Tom Brown, Jr.

A few older books: "The Tracker" and the sequel "The Search" by Tom Brown, Jr. Anyone read these and, if so, what do you think? Credible? I'd sure like to think so. Quite a connection with Nature and a fun read. Takes me back to my childhood of freedom, innocence, and curiosity.

I've read "The Tracker," and one other book of his, the title of which eludes me at the moment. I tend to be skeptical. At the very least, he exaggerates and over-dramatizes. I'd like to talk to someone who's been to one of his tracking camps, or seminars, or whatever they are. Likewise Ray Jardine's "Connection Camp."

I read 'The Tracker'. Yes, it is overdramatic, but not a bad book.

My nephew is an accomplished tracker has attended a Tom Brown camp. He tends to be quiet, so I haven't heard him talk much about it, but I can tell you that he has exceptional tracking skills - and attending the camp seems to have been a valuable part of his learning process.

As for Tom Brown, I have no knowlege of what he would be like in person. I do think he is genuine to the extent that he does have the skills he claims to have.

Everything is relevant just depends from who's perspective. I know Tom, actually he lives about an hour and a half from me. I've read all of his books, still have them, and though sometimes Tom brings more 'spirtuality' then necessary into his writings, he does walk the talk as we say. He's very appoachable if you've taken a few of his classes and he recognizes you as a 'faithful student' of his 'school of thought'. Tom's skillset is without reproach IMO, he is a consummate teacher when he actually is teaching the class. Unfortunately, due to time constraints and all his obligations Tom is only able to present certain courses. His instructors I liken to college professors, some you'll like and others will turn you off. His Outdoor School is very disciplined and not cheap; so mostly folks with deep pockets attend. There are those others who scrimp and save to get to yet another of Tom's courses' only to be bummed out by the instructor, or the fact that Tom is'nt teaching it himself. We'd all would've loved to learn to scuba dive from Dr Jacque Cousteau, but alas, only his sons and close friends got lessons <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Many years ago, I had a friend that actually went to the Pine Barrens and studied with Tom Brown, Jr. From what he told me about the man, it's all credible.