Not a good idea for novices (actually a really bad idea). Maybe your project could involve getting the basic training and knoweldge to work up to a 3 day survival scenario. Getting prepared for something like that doesn't happen overnight. You "might" want to start with a little hiking, camping and backpacking to gain expierance and check out gear.
Eventually, if you work up to a 3 day survival project, having an expieranced observer and safety procedures in place should be included in the plan.

Dave