Tracker School Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register for a class?

• On line: You will soon be able to register for classes directly from our website. Just go to the page of the class you are interested in, then, under "Course Availability", click on the date you wish to register. Then, click on the "Register online" link and follow the directions.
• Mail: You may complete an application form and mail it, along with your non-refundable deposit, to 529 Route 9, Unit #10, Waretown, NJ 08758.
• Fax: Fax your completed application form to 609-242-0352. All deposits for faxed applications must be paid by credit card.
• Phone: Call our office at 609-242-0350 Monday through Friday, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. EST.

Do you have an upper/lower age limit for your classes?

There is no upper age limit for Tracker classes - we often have Standard class students well into their retirement years, who then go on to take many classes after that.
Due to legal restrictions, all Tracker students must be at least 18 years of age by the first day of their Standard class.

My child is/I am under 18, but I really want to come to Tracker classes, what can I do?

We love hearing that children and young adults are getting back into the woods! Unfortunately, due to legal restrictions, all students must be 18 years of age to attend a Tracker School class.

HOWEVER… Tom could not leave out such an important segment of society, so he created a non-profit organization called The Children of the Earth Foundation COTEF. COTEF runs classes and camps based on the teachings of Stalking Wolf - the same types of skills that Tom teaches in Tracker classes - but in a more experiential format designed especially for those under 18. You can learn more about COTEF programs, and sign up for their classes, on their website at http://www.cotef.org or by calling their office at (609) 971-1799.

How early can I sign up for a class?

You can sign up for a class as soon as it appears on the schedule, however, please keep in mind that once you have registered, if you are unable to attend the class for whatever reason, our Cancellation Policy will apply.

When is the latest that I can sign up for a class?

If a class is not full, we ask that you sign up a minimum of two weeks prior to the class start date, as we base our food and supplies orders on the number of students enrolled at that time.

My goal is to be an Instructor - what classes should I take?

The role of a Tracker School Instructor is not one you will see advertised on our website, and it is not offered based on the number of Tracker classes you have, or have not, taken. It is about the skills you have developed, and how you have integrated them into your life.

When will next year's schedule be posted?

The following year's schedule is usually posted in May or June. Keep an eye on the website, and sign up for our True Tracks e-mail newsletter to be kept up to date on this, and other important announcements.

Do you offer any children's classes?

The Children of the Earth Foundation (COTEF) is a non-profit foundation that Tom started in 1999 to pass along the teachings of Stalking Wolf to children. COTEF runs classes and camps throughout the year that teach the same types of skills that Tom teaches in Tracker classes, but in a more experiential format designed especially for those under 18. You can learn more about COTEF programs, and sign up for their classes, on their website at COTEF.org or by calling their office at (609) 971-1799.

How much do your courses cost?
See individual classes for pricing.

How much of a deposit do I have to put down to reserve my space for a class?
A minimum $300 deposit is required for all 7 and 10 day classes. A minimum $475 deposit is required for all 3 day intensives. Please read our Registration and Cancellation Policy before registering for a class.

When is the balance due for my class?
For limited-size classes, the balance of tuition is due two weeks prior to the start date of the class. For open classes, your balance is due when you arrive at the class. Please read our Registration and Cancellation Policy before registering for a class.

How do I pay for my class? Do you take credit cards?
You have many payment options for Tracker classes. We accept Visa, Master Card, American Express & Discover cards. Personal checks are accepted only when drawn on U.S. banks, in U.S. funds. Money orders and travelers checks must be in U.S. Funds. Please make all checks and money orders payable to The Tracker School. Cash is only accepted when registering in person at our office, or for your balance on the first day of class.

Why do you charge for your classes? Grandfather didn't charge Tom!
True, however, Grandfather had 10 years to teach and only Tom and Rick as students, and he lived in a debris hut in a full survival situation for that entire time. In order for Tom to be able to fulfill his vision and pass on all of that knowledge to so many people, that style of teaching is simply not possible.

Tracker School is a large operation that reaches many thousands of students each year and has the same costs as any other business - including office space and equipment, salaries, insurance costs, vehicles, maintenance, site rental, upkeep of the Primitive Camp, transportation, food, class supplies - which require that we charge for our classes. We work hard to keep our costs down and keep class prices as low as possible, but, as with any other business, we must cover our costs.

