Hands-on wilderness survival training for everyday adults. Start with a single 4–7 hour field day, then progress through four levels — from Certified Prepared Citizen to Castle Branch Master Survivalist.
ASPA teaches beginner-friendly, hands-on wilderness survival skills in a single focused day. No prior outdoor experience required — just a willingness to learn and get your hands dirty.
Every class starts from the basics. Whether you've never built a fire or you're brushing up on skills, the course meets you where you are.
You'll build a shelter, start a fire, filter water, and navigate with a map and compass — not just watch it happen.
Capped at 8–16 students per session for real instructor attention and enough hands-on time with every skill.
ASPA is bilingual — classes and instruction are available in both English and Spanish. Hablamos español.
ASPA training builds in stages. Each level requires completing a set number of classes in that category before advancing — culminating in an invitation-only 72-hour field outing.
The foundation tier. Beginner-friendly, hands-on instruction in the core survival disciplines — the entry point for every ASPA student.
For Level 1 graduates ready to build depth. Longer field days, harder terrain, and less hand-holding — students are expected to apply Level 1 fundamentals on their own.
Focused on responding to and leading others through crisis — trauma care, coordinated rescue, and decision-making under pressure.
The capstone: a 72-hour field outing. This class only runs once at least five participants have earned Emergency Response Specialist (Level 3) status — it is not scheduled on a fixed calendar.
A single-day, field-based course covering the core survival disciplines every prepared adult should know — taught on the move, along a 3–6 mile hike in full gear. The first step toward Certified Prepared Citizen status.
Houston heat plus a loaded pack raises the risk of heat illness. Bring the required two litres of water minimum, and tell an instructor early if you start to feel unwell — every station includes a hydration stop.
Total course length: 4–7 hours depending on group size, pace, and terrain (example schedule shown for a 6-hour session). Total hike distance: approximately 3–6 miles across all legs.
If a participant becomes unable to complete the day's hike due to medical or personal reasons, or continues to pose a safety hazard to the class — including by failing to follow instructor directions — ASPA staff will escort the participant to a designated pick-up location. The participant will remain there with an instructor until an ASPA vehicle arrives to transport them to safety or to their personal vehicle.
No headphones, earphones, or loud music are permitted on the trail. The trail is not immune from the safety and comforts of a secured gym or establishment — it is still the wild. Students must be able to hear instructors, hazards, and the rest of the group at all times.
We walk this trail not because it is easy, but because it makes us strong. We carry our own weight, and we carry each other. Today we train the body, sharpen the mind, and forge the will to endure. No excuses. No shortcuts. Move out.
I choose the harder path today, because comfort builds nothing. I will push when I want to stop, and I will help the one beside me do the same. Discomfort is temporary — the discipline it builds is not. Let's move.
Group and private bookings available. Contact Tony Ramos for current availability and to reserve a seat.
Prices are approximate as of mid-2026 and adjusted for local cost of living, insurance, and group size. Contact us for a firm quote.
Refund Policy: Refunds will not be given. Credits toward a future ASPA class will only be issued if you notify us at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled class start time.
Beginner options meet ASPA course requirements. Premium picks are for students continuing on to regular hiking or backpacking.
| Item | Beginner | Price | Premium | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hiking boots | Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP | $130–$150 | Hoka Kaha 3 GTX | $220–$260 |
| Layered clothing | REI Co-op Sahara + budget pants | $45–$70 | Patagonia Capilene + Arc'teryx | $200–$260 |
| Daypack (20–25L) | REI Co-op Flash 22 | $70 | Osprey Talon 22 | $175 |
| Water bottle | Nalgene 32oz Wide Mouth | $14–$16 | Hydro Flask 32oz Insulated | $45–$50 |
| Fixed-blade knife | Morakniv Companion | $16–$20 | ESEE 4P | $150–$180 |
| Rain gear | Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 | $25–$30 | Outdoor Research Foray GTX | $180–$200 |
| Sun protection | Ball cap + drugstore SPF30 | $20–$25 | Sunday Afternoons + Sun Bum SPF50 | $50–$55 |
| Work gloves | Basic leather work gloves | $10–$15 | Outdoor Research Adrenaline | $30–$40 |
| First aid basics | Adventure Medical Kits Basic | $18–$22 | Adventure Medical Mountain Series | $70–$90 |
| Notebook & pen | Basic waterproof notebook | $8–$10 | Rite in the Rain + Fisher Space Pen | $25–$30 |
| Whistle | Fox 40 Classic | $8–$10 | Storm All-Weather Whistle | $12–$15 |
| Headlamp | Petzl Tikkina (300 lm) | $25 | Black Diamond Spot 400-R | $80 |
| Ferro rod / fire starter | Generic ferro rod w/ striker | $8–$10 | Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel Army | $18–$22 |
| Snacks / trail food | Granola bars + trail mix | $8–$10 | Freeze-dried meal + specialty bars | $25–$30 |
Remember: the more gear you carry, the more weight you carry. Every item earns its place — pack thoughtfully.
