Among the many interesting, informative and valuable programs on the Genesee District Libraries’ winter schedule is a new series for adults: Survival.
In these classes, you will learn skills and techniques to be better prepared for whatever Mother Nature, power outages, unrest or other emergencies may throw at you. The knowledge you will learn will help you prioritize what to do if you’re stranded in a snow storm, lost on a hike, locked in at work, or facing multiple days without power at home.
Nowadays, we have an extensive system to bail us out in emergencies, like the fire and police departments. But, dialing 9-1-1 is not always an option. Sometimes, you will have to be your own rescuer.
The programs will be presented by U.S. Army Major Rod Cole. A seasoned instructor of Wilderness Survival Skills and Bushcraft, he is a graduate of both Army Ranger School and Special Forces School. With his years of expertise and diverse personal experiences, he brings a unique perspective to survival training.
Major Cole has spent nearly five decades honing the skills he now shares with others. His classes teach practical skills for handling emergencies in everyday life, especially as unpredictable weather patterns and natural disasters become more common. Cole’s experiences in the military, as a civilian long-distance hiker and a former teacher in an alternative high school have shaped his teaching approach and his unwavering commitment to helping people develop self-reliance.
Survival isn’t just about technique; it’s about mindset.
Major Rod Cole
For Cole, the journey into survival training began after seven years of Army service. “When I left the Army, I started long-distance hiking, going out for one to three weeks at a time,” he recalls. “I quickly realized I needed better outdoor skills – like cooking over an open fire and finding ways to survive if I got lost or stranded. I took survival courses, but soon discovered I often knew more than the instructors did!” With a laugh, he adds, “So, I threw myself into learning all I could, volunteering at survival training events, and eventually started teaching my own classes.” He’s now been teaching survival skills for nearly 50 years, with a more intensive focus in the last 15 years.
Cole’s philosophy is rooted in lessons learned during his military days, particularly in an Army Reserve exercise that tested his endurance and mental resilience. “We were dropped off in the woods with almost nothing and had to survive for six days,” he shares. “Out of twelve, only two of us finished. That experience taught me that attitude and comfort with being in the woods are far more important than the gear you have.”
Preparation is the key to resilience.
In his classes, Cole emphasizes the difference between military and civilian survival, focusing on situations in which someone might only have the clothes on their back. “In the military, you’re often equipped with tools, a uniform and a specific mission. But civilian emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere,” he notes. “Whether you’re just going for a short hike or get stranded during a drive, you need to understand the basics – like making fire, building shelter, purifying water and signaling for help.”
Over the years, Cole’s teaching style has evolved as he’s adapted to new techniques and tools. “I used to teach directly from the Army Survival Manual,” he explains. “But then, purely by chance, I attended a survival instructor’s class that turned my methods upside down. His priorities were so different that I went out that day, bought his book, read it cover to cover and changed my entire teaching approach. Now, I focus on how to survive with nothing but the clothes you’re wearing.”
That adaptive mindset is what Cole hopes to pass on to his students, believing that preparation is the key to resilience. “In an emergency, having the knowledge and knowing your priorities can be life-saving,” he states. “Being prepared with just a few survival skills can make all the difference when it’s most needed.”
For Cole, teaching survival isn’t just about sharing skills – it’s about empowering people to face the unknown with confidence and composure. He encourages his students to come prepared to engage, take notes, ask questions and practice hands-on activities. “Survival isn’t just about technique; it’s about mindset,” he says with conviction. “Once you step out of your house, you’re outdoors; accidents and emergencies can happen at any moment. The most important lesson I share is: know your priorities, stay calm, and work on what keeps you safe.”
With his wealth of experience and passion for teaching, Major Rod Cole is helping people transform fear into preparedness, giving them the confidence to handle whatever challenges may come their way.
Survival Series
“The 10 Cs of Survival”
Grand Blanc-McFarlen, Wednesday, January 8 @ 6pm
“Building a Survival Kit”
(Teens & Adults) Fenton-Winegarden, Tuesday, January 21 @ 6pm
“Survival Myths & How to Not Die”
Clio Area, Monday, February 10 @ 6pm
“Build a Bug-Out Bag/Get Home Bag”
Goodrich, Tuesday, February 25 @ 6pm
For more Winter Program info, visit thegdl.org
