Meet Your Wildcard Within

There is a profound sense of empowerment that comes from learning how to navigate the wild unknown without the use of technology. My personal journey into using a map and compass began when preparing for a solo expedition across Scotland’s West Highlands and Cairngorms in 2018. The right to roam and the ability to wander off trail allowed me to lean into curiosities about Scotland’s landscape and history that may not have happened without this knowledge in “lost-proofing.” I believe that the art of land navigation is a critical skill, along with a strong foundation in wilderness medicine, that every hunter, hiker, bushcrafter, or everyday explorer must be educated on before immersing themselves off the grid in the great outdoors.   When asked to teach the Navigation 101 course for Georgia Bushcraft, I was beyond elated as land navigation is one of the first skills I developed on my “rewilding” journey and affectionately described as going back to my “roots” when leading an intensive solely on this skill.  Navigation has become essential to who I am today as it allowed me to lessen my fear of getting lost and feed my “wanderlust,” or desire and courage to roam and roam freely. To solely immerse yourself in the beauty of nature without fears and limitations brings an indescribable sense of wonder and freedom that fosters resilience and agency beyond guided travels. It was a privilege to be able to share this passion with those with the same taste for adventure, ready to tackle insecurities. and dedicate themselves to proper skills training.   The course began early on Friday morning at the Georgia Bushcraft Basecamp, an outdoor classroom surrounded by multi-story Mulberries, Maples, and Sweet Gums whose leaves were barely holding on from Autumn’s abscission. Our group of ten, a mix of hikers, hunters, bushcrafters, and retired army veterans, gathered around hungry for knowledge but still with hints of nervous tension as this art can be intimidating for some. As their instructor, I aimed to set the tone with reassurance sharing my personal experiences hiking through the Alps and across the Arctic; and laying out an overview of the weekend’s agenda: parts of a compass, map reading, terrain association, grid plotting, self-mapping, navigating by the sun and stars, and various practical exercises.   We started with an in-depth overview of navigational concepts, compass anatomy, and then its multiple uses beyond finding and following azimuths. By the afternoon students were equipped with travel logs and ranger beads, ready to travel safely through the woods conquering numerous courses varying in difficulty from the number of checkpoints to difficulty in terrain. That evening, back at basecamp, we shared our experiences over a shared fire and students gained tips on how to find cardinal direction from observing certain celestial bodies. Saturday morning, I handed out topographic maps and protractors, explaining declination, how to read contour lines, identifying terrain features, and calculating distances. I emphasized the importance of understanding scale and orienting the map. For many of the students, it was a reminder of just how dependent we’ve all become on modern technology like GPS devices and various phone apps. "Technology can fail," I told them. "But knowledge weighs nothing and skills can last a lifetime as long as they are maintained much like your tools.” By mid-morning, they were practicing in pairs, plotting points and planning routes, to find specific trees or toys scattered across the forest floor. This newfound knowledge was not easy to digest for some, as they had to recalculate their distance and bearings; however, the dedication to the craft was strong and lessons from mistakes were learned. It wasn’t long until I could see their confidence growing and their curiosity for off-grid adventure begin. One student, Bowdier Sackett, said “Navigation 101 with Jacks was more than a class on navigating, it was a class on confidence building and applying it. Jacks is a very knowledgeable and patient teacher. She made every part of this class fun and interesting. I would not hesitate to recommend or even to take the course again.” On Sunday morning, the sun was shining allowing for a module in primitive navigation, or how to navigate by the sun and shadows. Simple methods in finding cardinal directions and advanced techniques to determine actual azimuths were discussed and practiced. Kenny Brunswig, Founder of Grumpy Bushcraft, and the resident medic for the weekend’s module, said, “Coming from a military background, this was the most comprehensive and easily understood land navigation course I've taken. The information provided was extremely easy to digest and also use. The primitive navigation module was very interesting. Despite carrying a compass or GPS, knowing that I could find cardinal directions with nothing if I had to brought a profound sense of comfort.” Other conversations around modern devices and signaling for rescue were had before students set out for further and more difficult exercises armed with maps, compasses, travel logs, and skills. The sense of accomplishment from these students was immeasurable and it didn’t go unnoticed how they blossomed into confident outdoorsmen, proving to themselves, others and myself that they could get their bearings and find their footing. Land navigation is more than a skill, it’s about mindset and trusting your training when it comes to troubleshooting. It’s this trust that builds confidence, a renewed sense of self-reliance, and a deeper connection to oneself and the wild. It’s been said before that if you prepare for the worst, then you can hope for the best and truthfully, I’ve never been a huge fan of this phrase because I believe that hope should never be a contingency. I prefer the phrase, if you prepare for the worst, then you can prepare for the best. As I said earlier, I truly believe that land navigation is crucial when preparing for venturing off the beaten path, and I encourage everyone to take the first step. Land Navigation Class Review byJacks Genega, Founder of Wildcard Wilderness Survival For more class reviews, gear reviews, trail stories, class updates and more! Follow Wildcard Wilderness on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube! #survival #survivalskills #navigation #survivaltips #suunto #wildernessskills #wilderness #outdoorlife #woodsman #wildcard #neverlost #womeninbushcraft #onthetrail #wildcardjacks #wildcardwilderness #LearntoNavigate #LandNavigationClassReview .  

