Take on nature's fiercest season with confidence in the Winter Skills Class. Led by expert instructors, you'll learn invaluable survival techniques in harsh conditions. From building shelters and gathering resources to navigation and snowshoe making, this course will equip you with the skills to thrive in any winter wilderness.
Dates: Feb 14th thru 16th
You must be 18 years old or older to attend this class.
The registration deadline is 2 weeks prior to class start date.
- Required Gear List - Click Here
- Meeting Location - Click Here
- Cabin Rentals - Click Here
- Cancellation Policy - Click Here
This class is designed to introduce students to wilderness survival during the year’s harshest of months, winter. In winter, our needs for survival are magnified with weather being fierce and food being scarce. Students will amplify their knowledge and skill in basic survival and bushcraft as they build shelter, obtain water, and collect fuel off the landscape. Students will become very familiar with their axe to aid in creating projects as well as processing fuel. We will train class participants on how to convert simple tarp shelters with various fire lays to maximize heat as well as food preservation to maximize calorie intake. Other topics will include navigating with terrain association, winter tree identification, and snowshoe construction. The goal of this class is for students to walk away with new skills but also a sense of confidence as they carry out life in a wilderness setting below zero.
A broad overview of tasks or what you can expect while carrying your gear are:
-
hikes of 1-2 miles over terrain which may be uneven, muddy or snow-covered
-
collection of materials off the landscape
-
dealing with the elements (Cold, Rain, Snow, etc.)
Water will be available from jugs located in Base Camp. We continually check the water supply to make sure it is readily available.
We do not allow anyone to remain at camp without an instructor present.
If you suffer from a medical condition that requires medication, please bring your prescribed medicines with you. If you undergo surgery or a hospital stay within 30 days of the class, DO NOT attempt this course.
Port-a-Pots are located approximately 400 yards from the base camp near the parking area.
Highly recommend - physically prepare yourself at least 1-3 months in advance of this class. Based on your “starting point” physical condition.
- Hiking: uneven terrain will provide the most benefit.
- Walking: (at least 3-5 times weekly) for 5K
- Work your way up to a pack weight of 50lb before the class begins
As the premier school for self-reliance, our training exceeds that of any other school in the nation; so please take it seriously and take the time to physically prepare.
If the weather is snowy the class will be geared towards advanced bushcrafting.
No refunds will be issued for classes you do not pass or those you quit.
Completion Policy
- If you fall behind but are doing your best, we will support your effort 100%! We will encourage you to keep it up and complete the course to the best of your ability.
- Should you be unable to keep up with the group due to physical injury or other health problem(s), we will go above and beyond to assist you by aiding in your mobility, administering hydration and personal motivation! Should those efforts fail, leaving you unable to complete the course, we will need to ask you to leave the school grounds.
- If you (tap out) quit at any point, a helper will be assigned to aid you in packing up your gear and you will need to exit the school grounds.
Disclaimer:
Please make sure you take all gear with you at the end of the class. If gear is left behind, we will not be able to ship it to you, and will be considered abandoned.
Due to property insurance restrictions: There will be no camping on the school property prior to the start of the class or after the classes conclude.
Each class is instructed by highly trained and professional outdoor/wilderness instructors. Each instructor teaches the Pathfinder School system and is authorized by Dave Canterbury. Instructors, including Dave Canterbury, can vary class to class.
About our School:
- Fully Insured
- Red Cross Certified Training Facility
- EMT’s and Paramedic’s on Staff
- AED on Location
- Epinephrine on Location
- Instructors are CPR and Wilderness First Aid Red Cross Certified
- Low Student to Instructor to create a Pedagogy learning environment.
- Most Instructors either former Military, EMS, or LE
- Lead Instructor is NASAR Advanced Search and Rescue Certified
- Dave Canterbury is Certified Expert Trapper by Fur Takers of America and a Certified Intermediate Herbalist by the Herbal Academy International School of Herbal Arts and Sciences
- All Instructors are equipped and licensed in HAM radio as well as PLB SAT comes for emergency communications away from classroom area.
- Training area is over 4500 Forested Acres
Take on nature's fiercest season with confidence in the Winter Skills Class. Led by expert instructors, you'll learn invaluable survival techniques in harsh conditions. From building shelters and gathering resources to navigation and snowshoe making, this course will equip you with the skills to thrive in any winter wilderness.
