Submitted by Brad Spencer
CANAAN VALLEY — While survival based reality shows have become a regular form of entertainment on television, two area men are funneling their years of experience in this field into teaching courses that could prove to save lives if put to the test.
Mark Chapin and Lucas Bast are in the midst of conducting several wilderness survival training classes on the grounds of Canaan Valley Baptist Church . The first of a scheduled three introductory courses, which last approximately four hours, was recently held in June. The next class will be held this Saturday at the CVBC pavilion from 9 a.m. to 1p.m. A third class has been slated for the Sunday afternoon during the annual Leaf Peepers Festival on September 27 beginning at 1p.m. There is no charge for the events, but any donations accepted will be used toward West Virginia Mountain Ministries, the outreach ministry of the church that is hosting the event. A hotdog lunch will also be included.
Participants in the class will receive hands on experience that includes how to make cordage from local plants, fire starting techniques, identification of edible plants in the local area, water filtration, shelter building, and basic safety tips and communication should they need to be utilized in a rescue operation. In addition to these lessons, participants also receive a survival kit that would greatly benefit the students in an outdoor survival situation.
Chapin, who is the founder of Mountain Wilderness Experience in Virginia, also makes Canaan Valley his home. With decades of experience, he is turning a passion that began while serving in the United States Air Force for 27 years, retiring in 2003 as a Colonel, into vital instruction.
He said, “I first learned actual wilderness survival in the Air Force and throughout my career continued to hone those skills for different wilderness areas.”
Among the areas Chapin has put his skills to the test include the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California, the hill country of Texas, and the Appalachian Mountains.
“I’m an avid deer hunter, hiker, fisherman and backpacker, which all require an understanding of the wilderness,” he said. “In Tucker County we’re blessed with access to the Monongahela National Forest, two State Parks and multiple designated wilderness areas. It only makes sense to offer wilderness survival training to those who come here to enjoy the outdoors.”
Bast, who gained his appetite for wilderness survival during years spent in the Boy Scouts which eventually led him to becoming an Eagle Scout, has spent countless hours in area woods.
“Having grown up in Canaan Valley, odds are when you’re here you’re going to be drawn to be outdoors,” Bast said. “That’s what draws people to this place … but any outdoor activity could end up becoming a survival situation. And with the sheer amount of outdoor activities it brings a greater risk of being involved in a survival situation.”
He added, “The more training and practice—the better.”
With a total of three classes here in West Virginia, Chapin will also be kept busy this summer with four classes on the calendar in Fairfax County, Virginia.
“Now that I’m retired I have the flexibility to add classes and courses as requested by any county, church organization, civic group, and schools,” he said.
Chapin agrees with Bast that training and practicing survival techniques is paramount in the event an individual or group must utilize these skills.
He said, “Too many people go hiking, backpacking, skiing, rock-climbing, canoeing or hunting without much thought to having a plan (for wilderness survival).” With virtually no experience in extreme conditions, Chapin fears that people could be renedered helpless in a back country emergency situation.
He stated, “Over 1,500 Americans each year die needlessly while outdoors from hypothermia. Their body temperature falls below 95-degrees and soon they become incapacitated; unable to help themselves to get dry, warm and to stay alive.”
This can happen even in the summer time.”
This is where the passion of Chapin and Bast can become lifesaving.
Chapin said, “Survival skills training is all about staying alive … preparing yourself with the knowledge, hands-on experience, and the mindset to make it through any situation.”
The training classes are designed for individuals from ages 12 to adult. All minors are required to be accompanied by an adult during the instructional time. Anyone desiring information concerning the upcoming events or wanting to reserve a place at a training session can contact CVBC at 304-866-7472, or by email at canaanvalleybaptist.wv@gmail.com.
