Psycom Origin
Immersive training in South Africa to develop your survival and leadership skills, discover and surpass yourself, and explore the links between human psychology and the natural world... in the field.
Advanced leadership, listening, and awareness workshop
Life is a challenge for every living being, a series of trials and a series of risks. Achieving important goals in life is difficult. Success depends on your ability to take calculated risks and move forward while facing challenges.
Psycom Origine is a training program that will teach you how to take calculated risks, how to work as a team, and how to find yourself, while immersed in an environment that is as wonderful as it is hostile.
You will learn a range of psychological skills and tools that will be useful to you far beyond Africa. Psycom Origine is more than an expedition, more than a training course, more than a walking safari. It is an experience that will take you out of your comfort zone to bring out the best in you.
It is a journey that will change your view of the world.
Skills that will be developed
SURVIVAL
-
Start a fire in any condition using a sparkler.
-
Strategic selection of a safe camp site based on animal hazards, weather and terrain conditions.
-
Animal approach strategies and hazard assessment.
-
Determine safe speed and distance based on signs for each animal species.
-
Compass orientation.
-
Smoke and distress signals for rescue.
PERSONAL LEADERSHIP
-
Management of negative emotions and anxiety.
-
Control of impulsiveness.
-
Managing priorities in a stressful context.
-
Developing sustained attention.
-
Managing areas of physical and emotional discomfort
-
Healthy management of the personal ego.
-
Awareness of communication, emotions, physical and emotional sensations.
-
Development of listening to environmental cues and other team members.
-
Ability to grieve, make choices and create plans.
-
Development of behavioral and emotional flexibility.
-
Ability to adapt in a constantly changing environment.
-
Development of confidence in one’s mental, emotional and physical resources.
-
Optimal use of one’s personality traits.
Respect for the 5 golden rules when going on expeditions in the presence of the “Big Five”, namely: Stay behind the rifle. Obey the commands of the guide(s). Walk in single file at all times. Keep noise to a minimum. No matter what happens: DO NOT RUN.
ANIMAL INTERACTION
-
Animal communication: understanding behaviors and signals with each species encountered.
-
Identify the tracks of animals in the immediate environment.
-
Visually identify animals around us.
-
Observation of wild animals on foot.
-
Method of stealth approach, extraction and escape in case of attack.
-
Total autonomy in the African bush, spend a night alone and find your way back effectively.
TEAM LEADERSHIP
-
Use of a personal communication radio in a group functioning perspective.
-
Development of listening skills for team members.
-
Development of self-respect and respect for others.
-
Understanding the limits of others for optimal team functioning.
Example of challenges and activities:
-
Define a strategy to cross a river with hippos.
-
Approach elephants, rhinoceroses and buffalos on foot.
-
Be the leader of the group: guide the group through the bush while carrying a large caliber rifle and ensuring its safety.
Meet the team
Benefit from the expertise and feedback of a variety of guides who will accompany you throughout the adventure.
Psycom Origin is an investment in you and your future.
Equipment list
Summer sleeping bag Walking shoes or boots Pairs of heavy socks (2) Knife with belt sheath Hatchet Sparkling stone Ground mattress Mosquito repellent Tent/cover/hamac Tarpaulin approx. 2m x 3m Sunscreen stick Water bottles (approx. 4L) Water purification equipment (chlorine tablets, pump or filter) Backpack Pair of binoculars (8×42 or 10×4) Knee pads Eyelash tweezers Gloves Safety glasses with clear glass Camera or cell phone Pairs of underwear (2-3) Neutral color pants (1-2) Long sleeve shirt or small coat (1) Shorts (1-2) Earth, khaki, army, or camouflage shirt (1) Compass Small pot, metal cup, utensils Headlamp Hygiene and first aid kit Tylenol Biodegradable wet wipes/toilet paper Small mirror for tick inspection Dehydrated food (refer to the schedule) Folding chair
Summary of activities
-
Presentation and identification of animals: characteristics, behaviors and communication.
-
Presentation of the Big 5: Identification, typical behaviors, approach and communication strategy, dangers and precautions Jeep safari: Familiarization of the terrain, exploration and animal identification.
-
Origin of science - Tracks: The development of deductive reasoning in humans to survive. Identification of tracks, tracing strategies.
-
Strategies for walking and moving in dangerous terrain, use of the environment and the elements when moving.
-
Movement exercises.
-
Survival and overnight stays in dangerous terrain: theory and practice of overnight stays in a terrain where the Big 5 is located.
-
Relaxation in the sea.
What Our Clients Say
“How do you put words to an adventure like this?
What I learned most of all is that everything is connected: the land, nature, animals, and our relationship to energy. When you learn how to use that energy properly, you’re capable of overcoming challenges, creating projects, and building real, meaningful interpersonal relationships.
This experience pushed me both physically and mentally. It taught me how to better manage stress and anxiety. It also helped me open up to others, to truly be myself.
I feel incredibly, deeply, privileged to have lived this experience. I will never be able to thank the entire team enough.
And above all, thank you, Guillaume, for creating this program, because it has completely transformed my life.”
Stephanie
Testimonials
Need more information to make your decision?
FAQ
What are the admission criteria to participate in the adventure?
There is no specific preparation required, but it is recommended that participants be able to walk 2 to 3 hours with a backpack weighing at least 35 lbs, and be in good physical and psychological health.
A few additional elements to consider:
-
Good physical health (maximum age: 65).
-
Good psychological health.
-
No diagnosed current psychological disorders.
-
Ability to walk on uneven terrain with a backpack weighing at least 35 lbs. The longest day of walking is 15 km with elevation gain.
-
Based on the experience of our clients overall, unless you have completed specific training to ensure the ability to walk and carry the backpack, the maximum BMI is 32.
-
Willingness to take on physical and psychological challenges.
-
Positive attitude.
-
Openness to learning and feedback.
-
Ability to swim a distance of 40 meters (otherwise, bring a flotation vest).
-
Good listening skills, empathy, and respect for others.
-
Willingness to work as part of a team and to be an active member of a group.
-
Willingness to communicate with others.
-
Understanding of English.
What is included in the registration fee?
The fee includes the training, the expedition, lodging, and meals, except for dehydrated food — you may refer to the schedule on our website to identify the moments when dehydrated food is required.
In which region does the training-adventure take place?
The destination airport is Port Elizabeth, and the expedition takes place in the Grahamstown area, in South Africa.
How many days does the expedition last?
A total of 9 days (see the schedule above).
Who is the main guide for Psycom Origine?
Guillaume and Jérémy lead the facilitation and interventions throughout the training. At times, Jérémy may lead certain activities on his own.
How long has the training existed?
For over 10 years now.
How often is Psycom Origine offered?
Twice a year, typically in November or May.
How many participants are in each group?
Between 10 and 14 people.