FAMILY BUSHCRAFT & SURVIVAL WEEKEND
Learn how to thrive, not just survive, whilst living in harmony with your surroundings.
A chance for the whole family to escape into the woods to relax, develop new skills and learn about the providing natural world around us.
Suitable for all ages, you can share in the challenge of mastering fire, make your own shelter and spend some quality time together around your camp fire when the day is done.
This two day two night course is for family groups and children accompanied by a parent/guardian (under 5s attend free).
FAMILY BUSHCRAFT & SURVIVAL WEEKEND OVERVIEW
The content of this course is similar to our adult Bushcraft & Survival Weekend course, but tailored to a younger audience with additional elements about animal tracks and signs to help develop an enthusiasm and understanding of British wildlife.
We will cover the essential survival elements of Shelter, Fire and Water. You will be given expert instruction and demonstrations and there will be plenty of time for you to apply and work on these skills throughout the course under the friendly guidance of our instructor.
Activities are designed for everyone in your group to get involved in their own way - there is no minimum or maximum age!
Arrival is on Friday night at 7pm, giving you time to settle in, set up your tent and meet your fellow students at the opening briefing. On Saturday and Sunday your instruction will start at 9am learning and practicing a range of skills all day Saturday, and until 1600 on Sunday.
On the Saturday night, should you choose to, you can experience sleeping in your own natural shelter as our ancestors did, with the added luxury of a sleeping bag of course, plus we’ll provide you with a bivy bag to keep you dry and comfortable! You’ll also have the opportunity to try out a modern tarp and hammock sleep systems if you wish.
You will learn that most fundamental skill for self-reliance, making fire, in any conditions. From this point you then have warmth, light, the ability to cook, and to purify water.
You will learn how to find water, make it safe and ensure that all of your activities leave no lasting trace on the environment.
As we move through the woodland you will be taught how to identify the plant and tree species we encounter and how to harness their natural gifts, be that food, medicine or materials such as cordage, tinders and more.
TIME SCHEUDLE
Arrival is 1900 on Friday evening giving you time to settle in, set up camp and meet your fellow students. There will also be a briefing from your instructor's.
On Saturday and Sunday your instruction will start at 9am learning and practicing a range of skills all day Saturday, and until 1600 on Sunday.
COURSE CONTENT
Course content can vary depending on the season, and natural resources available but includes:
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Safe knife use and maintenance*
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Siting your fire
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Tinder choice and preparation
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Kindling and main fuel selection
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3 techniques for fire lighting including fire from spark.
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Fire from one match, every time.
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Fire lays and fire management
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Leaving no trace
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Useful Plants and Trees
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Finding water & water purification
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Build natural and man-made shelters (tarp and hammock)
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Camp craft
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Introduction to animals, tracks and signs.
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* indicates optional at parental discretion for ages 11 and over
Conducted from an expedition-style teaching environment in a beautiful ancient mixed broadleaf and coniferous woodland with an eco-friendly composting toilet. The camp fire is under cover, and acts as a communal area with a hot kettle constantly on the fire, coffee, tea, water and squash available all day.
