Spotlight: Prepping With Sarge

One of my favorite parts of being involved with the Campfire Coop is getting to know so many amazing people who share their knowledge, passion, and encouragement. This week I want to shine a light on someone who has been incredibly supportive of both PNWBUSHCRAFT and our larger outdoor community: Prepping With Sarge.

Sarge, whose real name is Tom Sarge, wears many hats. He’s a content creator, instructor, consultant, gardener, forager, survivalist, and also a trauma therapist. With more than 30 years of prepping experience and 27 years of working with trauma survivors, including first responders and veterans, he brings a rare perspective to preparedness. He understands not only the skills and tools it takes to face emergencies, but also how the brain reacts when fight, flight, or freeze kicks in, and how people can build resilience through those moments.

On his YouTube channel and Instagram, Sarge posts new content several times a week. You’ll find everything from everyday carry and product reviews to gardening tips, financial survival strategies, and disaster preparedness advice. His work is aimed at helping people prepare for storms, civil unrest, economic challenges, or even simply surviving if you’re lost in the woods. And while the topics are serious, he isn’t afraid to add humor.

What I personally appreciate most about Sarge is his generosity. He invited me onto his YouTube channel for a live chat, giving me the chance to share PNWBUSHCRAFT’s story with his audience. Whenever we see him at events, he takes the time to showcase our gear. And he shares delicious treats his wife makes, which makes those long event days feel a lot brighter.

Sarge is also trained in EMDR and speaks publicly on mental health topics like “Trauma Treatment for First Responders.” He has studied under some of the leading voices in psychology, including Gabor Maté, Debbie Joffe Ellis, and Dr. Sal Minuchin. That background, combined with his genuine kindness, makes him stand out in this community.

To me, Sarge is the perfect example of what the Campfire Coop is all about. It’s about lifting one another up, building real connections, and remembering that this industry is more than just products. It’s about the people who make it stronger.

If you haven’t discovered him yet, here are a few places to connect with Prepping With Sarge:

• YouTube: Prepping With Sarge

• Instagram: @prepping_with_sarge

• Email: businesswithsarge@gmail.com

I’m grateful for his encouragement and generosity, and I’m proud to count him as a friend in this community.