Bushcraft Basics

This interactive workshop will discuss and practice the basic skills of bushcraft.  Learn how to plan and enjoy back country hiking and camping with guidance from an experienced instructor.

This 3-hour session will include detailed information and skills such as:

• Back country hiking, planning, survival and camping safety: Long before your backcountry hike begins, you’ll want to start by being prepared…make a plan to minimize your need for survival skills. Knowing your terrain and checking the weather to decide when to go, or if you should at all. Learn what basic emergency supplies you’ll want to have on hand to be prepared for most common situations.
• Navigating and orienteering in the woods: Batteries die and reception fades…when technology fails in the backcountry, you need the basic skills with old-school tools to get home safe. Learning to use a map and compass can save your life when things don’t go according to plan, we’ll show you simple ways to keep on track.
• Knot tying: Whether you’re setting up a tent, hanging your food, tying your canoe…there’s a knot for every occasion. Knowing just a few simple tricks will keep you from getting entangled and help get the job done efficiently.
• Camping and shelter preparation: Learn lashing and build a makeshift shelter quickly and efficiently with the basic supplies and mother nature. Keeping dry will not only make your stay in the woods much more enjoyable, it’s critical to you safety when protecting against dangers such as hypothermia.
• Fire making: Keeping warm, boiling water, and cooking food, or passing the time with campfire songs…it’s always good to have the basic skills to get and keep a fire going. Learn what wood to gather, where to find it, where to place your fire, and more!

With more than 50 years experience in back country hiking, camping, and canoeing in central and northern Quebec and Ontario, your instructor has the experience to guide you through all the Bushcraft Basics you’ll need.

This course is NOT about how to fight a bear, start a fire with rocks, or filter water with a leaf.