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A few folks arrived Friday evening, but most arrived Saturday morning and
afternoon. The group was greatly enhanced by the presence of 9 folks from the Sierra
Club, who came to learn some primitive skills. As a group we decided to focus on
fire-making (bow drill), cordage, debris hut construction (we actually made one), throwing
sticks, movement (stalking, fox walking, etc.), plant identification and tracking.
Saturday evening we had a sweat lodge. Sunday we did some
tracking, but most of us were too tired out from the sweat lodge to do much of anything.
Some of us did research on plants and trees.
All in all, it was an excellent, busy weekend, with lots of activities.
In all, there were 28 people at this meeting!!
I found it to be an interesting and eye-opening experience.
Tracking was something I had not yet been exposed to and I was glad I had the
opportunity to learn some survival skills! I also learned some activities
that may be fun for the kids. I felt welcomed and had a great time!
Thank you for having us!
Jen Baker
Whenever I'm in a car and we get lost (which seems to happen a lot), I say
"we're not lost, we're on an adventure!". And little did I know
that the day we got lost heading to our first trackers meeting would be one big
adventure.
Building a debris hut would be our first goal and it amazed me how well it
turned out, and there was no need for interior decorating to boot!!
Nonetheless, you can't have a debris hut without your very own handcrafted grass
(welcome) mat. The awesome smell of freshly cut grass alone would attract
lots of new friends.
And no down-to-earth abode would be complete
without some cedar bark rope, I mean, the possibilities are endless!! Finally,
we all know how important a warm fire is for all of those accessories
e.g. food, warmth, safety, etc. This was thee best part of the day for me,
starting fires always brings back fond childhood memories....
But, on a less serious note, the whole day really was amazing. It was a
wonderful feeling to work with people who care about our natural environment in
a team atmosphere to accomplish any number of goals. There was no shortage
of energy and laughter as the day went on. I will especially remember the
patience and encouragement of seasoned trackers when helping us less experienced
outdoor enthusiasts in starting our very own fire.
On behalf of all the Children's Summer Outings leaders who attended the
meeting I would like to thank Mike for inviting us to this adventure,
to Kathy and David for graciously welcoming us into their home, and to everyone
who made the day special for us all.
With many thanks,
Ingrid Sikorcin
Children's Summer Outings
P.S.. In case anyone was wondering, Cheryl and I recovered nicely from
our near concussions during the fox walk circle...for this one, you really had
to be there!! Cheers!!
Debris hut
construction
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The ribs |
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Finished debris hut (except there's only a thin layer of
debris on it)
Note the branches on top to help keep the debris from blowing away. |
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Debris hut door close-up |
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Emerging after a satisfying sleep in her new home!
(Well, ok, not really - she's just testing it out!) |
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Grass mats
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Chris showing off the grass mat he made
(this is the crazy guy who ran around the house in the winter in the snow with
no....oh never mind!)
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Primitive
Firemaking - Bowdrill
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