Preparedness is becoming increasingly important, but masculine narratives of wilderness survival often dominate it. However, women are stepping up and finding new ways to hone their survival skills through female-only survival gatherings. This is a growing trend, and I find it very exciting! These empowering community survival events are not just about learning practical skills; I believe they create a supportive environment where women can unite, share knowledge, and build lasting connections.
My blog and website aims to help single moms and solo women on their prepping journey. Although I have experience and knowledge about some aspects of prepping, as I’ve mentioned somewhere, “there is no perfect prepper.” The best preppers will readily say that every prepper has a weak spot; an area where they could improve. The one area where I need improvement is outdoor survival skills. Hell, I’m from Queens! A few hours a day in summer camp isn’t gonna cut it. I remember how to swim only when I think about “Jaws” but it’s probably closer to over-glorified dog-paddling. Yes, I can handle a gun, build a fire, and put up a passable shelter, but anything more than that is WAY above my fighting weight.
I direct certain aspects of prepping towards women from my experience and perspective, and when I think about getting more involved in outdoor things, sometimes it’s a little…macho. As female prepper groups grow in popularity, I imagine a unique space for women to network about survival, fostering a sense of camaraderie and confidence, which would be great for me as an urbanite and introvert. And if you haven’t yet dipped your toes into the world of prepping, these gatherings might be the perfect place to start, offering a more approachable and welcoming introduction to survival essentials.
The Rise of Female-Only Survival Gatherings
In recent years, female-only survival gatherings have gained significant momentum. These events are redefining the landscape of survival training and networking, offering women a unique platform to develop essential skills in a supportive environment. They are not just about learning how to survive in the wilderness; they are about fostering empowerment and creating communities of like-minded individuals.
A New Era in Survival Skills
The emergence of female-only survival gatherings marks a shift in how survival skills are taught and practiced. Traditionally male-dominated, the survival space transforms as more women take the lead. These events provide a safe space for women to learn without the pressures of a mixed-gender setting.
Female-only gatherings focus on skills like fire-making, shelter-building, and first aid. Women find that learning alongside other women encourages collaboration and mutual support. It allows participants to tailor their learning experiences to their needs and comfort levels.
Furthermore, these gatherings often incorporate personal safety and resource management discussions, which are critical for effective survival planning. By addressing these issues, female-only events offer a complete approach to survival training.
Popularity of Community Survival Events
Community survival events are becoming increasingly popular among women eager to learn essential skills in a collaborative environment. These events serve as a hub for sharing knowledge and expertise and attract participants from diverse backgrounds.
The rise in popularity can be attributed to these gatherings’ informal and approachable nature. They are designed to be inclusive and welcoming, making them accessible to women of all skill levels. This approach encourages more women to participate and explore the world of survival skills.
Georgia Bushcraft offers a mix of workshops, hands-on activities, and networking opportunities. These events teach practical skills and provide attendees with a sense of belonging and camaraderie. I’ve wanted to take the Women’s Wilderness Survival 101 class for ages. Maybe this year will be the year!
As these events grow, they become crucial in normalizing and encouraging female participation in survival training, making them a vital component of the broader survival community.
Empowerment Through Female Prepper Groups
Female prepper groups are at the forefront of empowering women in survival skills. These groups create a sense of community and shared purpose, allowing women to build confidence and learn from each other.
Joining a women’s prepper group provides numerous advantages.
Provides access to a support network of experienced women who can offer guidance and mentorship.
Especially valuable for newcomers who may feel overwhelmed by the complexities of survival training.
Emphasizes self-reliance and resilience.
Encourages women to take ownership of their preparedness journeys.
Female-only gatherings redefine the traditional concept of strength. It’s not just about physical prowess but also emotional resilience, adaptability, and the power of collective support.
Allows for collaborative practice of skills through group activities, enhancing the learning experience.
Offers online communities as additional platforms for women to connect, share resources, and exchange advice.
Complements in-person gatherings, creating a comprehensive support system for female preppers.
I believe the shared experience of navigating challenges in nature can create powerful bonds between women. In a safe and supportive environment, women feel comfortable sharing their fears, vulnerabilities, and triumphs. This open communication fosters trust and can create a powerful sense of community.
Key Benefits of Survival Networking for Women
Survival networking for women offers benefits that extend beyond the acquisition of practical skills. Meeting with learning from these ladies will foster personal growth, community building, and resource sharing, making it a valuable aspect of the survival experience. Why female-only? While mixed-gender survival gatherings offer valuable experiences, female-only gatherings provide a unique space for women to:
Feel completely safe and supported.
Explore their feminine strength without feeling the need to compete.
