Wilderness Survival & Bushcraft
Weekend Workshop
Wilderness Survival & Bushcraft Weekend Workshop
Do you have a desire to create a deeper relationship with the natural world through wilderness survival skills and Bushcraft? Do you wish to become a more resilient and connected person?
Many people, as they walk through the forest, feel like it is an alien environment. Our modern society does not teach us how to connect with nature. In order to learn to thrive in a place, first you must learn to survive!
Join us as we explore the survival skills that help us learn to live with what resources the Earth provides. The land and waters offer us all the tools we need. By deepening our understanding of these ancient ways, we also learn how to steward and care for the natural places we rely on. After taking this workshop you will feel more prepared, confident, and at home in your surrounding landscape.
Date : August 17th - 18th 2024
Time: Saturday August 17th 9am - Sunday August 18th 1pm
Location: Ariss, ON
Cost: $150
Fire
Fire - Without a basic understanding of what natural materials to use, proper fire structure design and ignition sources, creating fire can be a daunting task even on a dry hot day, let alone damp and cold conditions. In order to become competent in survival skills in any landscape type, fire-making techniques need to be practiced and honed. During this workshop we will learn different fire structure types and uses, effective natural tinder and wood types, and different fire starting methods. You will leave this program with confidence and know how to continue your fire journey.
Learning outcomes:
- common mistakes in lighting a fire
- effective natural tinder and fire starters
- learn the 3 elements needed to create a fire
- identify best kindling sources and types of wood for different uses.
- creating a safe fire pit and hazards.
- friction fire, ferro rods, flint and steel and matches.
Shelter
Shelter - If you got lost and needed to spend a night out in the woods could you build a warm, weatherproof shelter? Could it protect you from pouring rain? Could it keep you warm on a freezing cold night? Most people lack essential knowledge of the principles for building an effective shelter for any weather. During this program we will delve into proper shelter construction, while utilizing what materials are available in any given ecosystem, and always with stewardship of the land as a main focus.
Learning outcomes:
- principals for shelter building
- building effective shelter with just natural materials
- emergency shelters using tarps and blankets
- what to consider when picking a proper shelter site.
- proper clothing. Right clothing for the right environment.
- knots for lashing and setting up tarps.
Water
Water - It is hard to find a natural clean source of drinking water these days. Because of that, most water sources need to be purified before becoming safe to drink. During this workshop we will look at many different ways you can safely and effectively purify a water source, both by natural and modern methods.
Learning outcomes:
- common contaminants in water
- how to find water
- different methods for purification
Food
Food - There are two different main food sources out on the land; plants and animals. In order to safely understand these beings as food, first you must get to know them. Getting started with identifying and understanding what plants and trees are edible can be difficult. Learning a few common edibles can go a long way towards feeling more resilient and feeling confident in the woods. In order to catch an animal, you must study it to understand animal behaviours and effective ways of obtaining it. During this workshop we will look at seasonal food sources and proper harvesting methods.
Learning outcomes:
- common edible plants and trees
- medicinal plants and trees for survival medicines
- traps and hunting tools
- cooking and preparing meals over the fire
Overnight
As modern people we have grown accustomed to our artificial lights, soft cozy beds, and are generally removed from the dark starry sky, crisp night air and damp cool soil. Experiencing the beauty and mystery of the night is foreign to most people now. During this workshop you will get the oportunity to lay by a fire and sleep amongst the stars, the open air and the nighttime animals. If you have never done this before, it is truly a life changing event!
Note: Please bring a tent and a sleeping bag or tarp in case of rain. There are also some additional options for the overnight depending on your comfort level.
Meet Your Instructors
Jordan Roth has been mentoring people for over a decade in Deep Nature awareness, Naturalist training and Wilderness skills. He spent 2 years living in the forest while inhabiting natural shelters made from the land and fostering an intimate relationship with the Earth. His passion for connecting people to the cycles of the natural world while creating a respect and love for all living things drives his enthusiasm and creativity for mentorship.
Mac Osborn had the good fortune of growing up in Guelph exploring the Speed River and canoe tripping in Algonquin Park with his dad. Raised with a profound love for nature he decided to enrol at Sticks and Stones Wilderness School as an apprentice. He spent the next two years living outside in debris shelters, studying naturalism and survival living. He has worked as a nature connection mentor for the past 7 years with a passion to share his love of the outdoors. Mac loves canoe tripping, fishing, tracking mammals, listening to the birds and gardening. He believes that nature is really the best “classroom” around and is always ready to be inspired by what it has to offer. Mac is a woodworker by trade. He loves working with his hands when he’s not busy playing in the forest.
How to sign up
For more information or to sign up
Email awakenature.on@gmail.com or call 519 577 2054
