Larry Dean Olsen

Background

Olsen was born in Wendell, Idaho, and grew up in Jerome, Idaho. He began teaching primitive-survival skills at Brigham Young University in the 1960s, developing classroom instruction and extended wilderness courses. His work included a primitive-living course for adjudicated youth from Utah County. He later co-founded the ANASAZI Foundation, applying outdoor experiences and primitive-living skills to work with young people and families.

Survival philosophy

Survival is best learned by living off the land without manufactured equipment, and wilderness education builds courage, lasting values and respect for nature.

Verified facts

• Born January 23, 1939, in Wendell, Idaho; died December 26, 2018, at his home at Miracle Hot Springs in Buhl, Idaho, aged 79. Source
• Outdoor Survival Skills was first published in 1967. Source
• In 1966, as a BYU undergraduate, he taught a primitive-survival class attended by 72 people; later teaching included 30-day survival field trips. Source
• His ANASAZI biography describes stone and bone tools, root gathering and game trapping, and his emphasis on living without manufactured gear. Source
• He co-founded the ANASAZI Foundation, founded in 1988. Source
• His publisher credits him with writing outdoor-survival merit badge requirements for the Boy Scouts of America and serving as technical adviser on the film Jeremiah Johnson. Source

Official website

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