Ep 1. Episode 1

In episode 1 of Bear Grylls: Survival School season 1, viewers are introduced to the titular survival expert and his group of 10 British children between the ages of 12-15 who will be put through their paces in the wild. Bear Grylls wastes no time in throwing the kids into the deep end, dropping them off on a remote island off the coast of Scotland where they will have to fend for themselves for the next few days.

The kids are visibly nervous but excited as they explore their new surroundings, which include rugged terrain, forests, and rocky beaches. Bear Grylls arrives on a speedboat to give them their first task: to catch fish using makeshift equipment. He demonstrates how to make a fish trap using only rocks and seaweed, which the kids quickly set about constructing. They then try their hand at fishing using improvised rods made from sticks and string, and are surprised at their success.

However, the easy victory is short-lived as Bear Grylls throws them another curveball: they must now start a fire without using matches or a lighter. The kids try various methods, including rubbing sticks together and using a magnifying glass to focus the sun's rays, but none of them are successful. It's a humbling experience for them, but Bear Grylls stresses the importance of resilience and determination in these situations.

As night falls, the kids start to feel the true weight of the challenges they're facing. They've managed to catch some fish but they're still hungry and cold, and there's the constant reminder that they're completely cut off from civilization. Bear Grylls gathers them around a small campfire and talks to them about why he thinks it's important to teach survival skills to children. He tells them that too many young people today are addicted to screens and have lost touch with nature, and that being in the wilderness can help them build resilience and self-confidence.

Over the next few days, the kids are put through a series of grueling challenges, including building a shelter out of nothing but branches and leaves, navigating a difficult mountain pass, and identifying which wild berries they can safely eat. They also have to work on their teamwork skills as they try to complete various tasks as a group.

Throughout it all, Bear Grylls is a supportive but firm mentor to the kids. He offers advice when they need it but also allows them to make mistakes and learn from them. His enthusiasm for the great outdoors is contagious, and the kids start to see the beauty in the world around them.

By the end of the episode, the children have come a long way. They've built a sturdy shelter, caught plenty of fish, and even managed to start a fire using flint and steel. Most importantly, they've grown closer as a group and developed their self-confidence. As they board the boat to leave the island, they reflect on the challenges they've overcome and the skills they've learned.

Overall, episode 1 of Bear Grylls: Survival School season 1 is a thrilling and inspiring introduction to the series. It showcases the beauty and difficulty of surviving in the wilderness, as well as the importance of resilience and teamwork. It will leave viewers eager to see what other challenges Bear Grylls has in store for his young pupils.