Jonathan Mincks is a Wilderness First Responder, Naturalist and instructor of wilderness self-reliance at AHS Rescue & The Arizona Hiking Shack. He teaches modern wilderness survival, outdoor recreation, and emergency preparedness to those who work or play in the backcountry. His educational programs have garnered him praise from new enthusiasts and seasoned professionals alike.

Holding multiple certifications and distinctions in industry standards; e.g., Wilderness First Responder, Community Emergency Response Team training, Outfitting and Nature studies, Mincks is also a boondocks scholar* who has been exploring the backcountry since he was in diapers. His practical approach & experience are only rivaled by his infectious passion, broad knowledge and witty perspective on self-reliance that confounds the important nature of the subject. He turns survival into “serious fun” for those who work or play in the backcountry because, “in the end, it is a positive attitude that will prevail.”

Mincks is also a go-to consultant on national and regional TV, news and media concerning outdoor recreation and safety and is renowned for his dynamic presentations. He has worked in the outdoor industry for over 20 years on trail crews, as a guide, outfitter, medic, educator, and outreach specialist.

*Boondocks Scholar. adjective. Possessing an outlook of being on a perpetual field trip. A lifelong student of the outdoors. One who continuously studies and practices what it takes to thrive in the backcountry. 

“You teach is PSAR, Preventative Search and Rescue”

Members of the Central Arizona Mountain Rescue Association (CAMRA) Search and Rescue team after watching Mincks in action.