Survival Skill Building Workshop with Optional Winter Camping

What: Survival Skill Building Workshop with Optional Winter Camping

When: Saturday, January 24, 2026

11AM-4PM then into the next morning until 10AM for overnight campers

Where: Taking place at a retired horse ranch outside of Grove City Ohio

This workshop is all about embracing the challenges of winter and taking on fire-starting, animal tracking, foraging, outdoor cooking, preparedness basics, plus a night walk and optional overnight winter camping for those ready to test out their skills.

If you've ever wanted to feel more prepared for camping experiences or survival situations, this is a great opportunity for beginners to gain experience in a safe setting.

Starting at 11AM, we'll have a show-and-tell of the different camping gear options, followed by an animal tracking and foraging walk.

After helping to set up everyone's camping spots (for those who are staying the night), we'll go over fire-starting techniques & tools, how to make char cloth, plus tips on which natural resources work well in our area, what to keep in mind, & what to avoid. Everyone will have an opportunity to start their own fire without the use of a lighter or storebought fuel & will receive a fire-starting kit included in the price of their ticket.

While preparing our fires, we'll learn about the origins of the bonfire stemming from bone-fire, which is the ancient practice of burning bones. I've you've ever tried composting bones before, you'll know they don't break down very well. Burning bones first allows us to literally crush them with our bare hands. It's pretty cool & the composition change gifts us with new uses for the charred bones!

We'll cook our dinner over the fire & on the hot coals while enjoying one another's company, sharing camping food & cooking techniques.

Wrapping up the evening, we'll say goodbye to those who aren't staying for the winter camping experience, & we'll have fun exploring different natural items around the fire, learn about animal bones, & listen to sounds of the night while enjoying the view of the night sky.

Campers will retire to their respective campsites with any extra blankets, pillows, or chargers they may need, & anyone who gets too cold or runs into problems can give me a call, come find me, or seek aid from fellow campers.

Did you attend the last camping events? Well, you're in for an upgrade! We now have more camping sites to select from, giving you more options to stay cozy during winter gusts, including the possible option of camping in our old barns for those who'd like to share space with wildlife in a rustic shelter.

By 8AM, each camper is to meet by the community fire, which they are welcome to start on their own if they get to it first, where we will enjoy breakfast, recount our experiences, & head on home to warm back up.

Each event attendee will be asked to sign a liability waiver at the start of the event. In case of inclement weather, we do have various shelters & indoor spaces to use for parts of the event, but know that this is meant to be a skill-building challenge, so expect even if it's snowing out we'll be spending a portion of time out in the elements.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me on Instagram, or contact me via email at stagpath@protonmail.com.

Location details will be shared via the digital download included with your purchase.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

What if I don't have a tent or sleeping bag?

If you have interest in coming, but don't feel confident in your existing winter camping gear, or lack thereof, please reach out to me on Instagram, or contact me via email at stagpath@protonmail.com. I'd be more than happy to work with my community to get you set up & ready to rock.

Can my kids come?

Maybe! I'd like everyone to have a good time, even if we are challenging ourselves, so if you have a kid who would genuinely enjoy learning some of these skills, the workshop portion of the experience might be a great option for them. In terms of winter camping, the short answer is no, but please reach out if you know your kids are able to handle winter camping experiences.

Do I need to bring food?

This event includes food. If you want to bring a little something extra to add to your meal or to share with others, you are welcome to, but it's not required. We'll have a mix of whole food options & side dishes that align with various dietary needs.

Where does this event take place?

This event will be in my backyard just outside of Grove City. I live on a retired horse ranch with 10-acres & walking trails I created alongside my partner. Our aim is to increase native plant biodiversity & we have been intentional with identifying & caring for edible native species already growing on the landscape, like wild plums.

Are there bathrooms?!

Yes! We do have an indoor toilet, but for most of our time together we will be using an outdoor toilet with intent to compost the waste naturally.

What should I wear?

We don't know what the weather will be like until the day comes, but parts of our trails can get a little muddy after a rain, or a little windy due to the openness of surrounding agriculture. Keep this in mind, dress in layers, & know that I have extra scarves, blankets, pillows, & jackets to share.

What happens if it rains or storms?

If it rains or storms, we might need to reschedule to accommodate everyone's needs. There are outdoor shelters we can use if we need to though!

How long is this event?

The first portion of the event takes place during the day, starting at 11AM & concluding with dinner in the early evening around 4 PM. For those who are planning to camp overnight, the adventure continues into the next day up until 10AM.