Event FAQ

The Survival Games is a two-day, real-world outdoor skills competition featuring six scored challenges (Shelter, Evading Detection, Fire & Ice, Water Purification, Hunting simulation, and Raft Building). Competitors apply core bushcraft, navigation, problem-solving, and teamwork under time pressure.

August 14–16, 2026 (Friday check-in; challenges on Saturday & Sunday) at 16287 OR-211, Molalla, OR 97038. Friday is arrival, registration, and safety briefing; challenges run all day Saturday and Sunday with awards to close the event.

Friday (Aug 15): Early arrival, on-site check-in, gear verification, and mandatory safety briefing.
Saturday (Aug 16): Challenges 1–3 (Shelter, Evading Detection, Fire & Ice).
Sunday (Aug 17): Challenges 4–6 (Water, Hunting sim, Raft Building), then final scoring and awards.
A detailed call-time sheet is emailed the week of the event.

Register on our Registration page. Choose Solo or Team (2 competitors) and complete the checkout. You’ll receive a confirmation email with next steps and required waivers.

Yes, capacity is capped to keep the courses flowing and safe. When a division sells out, join the waitlist shown at checkout.

You can transfer your spot to another competitor up to 7 days before the event (contact support with both names/emails). Refunds follow the policy on the Registration page; once we’re within 30 days of the event, transfers are preferred over refunds.

Competitors must be 18+ on the event date. Basic outdoor fitness and the ability to safely handle tools, water, and cold exposure are required. You’ll sign medical and liability waivers at check-in.

Solo: You complete all challenges alone.
Team (2): You and a partner collaborate and are scored together. Some tasks may require coordinated roles. Pick one division during registration.

Yes. The Games reward preparation, safety, and solid fundamentals more than extreme risk. You’ll receive a recommended gear list and pre-event tips after registering.

A pre-event email includes the current required and optional gear list (knife, cordage, water container, fire kit, shelter items, etc.). Pack for variable PNW weather—rain layers, warm mid-layers, and dry socks are non-negotiable. Certain tools may be provided at specific stations for standardization.

No live hunting or firearms are permitted in the competition. The “Hunting” challenge uses safe, controlled simulations (e.g., marksmanship or tracking analogs) per event rules.

Each challenge has dedicated instructors, marshals, and safety spotters. Medical staff are on site. You must attend the Friday safety briefing and follow all posted protocols; failure to comply can result in time penalties or disqualification.

Each station has objective criteria and time caps. Judges award points for completion, technique, safety, and effectiveness. Your total across six challenges determines standings; ties are broken by fastest aggregate time on designated tiebreak tasks.

Yes—for unsafe conduct, ignoring marshal instructions, violating tool/area restrictions, or unsportsmanlike behavior. We run a safety-first, respect-first event.

Yes—competitor camping space is available at basecamp (first-come, first-served zones). Bring your tent, sleep system, and personal food for non-provided meals. Quiet hours and fire restrictions will be posted at check-in.

Portable restrooms and handwash stations are provided at basecamp with water refill points. Always pack a personal water container and purification for on-course use when directed.

Yes. Liability and media waivers are required at check-in. You’ll provide emergency contact and relevant medical details confidentially so our team can respond appropriately if needed.

Marshals will pause or modify any station if conditions become unsafe. Medical staff will assess injuries and determine return-to-play or withdrawal. Severe weather plans and heat/cold protocols are covered in the Friday briefing.

Visit the Casting Call page and submit the form. Strong applicants highlight outdoor experience, teachable moments, grit, and compelling personal stories. You don’t have to be a pro—mindset and coachability matter.

Competing can showcase your skills and attitude in a real environment, which helps the team evaluate fit. Casting decisions are separate from event scoring and are not guaranteed by entry.

Yes! We have roles in medical, logistics, basecamp, and course marshaling. Contact us via the contact form with your background and availability. Prior event or wilderness experience is a plus.

Email info@pnwsurvivalgames.com with “Sponsorship” in the subject. We offer custom integrations, station takeovers, prizing, and product demos aligned with competitor touchpoints.