Connect with other women on a deep, authentic level.
Building Confidence and Competence
One primary benefit of survival networking for women is its boost in confidence and competence. Engaging with other women in a supportive environment helps participants overcome apprehensions and embrace new challenges.
Confidence-building: Engaging in activities and workshops helps women develop self-assurance and mastery over new skills.
Confidence acquired in survival training translates into other life areas, enhancing their ability to manage unpredictable situations.
Competence: Hands-on practice and peer feedback help women refine their skills and build the competence needed for survival scenarios.
Competence empowers women to take decisive action during emergencies.
The combination of confidence and competence from survival networking readies women to face challenges with resilience and determination.
Creating Supportive Networks
Creating supportive networks is a key advantage of survival networking for women. These networks provide a foundation of trust and assistance, fostering a sense of community among participants.
Supportive networks encourage the sharing of experiences and expertise, allowing women to learn from each other’s successes and challenges. This exchange of knowledge enhances the learning process and builds connections.
Key elements of supportive networks include:
Open communication and shared learning experiences
Opportunities for mentorship and guidance
A sense of belonging and camaraderie
These networks are vital for women seeking to build and sustain their survival skills. They offer a platform for continuous learning and support and ensure participants can access the resources they need to thrive.
Sharing Knowledge and Resources
Sharing knowledge and resources is a cornerstone of survival networking for women. Women can enhance their preparedness strategies and learn from diverse perspectives by pooling their collective expertise.
Knowledge sharing occurs both formally and informally during survival gatherings. Workshops, discussions, and hands-on activities provide structured opportunities for learning, while informal conversations allow for the exchange of tips and tricks.
Resource sharing is equally important. Women can exchange survival gear, tools, and supplies, ensuring everyone has access to the essentials they need. This collaborative approach reduces costs and maximizes resource availability.
Benefits of resource sharing include:
Access to a broader range of tools and equipment
Opportunities to try new gear before purchasing
Cost-sharing and group discounts on supplies
By sharing knowledge and resources, women create a more robust and resilient survival community, equipped to face challenges collectively.
How to Get Involved in Community Survival Events
Getting involved in community survival events is an excellent way for women to begin their journey into the world of prepping. These events offer a welcoming environment for beginners and provide opportunities for skill development and networking.
Finding Local Female Prepper Groups
The first step to getting involved is finding local female prepper groups. These groups serve as a gateway to the broader survival community, offering support and resources to new and experienced preppers alike.
Steps to find local groups:
Online research: Use search engines and social media platforms to discover groups in your area.
Networking: Attend local events and meetups to connect with other women interested in survival skills.
Join online communities: Social media and online groups would be a great place to begin to navigate the prepping world with women who have the experience.
Once you’ve identified potential groups, reach out and express your interest. But as I always say, make sure any group you look into makes you feel comfortable and welcoming to newbies. If you don’t like their approach or vibe, look elsewhere. Some may be too advanced, informal, or rigid; others may be too hippy-dippy. Take your time to find the group and experience that feel right to you.
Preparing for Your First Gathering
Once you have decided what workshop or trip you want to participate in, preparing for your first survival gathering can be exciting and nerve-wracking. However, with the right approach, you can make the most of the experience and gain valuable insights. Remember, the tips below can apply to just about any new experience!
Tips for preparing:
Research the event: Familiarize yourself with the schedule and activities to know what to expect. Make sure any company you’re dealing with and the event’s leaders are trained professionals. If you have any questions or reservations, now is the time to address them! Be clear about your skill level, not only so the leaders know about your experience, but also for safety reasons.
Pack essentials: Bring necessary gear, supplies, and personal items to ensure comfort and safety. Generally, you should be advised what to bring.
Set goals: Identifying what you hope to learn and achieve during the gathering will help you stay focused and engaged.
Arriving with an open mind and a willingness to learn will enhance your experience and enable you to fully benefit from the knowledge and skills shared at the event.
Continuing Your Survival Skills Journey
After attending your first gathering, it’s essential to continue developing your survival skills. This ongoing journey will ensure you remain prepared and confident in your abilities.
Steps to continue your journey:
Join regular meetups: Many groups hold monthly or quarterly events to practice and refine skills. Check out Survival Sisters for an opportunity to get involved.
Engage in online communities: Stay connected with fellow preppers through forums and social media groups.
Pursue further training: Consider enrolling in courses offered by organizations like Mountain Shepherd and Georgia Bushcraft.
By actively participating in the survival community and seeking new learning opportunities, you’ll continue to grow your skills and expand your network, ensuring you’re always ready for whatever challenges may arise.
Maybe we’ll meet during one of these!