The Kungsleden has been a dream of mine since I began deep diving into the world of bushcraft in my mid-30s. Many of my interests trace back to the Sami, the nomadic indigenous people of Sweden and other parts of Northern Europe. The Kungsleden, or “The King’s Trail” is a 460+km walking trek that spans from the northern tip of Sweden’s Lapland region in Abisko and through four national parks, Abisko, Stora Sjöfallet, Sarek, and Pieljekaise, and ending in the small town of Hemavan.   For me, this trail seemed like the ultimate pilgrimage as you trek through the Arctic Circle, Sami lands, mountainous terrains, lake crossings, and dense forests. One can not discredit that this region remains very much untouched by man and belongs to the moose, wolves, wolverines, foxes, lynx, and bears that inhabit its landscape. Reindeer are still herded by the Sami and it's important to note that it is disrespectful to interfere with the tribes, their villages, and their herding. I was initially planning to set foot on this trail in 2020 when I was living in The Netherlands, but Covid restrictions and trepidation got the best of me. With some continued training in wilderness survival and an opportunity to travel overseas to speak at a festival in 2023, I finally felt prepared to pursue it. I planned my gear according to the challenges one could face and brought additional items aside from my traditional packing list. Extra thermals, plenty of food, a fixed blade knife, a Garmin inReach, a stainless steel canteen, and a map and compass were some of these extras. I was boasting with excitement and bursting with butterflies as every expedition comes with unforeseen challenges. I think the part of this journey I was so fearful of, other than the frigid Arctic temperatures or the potential for a moose trampling through my camp, were the several lakes one must row across being mindful of wind, underwater obstacles, and the chore of towing an additional boat for fellow hikers to use. There really is only one way I have been able to talk fear out of taking control and that is to trust your training, believe in the possibility of a transformative adventure, and "ripping the Band-Aid off" by taking the first step. The first leg from Abisko to Nikkaluokta was gentle in parts with picture-perfect birch forests and well-marked paths loaded with foot traffic as this section is a common holiday for Swedish Tourists wanting to ascend the country’s highest peak, Kebnekaise. But quite frankly, this section was also brutal when it came to the glacier crossings at Tjäktja, the gale-force winds bulldozing through the vast mountain passes, UV rays stronger than laser beams and never setting as it was the land of the midnight sun, and an unforgiving rocky terrain that made one prefer to walk in mud compared to the sharp boulders beneath. On Day 3, in Sälka, the winds were so bad that tenants at this shelter were urging hikers not to continue to Singi as it was deemed too dangerous. I took their advice and sought refuge in one of their bungalows where other travelers from around the world and I played card games by candlelight sharing battle stories from previous expeditions and huddled around my Garmin to tune in to neighboring lightning strikes. That night, someone hung their rain jacket a bit too close to the wood stove and it was set ablaze and the fire quickly spread to the roof and neighboring walls. Luckily, the pots of water available for dish-washing were near and the fire was no longer a threat. This moment only proves that you never know when a mistake could become a menace. The following section, Nikkaluokta to Saltoluokta, was when fellow hikers and shelters became scarce and the journey deeper into the Laplands transitioned to solitude. Out on the trail, I am consistently mystified by deep connections with the wilderness and the human soul. It's where the boundary between us and the wild becomes thin and nature becomes a mirror allowing one to have a closer look at what lies within. They say trauma is stored in the body and parts of our primitive brain, and it's through regulation and rhythm that we can release the energy imprinted on us from these catastrophes; but I’ve never been one for repetitive methods like yoga or dance to help release the grip that grief can have. It’s body movement from hiking that has helped break these obstructions and witnessing powerful healing rhythms in nature that have allowed me to be released. During this summer I was still suffering an insurmountable amount of grief from the loss of my mother and from individuals affecting my outlook on who I was inside. I