School of Self-Reliance

WINTER GET-TOGETHER, 10 a.m. FREE
2025-12-13 10:00 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
DECEMBER 13, 10 A.M.
WINTER GET-TOGETHER/ TRADE-BLANKET, FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF SCHOOL OF SELF-RELIANCE.
NO FEE, NO NEED FOR A “TICKET” — JUST SHOW UP! (DIRECTIONS below)
Our annual gathering for Friends and Family of the School of Self-Reliance.

We will have a “trade blanket” where several people will be having books, gear, knives, etc. for trade or sale.
We will also discuss what makes a good “survival kit” — so bring your kit if you want it “analyzed.”

We will also have most of Christopher’s books available, as well as GIFT CERTIFICATES.
BRING A FOLDING CHAIR!

We’ll meet and share some survival stories, including what should always be in your “survival pack” in order to be prepared for the unexpected.

Do you want to bring products for sale or trade? Please let Christopher know.

It’s a good time to get to know each other better, and learn more skills in a relaxed setting. Location 2, Hahamongna Watershed Park. DIRECTIONS: The park is located on Pasadena’s west side, bordering La Canada. Check your Google Maps to find it, and you’ll likely be exiting the 210 freeway. The park entrance is Foothill and Oak Grove Drive. Enter the park, drive in, stay on the upper road until you see the outdoor bathroom, and park. We’ll be by the tables there.
There is no fee, but let us know you’re coming!

WILDERNESS SURVIVAL FOUNDATION COURSE
2026-02-21 10:00 - 15:00
Saturday, February 21, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wilderness survival: “Foundation Course” — Led by Keith Farrar, James Ruther, and assorted ad hoc, adjunct assistants.

Wilderness Survival Foundation Course:

Not all who wander are lost, however, some are, which is why learning Wilderness Survival is critical.

In this Wilderness Survival Foundation Course, we address the priorities in a wilderness survival situation.
Learning what priority to address first and how to address each priority is the best way to understand what to do if you have to spend an unplanned night or two in the wilderness.

Each topic is addressed in such a way that you will have a thorough understanding along with hands-on experience with that skill. While each topic, on its own, can be a full multi-day class, you will be comfortable enough with what you learn at this foundation class –or curious enough — to go further in your learning experience.

James Ruther demonstrating how to make a survival net

Due to personalized instruction, class size is limited.

What to bring:
Please bring a camp chair, lunch (there is no time to leave for lunch), water, appropriate clothing for the weather a compass (if you have one) and any personal wilderness survival items you might like to discuss.

We start the class at 10:00 (please arrive a bit early) and we finish around 3:00. There will be a very short lunch break somewhere along the program.

There are several hands-on portions, including but not limited to:

Emergency Shelter Set-Up’s
Critical outdoor knots to facilitate emergency shelters
Fire making (modern & primitive)
Basic Compass use
Emergency Navigation
Signaling for rescue
Water Purification
Deadfall Traps

What is different about this class? So may survival instructors give a list of gear to carry….we teach what needs to be done, and from that information, you decide what gear to carry based on what you are comfortable using to facilitate each priority in a survival situation.

Keith has taught this program for over 15 years and feels your confidence in what to do in a wilderness survival situation will significantly increase with the knowledge gained in this class.

Learning about emergency shelters
$75. [$55 for seniors/ students]
Location sent out upon registration.
Keith Farrar demonstrates how to turn a tarp into an emergency shelter

URBAN PREPAREDNESS -- in view of the many recent Disasters
2026-05-02 10:00 - 13:30
Urban Survival Guide, by Nyerges
Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m.
Urban Preparedness can mean a life of self-reliance! But it also means you’re a bit more prepared for disasters such as an earthquake, or a flood, or a fire.
We will cover some of the basic elements that you should know in order to take care of yourself at home. This class is all about urban preparedness.
We’ll cover issues about WATER and how to store water in Los Angeles County. What FOODS should you store, and grow. We will also show (and cook) some wild foods. We will share how to COOK in your backyard if you can’t use your indoor stove. We will address first aid only minimally — we suggest you take a Red Cross course. We will share TOILET alternative that is relatively easy. We will also show some of the alternate devices to ELECTRICAL devices. And we’ll talk about the notion of a “bug out bag,” and some common sense, such as the benefits of joining Neighborhood Watch, or starting one, if one is not active in your neighborhood.
This class will include a short PLANT WALK to learn about edible and medicinal wild plants.
Location sent with registration
Books and products will be available for sale
