2026-08-10T04:13:34.063Z

My 12-year-old son, Jakub, and I went on the Father and Son ("Unplugged and Reconnected") Bush Experience with Rick in July 2026. We both thoroughly enjoyed this extended weekend from day one.Rick's experience in bushcraft and survival is unmatched. We learned so many practical skills—from fire starting and rope knots to shelter building, plant foraging, and self-defence. Rick is an exceptional role model and mentor for young boys.I grew up in the 80s and 90s in the northern part of Poland called Kaszuby, and as a kid, I was lucky enough to spend my days playing in the woods and by the lakes. My cousins, friends, and I spent our time building shelters, looking for antlers, mushrooms, and berries, or just wandering. Without social media, life was much less stressful. I sometimes pity today's teenagers—my son included—who are constantly comparing themselves to unrealistic, fake figures on smartphone screens and living under the pressure of fitting in.Being able to disconnect and spend time in the bush, practicing survival skills with Rick and a great group of like-minded fathers and sons, was fantastic for my son and just as good for me. We spent real, quality time together.I honestly recommend this experience to any father and teenage son. Thank you, Rick, for an incredible weekend. You are doing amazing work helping boys step up into capable young men. We wouldn't hesitate to go on another bush experience with you!Here is Jakub’s feedback:"Dear Reader, One of the million things I learned was how to defend myself from bullies. I also built a stronger relationship with my dad. If I ever got lost in the bush alone, I would know how to react because of what I learned during the weekend with Rick. Rick has improved my knowledge about nature. Thank you very much, Rick!"

2026-08-02T11:19:28.409Z

Attended the father & son training with Rick to make sure that my son was going to get first hand knowledge from a former SASR operator. Lots of people out there who teach survival without actual hands on experience so having access to someone like Rick is gold.Rick provides a combination of experience from the regiment and personal experience from to deal with the challenges that life has thrown at him to make men better fathers and husbands, and sons ready for becoming young men.There is no tradition in our culture to inoculate boys into manhood, so this training brings some of that back. It’s a great opportunity for fathers to spend quality time with their sons and other people, being outdoors while learning valuable outdoor skills (knife skills, knots, shelter, first aid, camp cooking, basic navigation, primitive fire making).My son loved it and didn’t miss his computer for a moment and was keen to have stayed a couple of more days. We’ll plan some time again soon going bush.If you get the chance I would highly recommend to go to one of Rick’s trainings!

2026-07-28T09:27:53.030Z

Both my son and I had an extremely rewarding experience and would recommend this to any father son team. We learnt a lot of valuable survival skills but even mor importantly had quality time together.

2026-07-28T06:14:31.920Z

Fantastic opportunity. Rick is a legend

2025-08-26T01:25:42.621Z

Rick is an inspiring, professional and extremely experienced bushcraft and survival teacher. I can't recommend him highly enough. His care, patience, enthusiasm and respect was deeply felt in the women's program. I learned so much and came away rearing to practice my new skills - ones that I have immediately applied. He created a space of leadership for us, of sisterhood and camaraderie. I met some amazing women, and was heart-filled with all our experiences. Friction-fire, archery, and night-time stories of the stars were my favourite activities. Thank you so much, Rick :)

2025-08-01T03:03:14.712Z

The Grounded Women weekend was the perfect break from the busyness of life working with young children. It was time for me to focus on myself and skill building and it was everything that was promised. I learnt a lot, calmed my nervous system in the bush, and met some incredible likeminded women. Can’t thank Rick enough for developing this unique offering!

2025-07-23T23:35:36.760Z

Rick is an incredibly knowledgeable and passionate teacher. We had a great weekend and came away with some really practical skills and fun memories.

2025-07-01T04:05:21.153Z

I can't recommend Rick enough if you're looking to expand your skill set and broaden your experience in survival fundamentals. By taking this course you will absorb invaluable knowledge about bush craft and looking after yourself if you ever find yourself lost in the outdoors with no water, heat, shelter or food. Rick is ever-helpful, keen to share his wealth of experience and will be right by your side to make sure you're on the right track. Whether you're an experienced adventurer or a newbie with a case of wanderlust but are feeling nervous about taking those first steps, Rick's energetic and engaging teaching will ensure you leave the course confident and ready to tackle the wilderness! Don't miss out on your place in one of Rick's courses; the knowledge he imparts on you could be a literal lifesaver!

2025-06-26T10:03:44.214Z

I have just recently attended the Grounded women’s Survival Camp. I had no idea what to expect but had the best time. Loved every minute and learned so much. Loved the camping, cooking, fires, new friends, deep conversations, survival skills, and relaxed environment that flowed smoothly. Rick is an awesome teacher and very patient at explaining and teaching us new skills. Loved the self defence class by Jamie and the bush tucker talk with Tameka. We all connected in a very safe and encouraging space on the first evening with fire time chats . Loved everything about the weekend and would not change anything about the course. Will be lining up to do Level 2 and some hikes with Rick and our new friends would be great as well

2025-06-23T09:45:16.405Z

Ricks Grounded women event was a fantastic experience. As I walked out after the 3.5days I literally felt empowered, like if I found myself stuck in the bush for some reason I could survive and get my self rescued. Thank you Rick for teaching me things that may save mine and my family's life one day.

2025-05-13T02:41:44.271Z

My son and I had a wonderful, life-changing experience on camp with Rick and his amazing brother Perry. Rick and Perry are such humble, strong men, who have so much to give in terms of skills, knowledge and wisdom, and are so generous in sharing. We also had a visit from Nathan, an absolutely quality man, and wonderful role model for my son. I highly recommend this experience to everyone - doesn't matter if you have no skills at all, or are comfortable in the bush - you will 100% benefit from this incredible time with Rick.

2025-04-27T05:15:36.774Z

We spent a day with @RickPetersen learning Bushcraft & Survival Skills, as a family. We learned so many new & interesting things, & our children had a great time getting involved & lighting fire, building shelters & so much more. They still speak about the things they learned that day & Rick is an amazing, patient, knowledgeable guide.