was riddled with sorrow, anxiety, doubt, and insecurities about myself and also my pursuit in a career change, one that I hoped would help others. Who was I to send others on a path to healing, when I struggled to do the same for myself? Was I even capable of moving forward from these griefs? My heart was in so much pain and I had a difficult time terminating my permission that allowed myself to be hurt and others to hurt me. It’s out on the trail I could release these emotions safely with no judgements, and nature had a strange way of listening. Sometimes I would cry to release some of this stored trauma, and then it would rain. It was as if the universe was telling me to let it out. And when I did, it gifted magnificent sights of rainbows and the clarity to look closer at all the rhythms flowing outside and in; the streams, the wind, my heartbeat, and my breath. With every inhale I would breathe in possibility, and every exhale blockages and doubts. With every tear, I felt a little bit lighter and ready to be filled with the messages nature was waiting to share. The next two sections, from Saltoluokta to Ammarnäs, were demanding for those attempting The Kungsleden’s seemingly endless reach. This long and remote stretch required hikers to be vigilant with their surroundings. Resources for fire were slim, lake crossings were abundant and needed to be planned with caution, mosquitoes traveled in clouds ready to blood drain, and GPS signals were weak and rare. I had to carefully navigate by terrain association and would sometimes need to triangulate my position with a map and compass. When resources for fire were near, like birch bark, fatwood, or spruce resin; fire was still difficult in the everlasting damp conditions. The best way for me to make lakeside fires was by making feather sticks with my LT Wright and shredding my plastic meal bags for an accelerated tinder. The importance of self-reliance was not to be understated, but every obstacle enlivened my spirit knowing that I could rely on the skills I have developed. Long stretches of birch forests and sunshine, the abundance of blueberries and cloudberries, the expansive tundra, virescent moss-covered valleys, towering mountain summits, endless bridges crossing rushing rivers, and the occasional curious grouse visiting outside my tent walls made the experience completely surreal and became rewards to the hardships endured and healed my heart. One day before figuring out where I was going to set up camp and build the evening’s fire, a larger visitor made their presence known. I could feel heavy stomping vibrations through the dirt, knowing something was near before even seeing it. I thought for sure this was my moment to see a moose, but instead, a rogue reindeer, one that left the herd, bust out of the brush and hopped onto the boulder I was just planning my route on. Aggravated that I was in his territory, he snorted repeatedly as I backed away slowly through the trees nearby. Later I set up camp along a river and as I was collecting water I could sense movement in my peripheral vision. Low and behold, he was back. He seemed less bothered than before and we were now in a shared space. He walked up to my tent, curious about my wool socks airing out to dry and sniffed around my belongings before proceeding to urinate on my tent and then wandering back into the woodline. I took this as him granting me permission to stay but clearly advertising he was king and I was lucky to be allowed to stay. The final leg of the trail, from Ammarnäs to Hemavan, is the southernmost part of the trail rich in lush lichen growths and dancing crane congregations. The conditions were beyond boggy as the muddy meadows could swallow you whole. Despite having passed the Arctic Circle line and entering warmer weather, the heavens opened unleashing torrential rain on the travelers making their final sprint to the trail’s finish. On the final day, I ascended one final steep summit before lowering into Hemavan’s valley and was met with freezing temperatures and precipitation. The risk for hypothermia was high with constant rainfall and hail. My ego told me to push on to the end to maybe meet the possibility of a warm bed and bragging rights for having finished the trail earlier than expected, but my survival training course corrected my stubbornness when my teeth began violently chattering and finger dexterity worsening. I knew my core temperature was rapidly dropping. Instincts kicked in and I set up my tent immediately, peeled away many soaked layers, and curled next to a bottle of hot water in my canteen. I laid there waiting to unthaw, nibbled