but I was wrong. His training course has given me the knowledge and ability to survive. It’s priceless.”
Mark Brians, 5th degree Black Belt, Top International Instructor in the American Combato System (Jen-Do-Tao™)

“Cody Lundin will teach you the essentials of wilderness survival with a unique respect for human life and the natural world. His blend of modern and primitive expertise equates to survival instruction of the highest level.”
Brent Capriotti, Manager, Multi-media Development, Choice Hotels International

“I want to thank you again for the class this past weekend; it was a great experience! My daughter and I got to spend time together, which is not as easy as it should be. Both of us learned valuable new skills. I have a greater sense of respect for what can happen, combined with a greater sense of confidence of what I can do about it. And it definitely took my daughter out of her comfort zone, which is not a bad thing.”
Tom Ault, Phoenix, AZ.

 

 

 

 

“The [Desert] Drifter class was the best outdoor class I’ve ever taken. It put things in perspective for me. For me, that class was more than skills and pushing the limits...great curriculum. I look forward to your next “crazy” course. I look forward to training again.”
Matt Kull, Quantico Marine Base

 “Cody, I wanted to thank you again for a most memorable weekend. The knowledge and wisdom you possess continues to boggle my mind, but the fact that you are willing to share that which probably came at a high personal price is quite literally, stunning. Although, I hope I never have to apply the skills that I learned, the chances of surviving and helping those I am with have certainly increased ... Thank you for sharing the benefits of your hard-won wisdom.”
Susan MacIver, Phoenix, AZ.

“Cody, you create an awesome experience for understanding nature and survival. You are a wealth of knowledge on plants and nature. I learned more from you in a day than from the 5 books I have read on survival. My confidence level for being able to survive in the mountains, or desert has increased dramatically because of what you taught me. The high light of the day for me was learning how to create fire from two pieces of wood. I know what I need to do in order to create fire. I am confident I can build a fire almost anywhere. I will look at my time in the outdoors different, because of the things I now know could keep me alive, that I didn’t know existed before that day of survival learning. I look forward to the next trip.”
David Saxby, President of MeasureX, Phoenix, AZ.

“I signed up for "Desert Drifter" hoping to find out how to pack and hike lighter. And I got what I’d hoped for: I can now do more with far less. But taking the course merely to learn minimalist camping is like studying Zen meditation to learn the lotus position -- the skills are merely the means to a greater end. I came away with a deeper understanding of myself, of the wild, and especially my place in it. I can’t recommend Cody or “The Desert Drifter" highly enough.”
Keith Ulrich, Amherst, MA.

 

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