Dates: Feb 14th thru 16th
You must be 18 years old or older to attend this class.
The registration deadline is 2 weeks prior to class start date.
- Required Gear List - Click Here
- Meeting Location - Click Here
- Cabin Rentals - Click Here
- Cancellation Policy - Click Here
This class is designed to introduce students to wilderness survival during the year’s harshest of months, winter. In winter, our needs for survival are magnified with weather being fierce and food being scarce. Students will amplify their knowledge and skill in basic survival and bushcraft as they build shelter, obtain water, and collect fuel off the landscape. Students will become very familiar with their axe to aid in creating projects as well as processing fuel. We will train class participants on how to convert simple tarp shelters with various fire lays to maximize heat as well as food preservation to maximize calorie intake. Other topics will include navigating with terrain association, winter tree identification, and snowshoe construction. The goal of this class is for students to walk away with new skills but also a sense of confidence as they carry out life in a wilderness setting below zero.
A broad overview of tasks or what you can expect while carrying your gear are:
-
hikes of 1-2 miles over terrain which may be uneven, muddy or snow-covered
-
collection of materials off the landscape
-
dealing with the elements (Cold, Rain, Snow, etc.)
Water will be available from jugs located in Base Camp. We continually check the water supply to make sure it is readily available.
We do not allow anyone to remain at camp without an instructor present.
If you suffer from a medical condition that requires medication, please bring your prescribed medicines with you. If you undergo surgery or a hospital stay within 30 days of the class, DO NOT attempt this course.
Port-a-Pots are located approximately 400 yards from the base camp near the parking area.
Highly recommend - physically prepare yourself at least 1-3 months in advance of this class. Based on your “starting point” physical condition.
- Hiking: uneven terrain will provide the most benefit.
- Walking: (at least 3-5 times weekly) for 5K
- Work your way up to a pack weight of 50lb before the class begins
As the premier school for self-reliance, our training exceeds that of any other school in the nation; so please take it seriously and take the time to physically prepare.
If the weather is snowy the class will be geared towards advanced bushcrafting.
No refunds will be issued for classes you do not pass or those you quit.
Completion Policy
- If you fall behind but are doing your best, we will support your effort 100%! We will encourage you to keep it up and complete the course to the best of your ability.
- Should you be unable to keep up with the group due to physical injury or other health problem(s), we will go above and beyond to assist you by aiding in your mobility, administering hydration and personal motivation! Should those efforts fail, leaving you unable to complete the course, we will need to ask you to leave the school grounds.
- If you (tap out) quit at any point, a helper will be assigned to aid you in packing up your gear and you will need to exit the school grounds.
Disclaimer:
Please make sure you take all gear with you at the end of the class. If gear is left behind, we will not be able to ship it to you, and will be considered abandoned.
Due to property insurance restrictions: There will be no camping on the school property prior to the start of the class or after the classes conclude.
Each class is instructed by highly trained and professional outdoor/wilderness instructors. Each instructor teaches the Pathfinder School system and is authorized by Dave Canterbury. Instructors, including Dave Canterbury, can vary class to class.
About our School:
- Fully Insured
- Red Cross Certified Training Facility
- EMT’s and Paramedic’s on Staff
- AED on Location
- Epinephrine on Location
- Instructors are CPR and Wilderness First Aid Red Cross Certified
- Low Student to Instructor to create a Pedagogy learning environment.
- Most Instructors either former Military, EMS, or LE
- Lead Instructor is NASAR Advanced Search and Rescue Certified
- Dave Canterbury is Certified Expert Trapper by Fur Takers of America and a Certified Intermediate Herbalist by the Herbal Academy International School of Herbal Arts and Sciences
- All Instructors are equipped and licensed in HAM radio as well as PLB SAT comes for emergency communications away from classroom area.
- Training area is over 4500 Forested Acres
Frequently Asked Questions
What are your hours of operation? Customer Service is open 9am to 3pm EST Monday thru Friday (we are closed all major holidays)
Do you have a retail store? No, we are online only.
Can I request personal modifications or customizations on a PKS Knife?
- We are sorry but no.