on the last bit of my reindeer meat, and after warming up slept in solitude one last time before reaching the trail’s end the following morning. Having completed The Kungsleden was bittersweet. I was exhausted physically having hiked nonstop for 21 days carrying upwards of 50 pounds of gear; I was exhausted mentally as moments of doubts and memories of trauma were slowly squeezed from my brain, but my soul body was elated and enlivened with the joy of curiosity and a newfound love flowing through all parts of me. Solo hiking the trail was more than a test in endurance and skills, but it was a path inward that fostered forgiveness around the loss of my mother, compassion for the least expected of individuals, and resilience that gave me my confidence back. It was an experience that broke the boundaries between myself and the natural world, for I wasn’t just a part of it, I embodied it. I hope to carry this narrative and medicine forever. For more class reviews, gear reviews, trail stories, class updates and more! Follow Wildcard Wilderness on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube! #SurvivalSkills #OutdoorAdventure #Preparedness #SurvivalTraining #WildernessSurvival #Bushcraft  #OutdoorSkills #survivalcoursesusa #selfreliance #offthegridlife #outdoorlife #exploremore #EmergencyPreparedness #AdventureAwaits #LiveOffTheGrid #Survivalist #NatureLovers #ExploreMore #StayPrepared #LearnSurvival #womeninbushcraft #wildcardjacks #wildcardwilderness #LearnWithWildcardJacks #kungsledentrailreview

It’s Friday morning in late March at the Georgia Bushcraft LLC property in Watkinsville, GA; and the Sweetgum and Tulip Poplar buds are ready to burst alongside the Redbud flowers already ripe for the picking. Eighteen women arrive prepared to brave the inclement weather on the menu for 2024’s first Women’s Wilderness Weekend led by yours truly, Jacks Genega. A vote was taken upon arrival on how best to utilize the day’s shifting windows of rain and drizzle. Option A was to stay the course and learn about how best to build fire from your kit and off the landscape (knowing that fire was going to be a harsh learning curve to achieve in wet weather conditions) or Option B was to focus on navigation and leave fire for sunnier skies. All hands rose for Option A. “This was my kind of crowd,” I thought. When approached to teach an all-women’s survival course for Georgia Bushcraft, I couldn’t have been more thrilled or honored. I have had many mentors throughout my training that I would consider father figures, but I never had one that was like a mother. I think most women want to be self-reliant in the wilderness and push themselves out of their comfort zone but just don’t know where to begin or think they don’t have the strength or confidence to do it. I am of the belief that it doesn’t take a lot of skills, or a lot of strength to do anything, you just need to be perseverant. Knowing what you are capable of physically and mentally is not a boundary, but a tool. No one has to be an expert or a master of a trade to do great things, they just have to know what they have to work with, how to use it, and go from there. To lead a course directed to all women allowed me to give the additional guidance I wish I had years ago. After some brief modules in cutting tool safety and self-aid, led by Becky Christopher, Co-Founder of Lostways Survival and Homestead, our appointed medic and Assistant Instructor for the weekend, it was time to forage our tinder of fatwood, punkwood, and whatever the forest floor had to offer. Alas, heavy rains showered upon us all but flame was nonetheless obtained with careful selection and processing. It is entirely false to think that fire can’t be achieved in the rain, but with the right materials, tools, and skill, anyone can do it. Tammy Nelon from South Carolina said, “I [...] enjoyed every minute of the weekend. Jacks’ experience has given her a wealth of knowledge and incredible stories to tell. Jacks makes the skills learning accessible and fun.” The morning of Day 2 allowed those to master ferro-rod and firesteel even further before jumping into a lecture about navigation. I don’t consider navigation a survival skill but it is one that will prevent you from getting into a SHTF scenario in the first place. Navigation is a way of “lostproofing,” a term coined by Craig Caudill from Nature Reliance School. If you don’t have a compass in the woods, then learning how to read your environment like wind direction or plant and tree growth, along with following your intuition, can aid one in finding your direction of travel, like the way back to your