Bandit Camp
Bandit Camp
Winter has almost come and tough times have stricken the land. A season of poverty has fallen upon us. Out of desperation, some good folk have turned to banditry just to feed themselves - but those who are new to the bandit life are discovering (the hard way) that it takes certain skills to survive in the woodlands. The new bandits have gathered to learn these skills - are you among them?
Bandit Camp is an immersive experience that both educates and entertains. Escape the humdrum rat race, and embrace your inner rogue.
This two-day event will teach you hands-on wilderness skills that you can actually use in the woods and the wild places, while we have fun pretending to be bandits.
Join (real life) survival expert and instructor Tim “Mac” MacWelch as we dive face-first into a realm of fantasy and fun. From our woodland encampment, you will learn:
• How to build a hidden shelter
• Bow making
• First starting skills with real flint and steel sets
• Water gathering and campfire cooking
• Traps (for diverse range of creatures)
• Tracking
• Navigation (with the sun, moon, stars, and a magnetic compass)
You will also make (and take home):
• One survival bow made from a dried tree sapling
• One historically themed (and fully functional) fire building kit
• One deadfall trap trigger
Learn to survive on the edge of the wild! Join us for Bandit Camp - December 5-6, 2026.
Theme:
Our world theme for this event is a blend of medieval/low fantasy (think Robin Hood’s merry band from olde England or the Rats from the Witcher’s world). You can approach this event as a history enthusiast or a fan of fantasy.
We need your help to make this event as immersive as possible. We want you to look like bandits and your garb/kit should reflect a combination of weathered ragged clothing, with a few bits of wealth peeking through. We’re calling it “rags AND riches” (instead of rags or riches).
Lore:
Our lore for Bandit Camp is very inclusive if you already have a character from another game or event. If you are playing an existing character, then Bandit Camp is in that world and you are the same character. You’ve just fallen on hard times and joined the bandits. But don’t worry if you don’t have a character. You can build one before the event or build one as you go.
Logistics:
1. All tools and materials for the crafts and projects are provided by us.
2. No “street” clothes during the event. Please bring your own medieval or fantasy character garb so that we can all feel immersed in another world. If you do not have clothing like this, Fell & Fair is our absolute favorite provider. If you can only afford this event (not the event and a new set of clothing), we do have a very limited closet of medieval loaner clothing and accessories. Please contact us about sizes and availability. Don’t let the lack of a clothing “kit” stop you from joining us.
3. This event will start at 9 am on Saturday, December 5th and run through 4 pm on Sunday, December 6th, 2026.
For those traveling a long way for this event, contact us about the option to arrive Friday afternoon and camp on Friday night (to be ready for the early start on Saturday).
4. Camping on-site is encouraged (but not required if you live nearby or would prefer a hotel). If camping, please bring your own camping gear. A recommended gear list will be sent to you upon enrollment. We’ll have separate areas for period correct tents and modern tents. We also have a limited number of modern tents that we can loan.
5. Saturday night dinner is included (one of Mac’s famous soups or stews, with bread and accompaniments). Please let us know if you have dietary restrictions, if you are joining us for the Saturday night meal. Everyone will need to provide their own lunch for Saturday, as well as their own breakfast and lunch for Sunday.
6. Saturday night will include some games and campfire time. If you are going home on Saturday night, please plan to stay until 9 pm if you care to join us. Officially speaking, this is a “dry” event (for liability reasons).
POLICIES FOR ALL CLASSES
NO REFUND POLICY - We have a strict no refund policy for all class purchases. Please make sure you are available for the class date and certain of your intent before you purchase. If you are purchasing with someone else’s credit card (like a work credit card or family member’s card), make sure you are authorized for the purchase. Again, we will not refund class purchases.
TRANSFER POLICY - We do allow a one-time-only transfer for each class purchase. In the event that you cannot attend the class you purchased, you’ll have ONE CHANCE to transfer to an equal value class - if you notify us at least 24 hours before the class starts. Notification can be made by email, text or phone call (phone number provided upon enrollment) and must be confirmed by Advanced Survival Training to be valid for transfer to a new class. If you contact us with fewer than 24 hours before the class starts or you do not show up for the class, you are not eligible to transfer the purchase to a different class.
COURTESY POLICY - Please be courteous to your instructor and fellow students. Arrive 20 minutes before the class starts so you do not interrupt the class introduction. Pack out any trash you create. If you are not coming - contact us! Don’t join the trend of “no show - no notification” people.
FORCE MAJEURE POLICY - Remember the COVID lockdowns in 2020? In the event of restrictions imposed by governmental agencies which prohibit people gathering for the class (including, but not limited to lockdowns and other travel restrictions), you will be notified that the class is cancelled. We will not be able to refund the tuition you paid, but we will gladly work with you to move you into a future class once the situation allows.