"And part of it is a reaction to the instability happening in the world today. We all have ancient skills as humans that have atrophied over time because we don't use them anymore. But if you get out into the wild, and practice those skills, they come back to you."
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Listening to America Podcast, June 2025 In this powerful conversation, Clay sits down with Jay Carson, the executive director of the Boulder Outdoor Survival School (BOSS) in remote Boulder, Utah. Jay’s journey is remarkable—he’s had a successful political career working with figures like Chuck Schumer, Howard Dean, and Bill Bradley, and he’s also made his mark in Hollywood as a screenwriter. But everything changed after he took BOSS’s 14-day survival course, an experience that led him to dedicate his life to the school’s mission of resilience and personal transformation. |
In June 2025, Outside magazine’s national parks columnist, Graham Averill, recounts his 7-Day BOSS Expedition course and how it relates to the popular TV show, Alone. He features four national parks where you can travel off-trail—and at least pretend like you’re a contestant on Alone. "No tent, no sleeping bag, no food. How long do you think you could survive? |
Adventure Journal 36, Mar 2025 In 2025, Adventure Journal captured a week-long survival expedition with BOSS from our 2024 season. The article entitled, Whose Skills Are You Calling Primitive?, shares the journey of 10 participants led by three BOSS instructors into the wilderness. “A week in survival school can change your life—if, you know, you survive." |
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Ever wondered what it takes to turn your love for storytelling and the outdoors into a career in the creative industry? This episode explores how BOSS Board Member and Alum, Mike Banker, transitioned from shooting amateur films on VHS tapes to crafting compelling stories in the world’s most remote wildernesses. |
In 2022, Pasadena Weekly shared one student’s account of the challenges and camaraderie experienced during a 7-day Field Expedition Course with BOSS. “It seemed like all of us were seeking something greater than ourselves,” Galvan said. |
In 2021, BBC interviewed BOSS Master Instructor, Jeremy Thomas for the article I have learned how to survive with a bow and arrow. This article addresses the resurgence of outdoor skills in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. |
This 2020 article profiles Eli Loomis, Executive Director of the Boulder Outdoor Survival School in Utah, who applied his survival training to navigate the mental challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially overwhelmed by fear and constant news updates, Loomis realized he was losing the calm mindset crucial in survival situations. Drawing on his experience in the wilderness, he refocused on staying present, making thoughtful decisions, and accepting uncertainty. Now, he finds peace in local parks with his young daughter, demonstrating that true survival is as much about mental resilience as physical skills. |
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In 2019, CNN Travel named the BOSS 28-day field course one of the world’s most extreme odysseys. This course is known as the gold standard for challenging wilderness courses. |
In 2018, Outside Magazine included the BOSS 7-day field course in its “ultimate course catalog for a continuing education in the outdoors”. |
Kuhl Outsiders In 2017, Kuhl highlighted BOSS for its rugged and challenging courses, and for the diverse students we attract. |
In 2017, Hiconsumption named BOSS as one of the 12 best survival schools, and noted that it is “one of the most highly recommended outdoor survival schools out there.” |
France’s GEO magazine sent a crew out to take a 7-day field course, and highlighted it in their September 2015 issue. |
In 2013, The Guardian asked Laurel Holding to write an article about survival skills for their publication. |
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In 2009, Vogue Magazine sent Hamish Bowles to have his own BOSS experience. He wrote a feature about it in the November issue. “My life had changed in a quiet but primal way.” |
In 1995, Men’s Health sent Joe Kita to take a 7-day field course. He wrote a feature for the February 1996 issue. “Survival camp teaches you a lot about nature, but even more about the nature of man.” |
A profile of Cody Lundin, a prior BOSS instructor, with skills advice and survival strategy recommendations. |
In 1997, Shape Magazine sent Catherine Fredman to take a BOSS course. They published her feature in the March 1998 issue. “The desert may seem harsh and forbidding—like a vast sandbox without mercy. But go in with the right skills and knowledge, and you’re likely to find beauty, truth—and maybe even a lost part of yourself.” |
In 1998, Mountain Living sent Steve Law to take a 14-day field course. They published his article in August 1999. “A two week crash course at the Boulder Outdoor Survival School teaches students how to subsist in the wild with nothing but a knife.” |
In preparation for their upcoming roles in Charlie’s Angels, Drew Barrymore, Lucy Liu, and Cameron Diaz studied with BOSS. An account of their experiences was published in Marie Claire in December 2000 |
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In 1996, Men’s Fitness sent contributor Catherine Fredman to take a BOSS course. “I had learned to push beyond what I considered my physical limits and discovered an unsuspected well of inner strength.” |
Men’s Fitness has worked with The Boulder Outdoor Survival School on multiple occasions. In 2001 it sent Editor Mark Thorpe to take a 14-day field course. “You’ll learn to peel back opaque layers of desert life and develop a comfort level you don’t anticipate.” |
In 1998, Jane magazine sent Gigi Guerra to an all-woman BOSS course. “I suddenly realize how awesome it feels to lose touch with the superficial things I’ve learned–while getting closer to those that are much more instinctual.” |
Boulder, Winter/Spring 2001-2002 |