We offer a variety of courses in our one-day format, from a core class (a great introduction to basic survival principles and how they interrelate) to a variety of courses that focus on a particular skill in more depth, i.e. sheltercraft, firecraft, navigation, knots, trapping, etc.
No crawling in the mud or silent suffering; we aren’t a military boot camp! Get the info without the attitude.
This course is perfect for folks that have the time and the interest to get more hands-on training. This weekend course is mentally intense with long days packed with information and skills practice in a base-camp model. Activity level is usually mild depending on the course focus. Some weekend courses include overnight camping and dinners around the fire, others are 9–5 only.
Come immerse yourself in a variety of multi-day courses. We have the time to really drop in, with each other, our surroundings, and the skills and concepts. Each of these courses is unique and may be held anywhere around the country!
To educate and empower women and other under represented demographics in the skills of surviving emergency situations in all envrionments.
Our OWLS core courses require a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 20 participants. Specialty and weekend courses are capped at between 8 and 12 folks depending on the topic (knot craft, fire craft, navigation, etc...) Custom courses can be any size desired.
Click the “Book Now” button to see available dates for upcoming courses.
Each course is unique based on location, length, and current environmental factors. You’ll receive a detailed email with required and optional gear 1, 2, or 4 weeks before your class depending on its length (one-day: 1 week out; weekend: 2 weeks; week-long: 4 weeks).
Each course page has a generic packing list to help you prepare. Here is a sample list for a one-day course:
All one- and two-day courses are within a one-hour drive of the listed city. Limited-edition retreats may be more remote. Specific directions and location details are emailed after registration (1–4 weeks before your course date).
For a course specifically designed for kids, we recommend booking a private course.
Full refund (minus processing fees) if you cancel at least 28 days before your course date.
For cancellations within 28 days, depending on the situation we may:
Short answer: No. Most of our courses are designed for women and nonbinary folks comfortable in women-only spaces. Occasionally we offer “All-Inclusive” classes open to all demographics—these are labeled All-Inclusive on the calendar and booking screen.
Working with marginalized demographics is our specialty. Most one and two-day courses are easily modified for a wide variety of special needs because we stay at a base camp and do not engage in strenuous activities.
Many skills are adaptable, please let us know your needs and share any additional instructions in advance so we can better prepare.
You provide personal gear; we provide teaching aids (knives, compasses, maps, signal mirrors, fire-starting materials, etc.). Two to four weeks before the course you’ll receive parking and driving directions, expected weather, a packing list tailored to local conditions, a request for pertinent medical/dietary information, and so on.
We usually spend weekends or the first couple of days of a longer trip close to our vehicles, so bring what you need to be comfortable. If you’re unsure about an item, bring it; if you lack an item, ask, we may have loaners or alternatives.
Please reach out if you have any question on what to bring!
Sometimes—this depends on the dog and the other participants. We ask the whole group first; if even one student is uncomfortable, dogs aren’t allowed on that course.
You’re responsible for your pet’s behavior. If you miss parts of the course or must leave to relocate the dog, that’s on you.
Historically, about 80-90% of dog-allowed courses have gone smoothly. If you think your dog is a good fit, contact us and we’ll check in with the other participants enrolled in the course you're going on.
The Customer Portal is your hub for everything—from switching courses to signing the online waiver. Use the link in your registration confirmation email to access your portal.