What time zone is your sales and promotions based on?
- Eastern Standard Time.
Do you offer Rain Checks or Extend Promotional Prices?
- No, I am sorry sale prices are only available during the promotional period.
How do I cancel an order?
- To cancel an order please call Customer Service at 317.791.8777 Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm (Eastern Standard Time). Once an order has been processed for shipment (meaning a label has been created) it cannot be cancelled. Sending an email will not guarantee it will be cancelled prior to shipping.
Can I add to an order?
- If your order has not started to be processed through our shipping department, you can modify the order. However, you must call Customer Service at 317.791.8777 to make modifications. Once an order has started processing through the warehouse, it cannot be modified, only cancelled.
What cards do you accept?
- Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay.
Do you accept check or money orders?
- Yes, we do. Make checks out to The Pathfinder School, and mail to Self Reliance Outfitters, 6050 Churchman Bypass, Indianapolis, IN 46203. If we do receive your payment within 14 business days, your order will be cancelled.
Are orders shipped insured?
- Yes, all orders where product total equals $25 or more, then the package is shipped insured. For more information about the insurance and claim process please click here.
How long does it take for an order to ship from the warehouse?
- Orders typically take 2 to 5 business days to process through our shipping department. During the holidays or during high-volume orders influxes, it may take up to 7 business days to process through our warehouse. UPS 2-DAY orders will be processed next business day.
How long will it take for my package to arrive?
- Once it leaves our warehouse, it will all depend on what shipping option you choose.
What shipping options do you offer domestically?
- Economy Shipping
- UPS Ground
- UPS 2-Day
- FedEx Ground.
What International shipping options do you have?
- UPS
- FedEx
- DHL
- USPS (Canada ONLY).
To learn how to sign up, earn points, and redeem points please click here.
Can I send it back for an exchange?
- No, but you can send it back for a store gift to use towards your next purchase. Include a copy of your receipt or email confirmation and indicate what you wish to get a store gift card. However, return shipping is at your expense.
Send to:
Self Reliance Outfitters
6050 Churchman Bypass
Indianapolis, IN 46203
Attn: New Return
How will my refund be processed?
- Domestic customers:All refunds (including canceled orders) will be refunded by the original payment method or issued a store gift card if requested. If you paid by check or money order, then you will be issued a refund check or store gift card, if requested. Any refund on classes more than 60 days old may require a refund check being issued if store credit is not acceptable.
- International customers:Refunds (including canceled orders) will be refunded by the original payment method or issued a store gift card if requested. If you paid by check or money order, your only option is a store gift card. Any refund on classes more than 60 days old may be only available for a store gift card.
- Refunds on returned merchandise will be processed within seven (7) business days upon receipt of the returned merchandise.
Can I return an unwanted item?
- You may return any unused item (in its original packaging) within 30 days of purchase for a full refund of the purchased price. We will not accept any new returned merchandise after 30 days (drop ship items are not returnable). Your return must be returned with your email confirmation or packing list from your original order, and indicate you would like a refund or store gift card. However, return shipping is at your expense.
Send to:Self Reliance Outfitters6050 Churchman BypassIndianapolis, IN 46203Attn: New Return
- Drop Ship items are not returnable, and all sales are final except is case of a warranty issue. Warranty claims on drop ship items will be for exchange only.
- All returned merchandise (except warranties) are returned at your expense.
What is the warranty on your products?
- Most of our products (except PKS Knives & DIY Blanks) carry a 1 yr warranty. View the Pathfinder Promise for our warranty on our Pathfinder Stainless Steel gear - Click Here
- If you have questions about a warranty product issue, please contact our customer service at 317.791.8777 Monday thru Friday, 9 am to 3 pm (Eastern Standard Time) or email Customer Support at customersupport@pathfindergear.net
Does your PKS DIY Blanks have a lifetime warranty?
- No, since they are a DIY item, and an unfinished knife, blanks come with a 6-month warranty.
What is the warranty on PKS Knives?
- All PKS knives (except DIY blanks) come with a lifetime workmanship warranty.
- Please contact customer service at 317.791.8777 or email Customer Support at customersupport@pathfindergear.net if you have questions about a warranty issue.
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We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, and PayPal
We are American Owned & Operated since 2010
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