Ep 1. Into the Wild

In the first episode of Raising Wild season 1, titled "Into the Wild," viewers are introduced to the Hawthorne family – parents Brett and Wendy and their four children: 14-year-old twins Alex and Sophie, 12-year-old Chloe, and 10-year-old Ben. The family is leaving their comfortable suburban life in Utah behind in order to embark on a unique adventure – living completely off the grid in the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest for nine months.

The episode begins with the family packing up their belongings into a caravan of vehicles – a school bus, a military Humvee, a couple of trucks, and a trailer. They are heading towards an undisclosed location deep in the woods, where they will establish a home base and live off the land for the next several months. As they travel, the family members share their thoughts and emotions about leaving behind their home and extended family, and the challenges they anticipate in the wild.

Once they arrive at their destination, the Hawthornes begin to set up their camp – which consists of a large canvas tent, a cooking area with a wood stove, an outdoor shower, and a composting toilet. They also have to gather firewood, make a shelter for their goats, and protect their food from wild animals such as bears and raccoons. The family members work together to complete these tasks, and we get a glimpse of their dynamic as a family unit. Brett and Wendy take on more of the physical labor, while the kids help where they can and offer ideas for solutions to various problems.

As the family settles into their new routine, we see the difficulties they face living without modern conveniences. They have no access to electricity, plumbing, or technology, and must rely on their surroundings for everything they need. They must also figure out how to feed themselves – fishing, foraging for wild plants, and hunting. The family's first attempt at fishing is unsuccessful, and they must rely on canned food and other provisions they have brought with them until they can successfully catch their own food.

Despite the challenges, the Hawthornes seem to be adapting well to their new lifestyle. The kids are spending more time outside and exploring their surroundings. They are also learning important life skills, such as how to start a fire and how to sharpen a knife. Wendy reflects on the benefits of this experience for her children, saying that she hopes it will teach them to be more resourceful and resilient.

The episode ends with a storm approaching, and the family must batten down the hatches and prepare for heavy rain and wind. Despite the uncertainty and danger that comes with living in the wild, the Hawthornes seem determined to make the most of this experience and to learn as much as they can about themselves and the world around them.

Overall, "Into the Wild" paints an intriguing portrait of a family pushing themselves to their limits and challenging themselves to live in a way that is completely foreign to most of us. It raises questions about what we really need to survive and thrive, and how much we take for granted in our modern lives. Viewers will likely be fascinated by the Hawthornes' journey and curious to see what challenges and adventures await them in the coming episodes.