SURVIVAL STORE

Survival for Beginners: The Trial graphic featuring a collage of outdoor training scenes. Students practice fire starting, tarp shelter building, water collection, and teamwork in a wooded setting. Centered in the design is The Survival University patch with “Survival for Beginners – The Trial” written around the edge.
A circular patch design for The Survival University. The patch features a gold compass rose and mountain design on a black background with the bold letters “TSU” in the center. A red border encircles the design with the words “THE SURVIVAL UNIVERSITY” at the top and “THE TRIAL” at the bottom.

SURVIVAL FOR BEGINNERS – THE TRAIL

$325.00

Survival for Beginners: The Trial is a two day challenge that puts your core survival skills to the test. Fire, shelter, water, signaling, and awareness are all on the table in timed scenarios designed to simulate an unexpected night in the woods. Pass every challenge and earn The Trial Patch.

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.

Description

Survival for Beginners: The Trial
You learned the basics. Now it is time to put them to the test.

This two day challenge course is designed for those who want to prove they can handle an unexpected overnight in the woods with nothing but their skills and gear — and earn The Trial Patch to show it. There are no long lectures or practice blocks here. Every session is a timed challenge, scenario, or test of the core survival skills taught in our beginner program.

Fire, shelter, water, signaling, awareness, and decision making are all on the table. You will face the clock, unexpected twists, and real outdoor conditions that force you to perform under pressure. Complete the tasks and move forward. Fall short and you will know exactly what needs work before you try again.

Students who succeed earn The Trial Patch, a symbol that they can not only learn survival but apply it when it matters most.

Prerequisite: Completion of the 2 Day Survival for Beginners course is required.

Course Overview

  • Course: SURVIVAL FOR BEGINNERS – THE TRAIL
  • Duration: 2 days
  • Location: Mountain Camp, Colorado — 9,500 ft elevation in pine and aspen forest on 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: Scenario-based challenges with minimal instruction. Timed tests of beginner survival skills in fire, shelter, water, signaling, and awareness. Pass or fail.

Instructor

TSU Resident Instructor

Course Requirements and Inclusions

Course Patch

Students who complete all challenges will earn The Trial Patch, recognizing their ability to apply beginner survival skills in a real-world test.

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: Once class begins, students remain on site for the full two days, including the overnight. GPS is often unreliable in this area. Please read the driving directions carefully and save or print them before leaving. Cell service is limited once you head into the mountains.

  • Parking: Vehicles may be parked within 100 feet of camp.

Course Arrangements

This is a full-immersion course. Once class begins, students remain in the field for the entire two days, including overnight. Students sleep in a tent, hammock, or tarp shelter they set up themselves, and instruction on simple tarp setups is provided.

  • Sleeping Arrangements: Students are responsible for their own overnight shelter system.

Facilities

  • Facilities: A porta potty restroom is available. Potable water is provided at camp.

Food and Water

  • Students must bring their own food. Quick meals such as freeze dried pouches or MREs are recommended, though any food suitable for campfire cooking or backpacking stoves is fine.
  • Potable water is available at camp, and students will also collect and purify water as part of challenges.

What to Bring

Core Survival Tools

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

Shelter & Sleep

  • Tent, hammock, or tarp shelter system
  • Sleeping bag and sleeping 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

  • Small 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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