I can't afford the full class fee - can I work it off somehow?
At this time Tracker does not offer a work exchange program for classes.

I want to take all of your classes - do you offer multi-class discounts?
From time to time Tracker does offer early-registration discounts, discounts on consecutive classes, or other special offers. Sign up for our True Tracks e-mail newsletter (look for form in sidebar) to be kept up to date on such deals, or keep an eye on our website.

Do you offer group discounts?
We do not currently offer group discounts for classes, however, from time to time Tracker does offer early-registration discounts, discounts on consecutive classes, or other special offers. Sign up for our True Tracks e-mail newsletter (look for form in sidebar) to be kept up to date on such deals, or keep an eye on our website.

Do you offer scholarships?
At this time Tracker does not offer any scholarship options, however we hope to be able to offer this type of program in the future.

Where will my class be held?

Tracker School holds classes in New Jersey at our Primitive Camp location, and at the Joseph Citta Boy Scout Camp, both of which are near Waretown, NJ. To confirm at which location your class will be held, please see our Class Schedule.

How do I get to my class location?
For airport information, directions from the airport via bus or shuttle, or driving directions, please visit Getting There: Maps & Directions and select your location from the dropdown list.

When should I plan to arrive for/leave my class?

• 3-day Classes:
  Intensives begin at 2 p.m. on the first day, and you may arrive at camp any time after 8 a.m. Please allow enough time to set up your camp before class begins. If you will be arriving after 2 p.m. please call 609-242-0350 to let us know when to expect you.
  Intensive classes end by 4 p.m. on the last day. Please allow time to break down your camp and travel to the airport. We advise that you schedule your return flight for AFTER 7 p.m. NO ACCOMODATIONS ARE AVAILABLE BEFORE OR AFTER CLASS
• 7-day Classes:
  Arrive at camp between noon and 6 p.m. on the day your class begins. Dinner is at 6 p.m., so it's a good idea to give yourself enough time to set up your camp before then. If you will be arriving after 6 p.m. please call 609-242-0350 to let us know when to expect you.
  Class ends by noon on the last day. Please allow several hours to break down camp and get to the airport. We advise that you do not schedule your return flight before 4 p.m.
  NO ACCOMODATIONS ARE AVAILABLE BEFORE OR AFTER CLASS
• 10-day Classes:
  Arrive at camp between noon and 6 p.m. on the day your class begins. Dinner is at 6 p.m., so it's a good idea to give yourself enough time to set up your camp before then. If you will be arriving after 6 p.m. please call 609-242-0350 to let us know when to expect you.
  Class ends by noon on the last day. Please allow several hours to break down camp and get to the airport. We advise that you do not schedule your return flight before 4 p.m.
  NO ACCOMODATIONS ARE AVAILABLE BEFORE OR AFTER CLASS

Can I arrive early?
NO ACCOMODATIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE CAMP BEFORE OR AFTER CLASS.
If you plan to arrive in the area early, there are several inexpensive options for places to stay.

Can I stay a few days after my class?
NO ACCOMODATIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE CAMP BEFORE OR AFTER CLASS.
If you plan to stay in the area after you class has ended, there are several inexpensive options for places to stay.

Where do I stay during my class?
All students stay in tents at the facility where the class is being held. Please note that if you drive you will NOT have immediate access to your vehicle, so do not plan to keep gear or supplies in your car. A limited number of tents are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis. Small tents hold one person, plus gear, and large tents hold two people, plus gear. Tent rentals are $25.

Do you provide tents?
A limited number of tents are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis. Small tents hold one person, plus gear, and large tents hold two people, plus gear. Tent rentals are $25.

What kind of meals do you provide? Do I need to bring my own food?
Three full meals and unlimited fresh fruit and beverages are provided daily. Vegetarian and Vegan meals will be available, along with dairy- and wheat/gluten-free options. If you have other allergies or dietary requirements we will do our best to accommodate you, but for major dietary restrictions or severe allergies you may need to bring your own food and/or cooking equipment. Please contact our office for details.

