Echoes of the Ancestors: from primitive to present
A 5-Day Immersion in Ancestral and Modern Survival Skills
February 23–27, 2026 Bonita Valley, Arizona
Hosted by Primitive Wilderness Survival with Dave Holladay and Phillip Liebel
Join us in the breathtaking foothills of the Galiuro Wilderness for a 5-day journey that spans thousands of years of human survival. Guided by legendary instructor Dave Holladay and Primitive Wilderness Survival founder Phillip Liebel, this course weaves together the wisdom of the Stone Age with practical modern survival techniques… giving you a deep, well-rounded experience rooted in both ancient tradition and real-world application. You’ll learn essential skills for living with the land, from primitive fire and natural shelters to navigation, foraging, tool-making, and more. Each day brings hands-on lessons, immersive challenges, and campfire conversations that explore the tools, techniques, and mindset that have kept humans alive across time. We’ll move through the full arc of survival knowledge, from the stone tools of early ancestors to the resourcefulness needed in today’s wild places. Because of this layered approach, the course is ideal for everyone, from complete beginners to seasoned outdoorsmen looking to deepen their understanding. And each evening, you’ll be treated to a nourishing dinner inspired by local and indigenous foods, meals rooted in the landscape and culture of the desert Southwest. Think mesquite, prickly pear, wild herbs, and blue corn, served with care around the fire.
What’s Included:
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5 full days of immersive instruction
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Skills ranging from primitive technology to modern bushcraft
- Native-inspired dinners provided each evening
- A stunning primitive basecamp in the high desert
- A welcoming, challenge-by-choice environment for all experience levels
Come walk the ancient path, eat from the land, and awaken the survival skills that still live within you
