About Us
Our Story
Old School Survival began as a passion project to connect with, share, and teach self-reliance throughout America in 2020. Bobby and Tara Dodrill strove to create both an annual hands-on training event and an online space for like-minded folks to gather and inspire each other while being engaged in interactive homesteading and survival skill building classes. The couple along with a team of nearly 70 top bushcraft, survival, homesteading, and homeschooling experts from around the United States, now host the largest hands-on survival and homesteading gathering in the country and boast online learners from around the globe.
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Tara Dodrill
Survival and homesteading expert with over 15 years of journalism experience, author of 10 self-reliance books.
Co-owner and operator of the Old School Survival Boot Camp, the largest hands-on event in the US for survival, homesteading, and self-reliance enthusiasts.
Creator of the Homestead Heritage Explorers homeschool curriculum, a comprehensive learning resource for young survivalists and homesteaders.
Experience
Tara Dodrill's journey in the survival and homesteading world is rooted in her passion for self-reliance. She has been a survival and homesteading journalist for nearly 15 years, providing valuable insights through platforms like the Survival Blog, Homesteading.com, and her publication, the Old School Survival Magazine. Her 57-acre survival homestead in Appalachia stands testament to her dedication to the self-reliant lifestyle. Beyond her writings, she's an avid herbalist, empowering many through her workshops to harness the healing power of nature. She's a regular guest on renowned survival podcasts, sharing her expertise and experiences, and has been notably inspired by interactions with industry legends like Dr. William Forstchen.
Education
Tara earned her background in journalism from Ohio University. This formal education, combined with her hands-on experience in the world of survival and homesteading, makes her a trusted voice in the self-reliance community. Her educator role further underlines her commitment to hands-on learning, equipping many to lead a life connected with nature and self-sufficiency.
In essence, Tara Dodrill is not just a voice in the survival and homesteading community, but a pivotal force driving its growth and promoting the beauty of self-reliant living.
Bobby Dodrill
Bobby Dodrill is the co-owner and operator of Old School. Survival Boot Camp. Prior to becoming a semi-retired small business owner who enjoys spending his free time on a tractor in a field on his survival homestead, he had a long history of community service.
Dodrill is a retired McAthur Volunteer Fire Department Captain, a former village councilman, and previous mayor. He has been a member of a civilian volunteer militia, Free Mason, Shepherds's House Domestic Violence board member, founding member of the Vinton County Kiwanis club and past president.
Bobby is "go to" behind the scenes guru at Old School Survival Boot Camp events. He maps out all of the event tent and learning spaces, makes sure electricity, water access, overhead projectors, and fire pits are ready to go when needed to teach classes, creates the event schedule and maps the event. Without Bobby, the trains surely would not be running on time!
Our Partners
Old School Survival Responsibilities, Principles, and Ethics
Expert Instructors
Our Responsibility
Old School Survival Boot Camp and the Old School Survival Network is committed to providing evidence-based blog, book, and class content that has been successfully practiced professionals in the survival, bushcraft, and homesteading fields.
Flexible Formats
We offer a vast array of both online and in person learning opportunities for the entire family. flexible You can choose the format that works best for you and your learning style.
Affordable Pricing
We believe that high-quality professional development should be accessible to everyone. By purchasing an Old School Survival Network membership, you can download all of our homesteading books, survival books, cookbooks, livestock keeping logs, and homeschooling curriculum for free for an entire 12 months for just $25 per family. Network members also enjoy Old School Survival Boot Camp first access to camping and class registration, among other discounts.
Personalized Support
We're committed to your success. That's why we offer personalized support and guidance throughout your professional self-reliance journey. Whether you need help with event questions or homesteading and survival planning, we're here to help.