I have food allergies - can you accommodate me?
Vegetarian and Vegan meals will be available, along with dairy- and wheat/gluten-free options. If you have other allergies or dietary requirements we will do our best to accommodate you, but for major dietary restrictions or severe allergies you may need to bring your own food and/or cooking equipment. Please contact our office for details.

I am on a special diet - can you accommodate me?
Vegetarian and Vegan meals will be available, along with dairy- and wheat/gluten-free options. If you have other allergies or dietary requirements we will do our best to accommodate you, but for major dietary restrictions or severe allergies you may need to bring your own food and/or cooking equipment. Please contact our office for details.

Can I bring snacks?
Yes, feel free to bring whatever snacks you like. Just remember that you will be keeping that food in your tent with you, so re-sealable containers are recommended to keep the critters away.

I'm not in the best physical condition - do I need to "shape-up" before taking Tracker classes?
Tracker students come in all ages, shapes, sizes, and physical conditions. We are not the type of survival school that concentrates on hard core survival and self-denial. In pure survival there is no want or debilitation, for the perfection of skills makes any survival situation easy. If you are looking for a closer attachment to Earth Mother, and the skills and philosophy that will help you live in harmony and balance with Creation, then come join us. While certain classes (such as those in the Scout series) do require a minimum level of physical fitness, for the majority of classes we ask only that you participate fully at the level at which you are physically able.

Can I bring my children?
No, you must be at least 18 years of age to attend Tracker classes. The Children of the Earth Foundation COTEF runs classes and camps based on the teachings of Stalking Wolf - the same types of skills that Tom teaches in Tracker classes - but in a more experiential format designed especially for those under 18. They also run programs for families, in which children and parents can participate together. You can learn more about COTEF programs, and sign up for their classes, on their website at http://www.cotef.org or by calling their office at (609) 971-1799.

Can I bring my pets?
Sorry, NO pets are allowed.

If live near by can I stay at my home during the class?
All students must stay at the facility during classes. Being there in camp with your fellow students is a huge part of the Tracker experience. Plus, classes can start early and run late, and we need to know that all students will be there and ready to go when we are.

If I have my own car can I come and go during class?
No. Except for emergency situations, students must remain in camp for the week. In most cases, cars are parked outside of the camp area and you will be shuttled into the class location, so cars will not be immediately accessible.

I'm coming from overseas - can you arrange for accommodations for me between my classes?
We do not provide or arrange student accommodation before or after classes and NO ACCOMODATIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE CAMP OUTSIDE OF CLASS TIME.
If you plan to stay in the area before, after, or between classes, there are several inexpensive options nearby.

I'm coming from overseas - can I spend time with Instructors/Tom/in the Primitive Camp/other Trackers between my classes?
Tom and the rest of the Tracker staff maintain busy schedules outside of class time. It takes a great deal of work to keep the school running smoothly! As well, they do have families to spend time with and private lives to which they need to attend during the off weeks. They are more than happy to hang out with you during classes, but their off time is their own.
Due to insurance restrictions we can not allow students to "hang out" in the Primitive Camp outside of class time, so please do not make any plans to do so.

I'm coming from overseas - what do you suggest I do between my classes?
The areas around where we hold our classes are filled with fun and interesting things to do.

I'm coming from overseas - can you put me in touch with people to track/practice skills with during the weeks between my classes?
We will not give out any type contact information for our students, however Tracker folks are a friendly bunch and we have no doubt that you will make many friends during your classes. It should be very easy for you to find people with whom you can practice skills between classes.

I'm taking back-to-back classes - do I have to break down my camp and leave overnight, then set everything back up again the following day?
If you are taking two consecutive-week classes you are welcome to leave your camp standing between them. If you have your own vehicle you are free to come and go from the parking area to take care of your personal needs, however if student parking is off-site you will be responsible for getting to and from your car outside of regular class shuttle times. If you stay in camp between classes there will be at least one Tracker staff member on site at all times in case of emergency, and small, simple meals will be provided (i.e. granola, PB + J).

I've lost the contact information for a person I met at one of my classes/I've lost my class list. Can I get that from your office?
Sorry, but no. We will not give out any contact information on our students, for any reason. This includes names, phone numbers, mailing addresses or e-mail addresses. The class list is kept and distributed by a student to his or her fellow classmates, therefore the Tracker office does not have a copy. If you've lost your list, next time you're at a Tracker class keep any eye out for other students from that class and perhaps they can put you in touch with the keeper of that list!

