SURVIVAL STORE

A woman kneels beside a small campfire in a Colorado forest, smiling while holding a ferro rod. Behind her, others prepare camp in the woods. The Survival University logo appears in the top corner with the text “Fire and Shelter Workshop.”
Two students sitting by a campfire beside a debris shelter during a survival training course in the Colorado mountains
Group of students sitting under a survival shelter in the forest with a campfire burning in front of them during a wilderness training class.
Students relaxing around a campfire during The Survival University’s 26-Day Advanced Immersion Course in Colorado, reflecting on training and life in the wilderness.
Student learning fire-starting with a ferro rod during a wilderness survival course in Colorado.
Two people building and tending a fire under a tarp shelter in a forest survival class
Fire and Shelter Workshop – 1 Day - Image 7

Fire and Shelter Workshop – 1 Day

Price range: $165.00 through $295.00

Learn the two most important outdoor skills for staying alive and comfortable in the wilderness: making fire and building shelter. This hands on, one day workshop teaches modern fire starting techniques, fire lays, and how to select and build effective shelters using tarps and natural materials. This is a single day, field based class.

Tap each tab below: Description, Additional Information, and Class Details. You’ll find the course overview, class times, driving directions, what to bring, and overnight arrangements.

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Description

Fire and Shelter Workshop – 1 Day

Learn the two most important skills for staying alive in the wilderness: making fire and building shelter.

This one-day hands-on workshop focuses on the real-world skills that keep you warm, dry, and thinking clearly when the environment turns against you. You’ll spend the day learning practical, proven methods used by outdoor professionals, rescuers, and survival instructors.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Modern methods (ferro rod, lighter)

  • How to select natural tinders and kindling that work in all weather

  • Fire lays and maintenance techniques for warmth, signaling, and cooking

  • Shelter priorities and design for different climates and conditions

  • How to use natural materials and tarps effectively

  • Layering, insulation, and site selection for safety and comfort

  • Real-world testing: build and maintain your own shelter and fire setup

What to Expect:
This is a full-day, field-based class with minimal lecture time. You’ll be outside all day, getting your hands dirty and learning through direct experience. Bring weather-appropriate clothing, food, and water. All tools and materials are provided.

Who It’s For:
Perfect for beginners, hikers, hunters, campers, and anyone who wants to gain real confidence outdoors. No prior experience required.

Schedule:
Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Held near Cripple Creek, Colorado

Course Overview

  • Course: Fire and Shelter Workshop – 1 Day
  • Duration: 1 day
  • Location: Mountain Camp, Colorado – 9,500 ft elevation, pine and aspen forest, private land
  • Class starts: 9:00 AM.
  • Class ends: 5:00 PM.
  • Required arrival for check-in: 8:00 AM, one hour before class starts.
  • Training approach: Hands-on training, practical skills, family-friendly, beginner-friendly

Instructor

TSU Resident Instructor

Before You Arrive

Arrival and Directions

Arrive by 8:00 AM for check-in. Class begins at 9:00 AM. Plan your drive so you are at the meeting location one hour before instruction begins.

Address: 71 Monarch Dr, Cripple Creek, CO 80813

Driving Directions: [Click here for directions]

(Important: Our camp is remote and GPS is often unreliable. Please read these directions carefully and have them saved or printed before you leave. Cell service is limited once you head into the mountains.)

Course Arrangements

This is a single-day workshop with no overnight component. Students who also enroll in the second day, the Water, Signaling, and Navigation Workshop, may remain on the training property overnight between the scheduled workshop days. Students attending both days provide their own tents, tarps, hammocks, or primitive field shelters and personal sleeping equipment. Use of the training property overnight is limited to enrolled students and authorized program participants. Campsites are not independently rented or offered to the general public.

Students who prefer to stay off site can choose from multiple hotels and Airbnb rentals in the surrounding area. Cripple Creek is approximately a 15-minute drive from our location, and Woodland Park is approximately 30 minutes away. Students are responsible for arranging their own lodging and making reservations directly with their chosen provider. Please call or email us before the course if you have questions about overnight arrangements.

Facilities

Facilities:
Porta potty restroom and potable water provided at camp.

Food and Water

Potable water is available on-site. Students should bring their own food for the duration of the class. Simple, quick meals like freeze-dried pouches or MREs are recommended, but any camp-friendly food or items for cooking over the fire or a small personal stove are fine. Local groceries and restaurants are nearby if needed.

What to Bring

Core Tools

  • Fixed-blade knife (full tang, 4–5” blade, plain edge)
  • Ferrocerium rod and striker
  • Folding hand saw
  • 50–100 feet of 550 paracord
  • Small backpack or daypack

Shelter & Sleep

  • Tent, tarp, or hammock
  • Sleeping bag and pad
  • Rain gear or poncho

Cooking & Water

  • Metal pot or cup
  • Eating utensils and small bowl/plate
  • Single-walled metal water bottle or canteen
  • Meals and snacks

Lighting & Miscellaneous

  • Headlamp with spare batteries
  • Personal first aid kit
  • Notebook and pencil (optional)

Optional Comfort Items

  • Camp chair or stool
  • Pillow or cushion
  • Extra snacks or comfort food
  • Camera or phone for photos

Clothing and Weather

Clothing

  • Non-cotton layers (wicking base, insulating mid, waterproof outer shell)
  • Outdoor boots and wool socks
  • Warm gloves and hat
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent
  • Shemagh, bandana, or scarf

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