SURVIVAL STORE

Student using map and compass to navigate mountainous terrain during an outdoor navigation training exercise in Colorado.

Water and Navigation Workshop – 1 Day

Price range: $165.00 through $295.00

This hands on workshop covers the core skills that keep small problems from becoming overnight emergencies. Students learn how to find and purify water, avoid getting lost, recover when off route, and signal for help if plans change. The navigation portion focuses on simple, practical fundamentals that work for day hikes and short trips, and provides a solid foundation for more advanced navigation training. No prior experience required.

Description

Water, Signaling, and Navigation Workshop – 1 Day

Fire and shelter buy you time. Water, signaling, and navigation get you found and get you home.

This one day, hands on workshop focuses on the skills that prevent small problems from turning into long days or overnight emergencies. The emphasis is on practical decision making, simple systems, and methods that work for hikers, campers, hunters, and everyday outdoor travel.

You will spend the day learning how to find water, make it safe, avoid getting lost, recover when you are off route, and signal for help if plans change.

This class pairs naturally with the Fire and Shelter Workshop and can be taken as a standalone day or as part of a 2 day fundamentals weekend.

What You Will Learn

Water

  • How to locate water in different terrain and seasons

  • Modern water purification methods including boiling, filters, and chemical treatment

  • Water management and rationing for short term situations

  • Common water mistakes that lead to dehydration or poor decisions

Signaling and Lost Proofing

  • How to avoid getting lost through planning and awareness

  • What to do when you realize you are off route

  • Audible and visual signaling methods using simple tools

  • When to stay put and when to move

Navigation Fundamentals

  • How maps actually work and how to read terrain

  • Basic compass use and simple bearings

  • Understanding handrails, catch features, and backstops

  • Practical navigation habits that keep you oriented on day hikes

This navigation portion is intentionally foundational. The goal is not mastery in one day, but understanding the building blocks that make advanced navigation training click later.

What to Expect

This is a full day, field based class with minimal lecture time. You will be outside, moving, observing terrain, and practicing skills in real conditions. The focus is on awareness, repetition, and learning through direct experience.

Bring weather appropriate clothing, food, and water. All instructional tools and materials are provided.

Who It Is For

This workshop is well suited for beginners, hikers, campers, hunters, and anyone who wants to feel more confident staying found and making good decisions outdoors. No prior experience is required.

Schedule

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

Additional Information

  • Course Name: Water and Navigation Workshop

  • Location: Mountain Camp, Colorado – 9,500 ft elevation, pine and aspen forest, private land

  • Schedule: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM each day

  • Duration: 1 Day

  • Approach: Hands-on training, practical skills, family-friendly, beginner-friendly

  • Instructor Type: TSU Resident Instructor

  • Driving Directions: [Click here for directions]

Address: 71 Monarch Dr, Cripple Creek, CO 80813

(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.)

Accommodations

Students may camp on-site for the weekend or stay in nearby towns. Cripple Creek is about 15 minutes away, and Woodland Park is around 30 minutes. If not camping, students are responsible for arranging their own lodging.
At camp, a central fire ring and a few designated camping spots are available, with dispersed camping as the primary option. Vehicles can be parked within roughly 100 feet of the main camp area.

Sleeping Arrangements:
Students are responsible for their own overnight shelter. Tents, campers, hammocks, or tarp setups are all welcome.

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.

Gear List

Navigation

  • Baseplate compass or orienteering compass (simple is better)

  • Small notebook and pencil (pen does not work well in wet conditions)

Water

  • Water purification method (filter, chemical treatment, or boiling setup)

  • Metal pot or cup suitable for boiling water

  • Large Cotton Scarf

Signaling

  • Whistle

  • Headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries

  • Signal mirror (optional but recommended)

Personal Carry

  • Small daypack

  • Fixed blade or folding knife

  • Personal first aid kit

Clothing

  • Non cotton layers (wicking base layer, insulating mid layer, weather resistant outer layer)

  • Sturdy outdoor footwear suitable for uneven terrain

  • Wool or synthetic socks

  • Hat for sun and warmth

  • Lightweight gloves

  • Rain jacket or poncho

  • Sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent as needed

Optional Items

  • Trekking poles

  • GPS device or phone with offline maps (used as a supplement, not a replacement)

  • Camp chair or stool

  • Extra snacks or comfort food

  • Camera or phone for photos

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