Will Tom be at the class?
This is Tom's school and he plans and intends to be at, and to teach at, every Tracker class, so unless he is called away on a tracking case, or has a family or health emergency, you'll see him there!

Does Tom teach any of the classes?
Absolutely! Tom loves to teach and does so at all classes - especially as you get into the higher levels of Tracker. Unless he is called away on a tracking case, or has a family or health emergency, Tom will be teaching.

Can I ask Tom a question?
You can e-mail a question to Tom at questionsfortom@trackerschool.com, however be aware that ALL correspondence addressed to Tom is first read by his personal assistant. Due to the busy schedule of classes, writing and family life that he maintains, and the volume of mail he receives, Tom is rarely able to respond personally. Any questions regarding classes, the school, school programs, skills or Tom's books will be forwarded back to the Tracker office, so please address any questions on those topics to info@trackerschool.com. Or, see the Contact Us page for the most appropriate e-mail address that will bring you the quickest response.

If I write Tom a letter will he write me back?
Tom certainly appreciates hearing from students, and from people whose lives have been touched by the teachings his passes along in his books. However, ALL correspondence addressed to Tom is first read by his personal assistant, and due to the busy schedule of classes, writing and family life that he maintains, and the volume of mail he receives, Tom is rarely able to respond personally.

Does Tom do public lectures/presentations?
When time and schedule permit, Tom does do guest lectures and presentations for other groups. To send him a request, email questionsfortom@trackerschool.com.

I'd like to interview/write an article about Tom - how do I get in touch with him?
Tom has been featured in many magazine and newspaper articles, and has made multiple television and radio appearances. If you would like to interview Tom, or write an article about him or the Tracker School, please e-mail media@trackerschool.com or contact the Tracker office at 609-242-0350.

How many books has Tom written?
Tom has written 16 books since The Tracker was first published in 1979, including The Vision, Grandfather, and his world-renowned Field Guide series.

What knife/tent/clothing etc. does Tom recommend?
Tom rarely recommends or endorses clothing or equipment, so if you see a letter of recommendation signed by Tom Brown Jr. you can be sure that it is well deserved.

Current Recommendations:

• A good knife is one of your most important tools in any survival situation, and Tom has worked with experts to design the T1 Tracker, the T2 Tracker and Scout knives.
• Staying warm and dry is vital to survival in the woods, and as far as Tom is concerned no other clothing does that as well as King of the Mountain.

What kind of equipment should I bring?
See individual classes for required and recommended equipment.

What kind of weather should I expect?
Current weather information, as well as month-by-month temperature and rainfall averages can be found at http://www.weather.com.

• For New Jersey classes, search for weather in Waretown, NJ.
• For California classes, search for weather in Boulder Creek, CA.
• For Florida classes, search for weather in the Fort Meyers Area.

What kind clothing should I bring?
Weather is rarely predictable, even in the middle of summer, so bring several changes of clothing and be prepared for all temperatures. Above all, be sure that you have appropriate rain gear for both you and your tent! For a complete list of what to bring to class see individual class page for details.

Can I bring a tape recorder?
Recordings of classes are available, and can be purchased at class, or after your class in our store. Recording of classes is not permitted.

Can I bring a video camera?
No. Video recording is not permitted during any Tracker classes.

Can I bring a camera?
Yes! Photos are an excellent way to supplement your written notes from a class, especially if you are not artistically inclined. However, please keep in mind that video recording is NOT permitted during any Tracker classes, so if you have a digital camera that also shoots video, please restrict your usage to taking still photographs only.

I'm coming from overseas - can you provide the documentation for me to get a student visa?
Tracker School is not an accredited institution and does not qualify you for a student entry visa.

Can I use the GI Bill to pay for Tracker classes?
To the best of our knowledge, if you are currently enrolled in an accredited institution you may be able to apply to use the GI Bill to pay for Tracker School classes, however we do not have any further information on that topic. Please contact your GI Bill Information Officer for accurate details.

Tracker Knife Manual