Back from a week of camping and learning about tracking and creating fire.

Just got back from a week-long course run by Sticks and Stones Wilderness School in Honeywood Ontario.

Course topics included traditional hunting and tracking, shelter, making fire, sourcing and cleaning water, food, stalking and camouflage in the woods.  We also learned about tanning hides and how to identify and harvest plant fibres.

They teach survival skills but their focus leans more towards deepening people's understanding of and respect for the natural world so they can pass that knowledge along.

The entire week was a flat out amazing blend of classroom instruction and hands-on skills. I don't plan to post too many details because I think this is one you should try out for yourself. It was a ton of information during a short period of time but I am treating it as an introduction to skills I want to pursue over a long period of time.

For now I will say I am really looking forward to using the stalking and camouflage skills (at least the wee bit I managed to absorb) the next chance I get to play Capture the Flag. I am going back for more classes the first chance I get.

First priority, airing out backpack. Second, trying to get used to the feeling of sitting at a desk.

P.S. If you can't get away for a week check out the adult workshops offered through the P.I.N.E. Project.