| Item | Beginner | Price | Premium | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paracord (25–50 ft) | Generic 550 paracord | $7–$9 | Titan SurvivorCord | $15–$18 |
| Compass | Suunto A-10 | $20–$25 | Suunto MC-2 | $70–$80 |
| Emergency space blanket | SOL Emergency Blanket | $4–$6 | SOL Escape Bivvy | $40–$45 |
| Multi-tool | Gerber Dime | $20–$25 | Leatherman Wave+ | $120–$140 |
| Small tarp | Generic 8x10 poly tarp | $15–$20 | REI Co-op Silnylon Tarp | $70–$90 |
| Water filter | Potable Aqua tablets | $9–$11 | Sawyer Squeeze / Katadyn BeFree | $35–$45 |
| Bandana | Basic cotton bandana | $3–$5 | Buff Multifunctional Headwear | $18–$22 |
| Small pot | Generic 1L camp pot | $12–$15 | MSR Titan Kettle | $60–$70 |
| Bug spray | Off! Deep Woods | $6–$8 | Sawyer Picaridin / Ben's 100 DEET | $10–$15 |
| Extra socks | Basic athletic socks (2-pk) | $8–$10 | Darn Tough Wool Hiking Socks | $22–$26 |
| Trekking poles | Cascade Mountain Tech | $30–$40 | Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z | $170–$190 |
| Camp chair / sit pad | Foam sit pad | $10–$15 | Helinox Chair Zero | $130–$150 |
| Small axe / hatchet | Fiskars X7 Small Hatchet | $25–$30 | Hults Bruk Almike Hatchet | $150–$180 |
| Folding saw | Bahco Laplander | $25–$30 | Silky Gomboy 240 Curve | $65–$90 |
Not required for course participation. These add comfort, redundancy, and capability. Axes and saws require additional safety briefing before use in class. Optional gear adds weight too — choose only what earns its place for your trip.
No firearms of any kind are permitted on ASPA course grounds or during any ASPA activity, regardless of licensure. This applies to all students, instructors, and guests without exception.
Absolutely no animals of any kind are permitted on ASPA course grounds, on the trail, or at any ASPA activity. This applies without exception to all students, instructors, and guests.
Layer for the day, not the trailhead temperature — you'll warm up fast once moving.
| Hiking boots or shoes | $100–$220 |
| Moisture-wicking base layer | $20–$60 |
| Hiking pants (convertible/quick-dry) | $40–$90 |
| Wool-blend hiking socks | $12–$22 |
| Insulating mid-layer | $50–$150 |
| Waterproof rain shell | $60–$200 |
| Sun hat or ball cap | $15–$35 |
| Synthetic/merino underwear | $20–$40 |
| Gaiters (mud/snow/debris) | $25–$50 |
Highlighted dates have a scheduled Wilderness Survival Fundamentals class. Contact Tony Ramos to confirm availability or request a private booking on a different date.
Fill out the form below to request enrollment. This form does not process payment — Tony Ramos will follow up by phone to confirm your seat and finalize payment.
Your email program should have opened with your enrollment request filled in. Press send in that window to complete your request — nothing reaches us until you do. If it didn't open, email the details to tony@castle-branch.com or call us instead.
Once we receive it, Tony Ramos will call you at the number provided to confirm your class date and finalize payment. If you need to reach us sooner, call or text (832) 230-9913 or email tony@castle-branch.com.
These two documents are available to print directly from this page. All other course information above is for reference only.
In consideration of being permitted to participate in the wilderness survival course offered by Adult Survival & Preparedness Academy ("ASPA"), I, the undersigned participant, agree to the following:
I understand that wilderness survival training involves inherent risks, including but not limited to: exposure to weather and terrain hazards, use of edged tools and fire, plant and insect contact, physical exertion, dehydration, hypothermia, heat illness, animal encounters, and injury from improvised shelter or trap construction. I voluntarily assume all such risks, known and unknown.
I represent that I am physically fit to participate and am not aware of any medical condition that would be aggravated by this activity. I have disclosed any relevant medical conditions, allergies, or medications to ASPA staff in writing below.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, I release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue ASPA, its owners, instructors, employees, and agents from any and all liability, claims, demands, or causes of action arising out of ordinary negligence in connection with my participation in this course.
I agree to indemnify and hold harmless ASPA and its instructors from any loss, liability, damage, or cost arising from my participation, to the extent permitted by law.
I authorize ASPA staff to arrange or administer emergency first aid and to seek emergency medical treatment on my behalf if I am unable to communicate my wishes.
I grant ASPA permission to photograph or video me during the course and to use such media for promotional purposes. Initial: _______
This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Texas.
I have read this agreement, understand it, and sign it voluntarily.
Participant is 18 years or older: ☐ Yes ☐ No — if No, a parent/guardian signature block is required and must be added by counsel.
Wilderness Survival Fundamentals — 4–7 Hour Course
Name: ________________________________ Class Date: ______________________
Students who arrive without required gear may be unable to fully participate.
| ✓ | Item |
|---|---|
| ☐ | Sturdy closed-toe boots (broken in, weather-appropriate) |
| ☐ | Weather-appropriate clothing in layers (no cotton in cold/wet) |
| ☐ | Daypack (20–25L recommended) |
| ☐ | Drinking water — minimum 2 liters |
| ☐ | Refillable water bottle |
| ☐ | Fixed-blade knife |
| ☐ | Rain gear (jacket, poncho, or shell) |
| ☐ | Sun protection — hat and sunscreen |
| ☐ | Work gloves |
| ☐ | Personal first aid basics / medications |
| ☐ | Notebook and pen |
| ☐ | Whistle |
| ☐ | Headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries |
| ☐ | Ferro rod or fire-starter kit |
| ☐ | Snacks / trail food |
Not required, but recommended for comfort and a fuller hands-on experience.
| ✓ | Item |
|---|---|
| ☐ | Paracord (25–50 ft) |
| ☐ | Compass |
| ☐ | Emergency space blanket |
| ☐ | Multi-tool |
| ☐ | Small tarp |
| ☐ | Water filter or purification tablets |
| ☐ | Bandana |
| ☐ | Small pot for boiling water |
| ☐ | Insect repellent |
| ☐ | Extra socks |
| ☐ | Small axe or hatchet |
| ☐ | Folding saw |
Questions about gear? Contact ASPA before class day.