car. The wilderness is secretly whispering words of wisdom whether it's telling you where you are, what lies around the corner, or what lies within you; you just have to be open to listening to it. On Day 3 the skies cleared which allowed us to catch up on solar fire, emergency shelter building, and a module in self-defense. I believe that self-defense is a subject not often discussed in the world of wilderness survival and sadly, the issue of safety is high ranking as one of the reasons there isn’t more female participation in the outdoors. Much like our cutting tools, combustion devices, cordage, containers, and coverage; carrying a self-defense weapon like a firearm or bear spray is essential for outdoor adventure. Being mindful of the wind, I discharged bear spray to show the range it can have if one were in a predatory situation. If carrying a self-defense tool is going to lessen your fears, build some guts, and get your butt out in the woods, then by all means carry it! This course allowed us to have tough conversations with each other and ourselves, learning that vulnerability doesn’t have to be a crutch, rather it can be fuel. Lindsy Falukenberry from South Carolina said, “It was apparent Jacks’ passion for empowering women to feel confident in themselves and the skills they have; and she didn’t gloss over the hard subjects either. We had round table discussions where we felt safe to connect with one another and develop a sense of community.” As the day came to a close, students were encouraged to participate in a fire challenge and to gather materials ready to build a roaring sustainable fire. Every team completed the task using their newly developed skills and determination. Before taking our class photo with myself, Becky, and all 18 participants beaming with a sense of resilience through self-reliance; I asked everyone to take a moment to sit in nature for ten minutes in solitude and report what they observed. No student was shy of exclaiming how they felt more connected to nature, to themselves, and empowered by what they have learned. One student, Greer Peters from Georgia, said, “This class changed my life. I can’t wait to attend another course and become a lifelong learner. Thank you for making this possible!” So when it comes to exploring the Great Outdoors, and the many gambles it could bring like weather, wildlife, injury, or getting lost; this class is a stepping stone to realizing that it only takes a little bit of skill, a little bit of wisdom, and a little bit of guts to be a wildcard and overcome tough obstacles against all odds. -Jacks Genega, Founder of Wildcard Wilderness Survival #survival #bushcraft #wildernessliving #wildernessculture #optoutside #wildcardwilderness #womeninbushcraft #georgiabushcraft #womenssurvival

Lambs quarters, also known as goosefoot, is a common and often unsightly guest in our gardens, but boasts a surprising amount of nutritional value and medicinal benefits. 1. Nutritional Powerhouse:Lambs quarters is a nutritional champion, particularly rich in vitamins and minerals. It's loaded with Vitamin A, exceeding even spinach in content. It's also a great source of Vitamin C, calcium, iron, and protein. This profile translates to potential benefits for overall health and immunity. 2. Digestive Aid:Traditionally, Lambs quarters leaves have been used as a tea to soothe digestive issues like diarrhea and stomach aches. The plant might possess laxative properties as well. 3. Anti-inflammatory Potential:Lambs quarters may have anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of flavonoids. These compounds can help alleviate symptoms of arthritis and rheumatism. 4. Skin Soother:Topically applied Lambs quarters poultices, made from crushed leaves, have been used traditionally to treat minor skin irritations, insect bites, and even sunburn. WooHoo! 5. Urinary Tract Relief:Some sources suggest Lambs quarters tea might be beneficial for urinary tract health. Important Considerations: While Lambs quarters are generally considered safe for consumption, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional before including it in your diet, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are pregnant/breastfeeding. Certain parts of the plant, like the seeds, may contain higher levels of oxalates, which can be harmful in large amounts. Cooking Lambs quarters can help reduce oxalate content. It's crucial to properly identify Lambs quarters before consumption to avoid similar-looking poisonous plants. Remember:While Lambs quarters offer potential health benefits, it's not a medicinal cure-all. It should be seen as a potential dietary supplement and not a replacement for professional medical advice.Further Exploration:For a deeper dive into Lambs quarters' medicinal uses, consider consulting reputable herbal resources or reaching out to a qualified herbalist. Please allow me to recommend some elite masters to follow: Dr. Mark Merriweather and Dr. Nicole Apelian. Also, here are some books I highly recommend on the subject: Recommended Plant Books#plantmedicine #outonthetrail #foraging #optoutside #wildedibles #homesteading #wildharvest #medicinalplants #survivalmedicine #womeninbushcraft #bushcraft #survival

