Our New Home in the Mountians

When Camp TEOTWAWKI first started, we planned to hold it in western Kentucky, just south of Louisville. The early camps were held there, and for a time, it looked like we had found a permanent home. But as the years went by, things didn’t work out as expected. The camp moved from place to place, trying out different locations, and it seemed like we were destined to remain a traveling event, never settling in one spot for long.

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Then we found the Redbird.

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From the moment we set foot on the property, we knew it had the potential to be something special. Tucked away in the mountains of eastern Kentucky, it felt like the perfect place to build something lasting. After touring the land and seeing what it had to offer, we spoke with the owner. We asked if he would be interested in joining the National Preparedness Network and, more importantly, if he would consider making the Redbird the home of Camp TEOTWAWKI for generations to come.

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He agreed, and together, we made a plan. Instead of simply using the land once a year for camp, we would invest in improving it, turning it into a true learning center for preparedness, survival, and homesteading skills.

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Over the past year, we have carefully mapped out our vision for the property. What started as an annual event is evolving into something much bigger. With the support of our members and the dedication of those who believe in our mission, we are working to create an educational complex where people can come not just for a weekend, but year-round. This will be a place where anyone—no matter their background or experience—can learn the skills they need to be more self-reliant, prepared, and capable in an uncertain world.

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Finding a permanent home wasn’t easy, and it took years of searching. But now that we’ve found the Redbird, we know we’re exactly where we’re meant to be.

 

Building a Self-Sustaining Learning Hub for the Future

Our vision for the Redbird property is to transform it into a fully functional, off-grid educational hub where people can come to learn, train, and build real-world skills in survival, homesteading, and self-sufficiency. Over the next few years, we will be making major improvements to the infrastructure, expanding our educational facilities, and ensuring that the property is a year-round resource for those seeking hands-on training in preparedness.
 

Infrastructure Improvements

To make the property more accessible and functional, we plan to seal and level the driveway with fresh gravel while expanding the parking area to accommodate more vehicles. The property’s old logging roads will be repurposed into nature trails, complete with labeled trees and educational signs that teach visitors about forestry, foraging, and survival.

Permanent structures are also a priority. The small existing garage will be converted into a classroom and meeting space, and we plan to build A-frame cabins that will serve as rental units for off-roaders passing through Clay County. During events, these cabins will provide lodging for instructors and campers. Along what we’re calling "Main Street"—a stretch of road running past the tobacco barn and pavilion—we plan to establish a general store, a commercial kitchen, a root cellar, a smokehouse, a sugar mill, a blacksmith shop, and a feed mill. These additions will not only enhance our event experiences but will also serve as valuable training stations for homesteading and self-sufficiency.

To keep the property operational with minimal dependence on the grid, we will implement multiple off-grid power solutions, including solar panels, wind power, and backup generators. These systems will not only reduce our energy costs but also serve as live demonstrations of alternative energy options.
 

Training & Education Facilities

Education is at the core of what we do, and we’re committed to expanding our learning spaces. With funding from camp fees, we will construct several pavilions and two amphitheaters deep in the woods, providing additional classroom space while also offering a scenic and immersive learning environment.

We also plan to expand our small library, giving it a dedicated space within the classroom building, complete with computers for research and access to a wealth of knowledge on survival, preparedness, and homesteading. For hands-on training, we will set up specialized skill stations throughout the property. These will include survival training areas along the trails, a small medical office for first-aid and trauma training, and hands-on homesteading spaces featuring livestock, gardens, beekeeping, and agricultural equipment.
 

Food & Water Security

Sustainability is a priority, and we are committed to ensuring the property has reliable food and water sources. The land already has several wells, but we will be installing a rainwater catchment and filtration system at the off-grid cabin. A high-tunnel greenhouse is in the works, alongside expanded livestock areas, including a large chicken enclosure. Our barn needs a major renovation, but once complete, it will provide better housing for animals and storage for farm equipment.

For food preservation and long-term storage, we will build a root cellar, drying racks, and a smokehouse—providing campers and visitors with hands-on experience in traditional food preservation techniques.
 

Camping & Lodging

Camping is a key part of the Redbird experience, and we are working to improve the existing camping areas. While the main field serves as a large communal campground, we plan to create smaller, more private campsites along the trails, each featuring gravel pads and natural barriers.

Our existing large three-room cabin will remain available, but we aim to add several portable A-frame cabins to increase our lodging capacity. Additionally, we are exploring cost-effective solutions for building a permanent restroom and shower facility to improve the overall experience for campers and event attendees.
 

Long-Term Sustainability & Partnerships

Ultimately, our goal is to make the site as self-sustaining as possible. While full off-grid independence will depend on cost feasibility, we are taking steps in that direction by integrating alternative energy, rainwater collection, and sustainable agriculture practices. We also plan to establish a food forest using native plants, which will provide a long-term, low-maintenance food source for both people and wildlife.

To support these efforts, we are actively seeking partnerships and funding sources, including collaborations with organizations and colleges throughout Kentucky. By securing additional resources, we can continue to expand and improve the property, ensuring that it becomes a premier learning hub for preparedness and homesteading—not just for Kentucky, but for the entire region.
 

Community & Gathering Spaces

A major part of our vision is creating spaces where people can come together to share knowledge, meals, and experiences. We are currently gathering materials for picnic tables to enhance our large pavilion, which serves as a central gathering space. We also plan to relocate a commercial kitchen from another part of the state to this site, providing a fully equipped cooking facility for events and training. Additionally, we are designing an outdoor cooking station featuring a large grill and prep area, allowing for outdoor meal preparation on a larger scale.

Through these improvements, we are turning Redbird into more than just a campsite—it’s becoming a place where people can live, learn, and work together to build a more self-sufficient future. The foundation is being laid now, but the real impact will be seen in the years to come as Redbird grows into a permanent home for education, training, and community resilience.