Birch Bark: A Lifesaver for Wet Weather Fire Starting Have you ever been caught in the rain and struggled to start a fire? Birch bark, especially from Yellow Birch trees, can be your hero in such situations.But Birch trees offer more than just fire starting benefits; they're beautiful and ecologically important members of our forests. Identifying Birch Trees Birch trees are widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere in both the Boreal and Temperate Forests.They're all known for their gorgeous peeling bark. Some common Birch varieties include: Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera): Paper Birch has white bark that peels in SHEETS, and was traditionally used by Indigenous North Americans for making canoes and even used as paper. Silver Birch (Betula pendula): This Birch has a silvery-white bark and branches that droop elegantly, creating a weeping effect. Not my favorite of the birches but beautiful nonetheless. Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis): This birch peels in STRIPS and is the creme de le creme of birch bark used for fire. River Birch (Betula nigra): This birch peels in SCALES and has a pinkish tone to the underside of the bark resembling salmon. Black Birch (Belula lenta): Otherwise known as sweet birch does not having bark that peels well but can the twigs and leaves can be used to make a tea. Yellow Birch: The King of Fire Starting BirchWhile all Birch trees have some level of Betulin oil in their bark, the Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis) is the champion when it comes to fire starting. Its bright yellow outer bark boasts a high concentration of this flammable oil, making it much easier to ignite than other Birch varieties.Why Yellow Birch Bark Makes Fire Starting EasierBirch bark, particularly Yellow Birch bark, has two key properties that make it a fire starting lifesaver: High Flammability:The Betulin oil content in Yellow Birch bark allows it to spark readily, even with a firesteel, under ideal conditions.This eliminates the need for dry tinder, which can be scarce in wet environments. Wet-Weather Performance:Unlike many other fire starting materials, Yellow Birch bark performs exceptionally well even when damp. This is because the Betulin oil is water-resistant, allowing the bark to retain its flammability even in wet weather. Tips for Using Yellow Birch Bark as Tinder Identification:Familiarize yourself with the characteristics of Yellow Birch trees.Look for the distinct yellow outer bark when peeling Birch bark. Preparation:Collect and store a softball-sized amount of Yellow Birch bark in your backpack or survival kit. It'slightweight and packs easily. Fire Starting:Scrape the yellow inner bark with your knife to create fine tinder. Or you can take bundle of it rub it together, or feather it, like you are washing a stain out of a shirt and you this will help break up the fibers. You can then use a ferro rod to ignite the tinder. Birch Trees: Beyond Fire StartingBirch trees are valuable additions to our ecosystems.They provide food and shelter for wildlife, and their fallen leaves decompose to create nutrient-rich soil.The beautiful bark of Birch trees is also a source of inspiration for artists and craftspeople.Birch park has been widely used in various cultures to make all sorts of containers including baskets and sheaths. If you are really in the woods now on how amazing birch bark is as a resource, look up the Slavic tradition of making birch bark jewelry boxes called Tavlinkas. Howl Bushcraft (UK) along with Siegurd van Leusen have a class on this later this year.So, the next time you're outdoors and encounter a Birch tree, take a moment to appreciate its beauty and ecological significance. And remember, if you ever find yourself needing to start a fire in wet weather, keep an eye out for Yellow Birch bark – it might just save the day! #birchbark #birch #birchcraft #firemaking #bushcraft #basketry #barkcontainer #survivalmedicine #wildernessculture #womeninbushcraft #wildcardwilderness