Here is a peek at the varied and valuable learning objectives for the upcoming Wilderness Skills semester. This class just gets better and better! These are skills not just for the wild, but for living a strong, capable life during times of change, uncertainty, and disconnection.
*Wilderness Skills is for serious students with a maturity level that can safely handle these topics. Ages 12-17.*
Advanced knife techniques– ever hear that the only thing you really need in the wilderness in order to survive is a knife? Learn carving techniques that will make your knife able to cut down trees, slice 1/2” sticks in half easily, and manufacture all the things you need quickly, safely and easily. Knife technique and safety in-depth.
Includes- sharpening, oiling, proper grip, thumb pushing, back hand pull cut, feather stick cutting, sapling bend cut, limb removal, chiseling, boring.
Animal food– Trapping/hunting education for sustenance: focusing on animal life cycle, behavior and physiology of the following animals: Deer, rabbit, squirrel, coon, and trout. Snares, deadfalls, and basket traps will be learned in-depth by safety trapping these animals on their natural routes with hand crafted equipment. Also setting up hunting areas and learning to choose what areas are most productive and when. Local laws, hunting regulations and resources will be referenced. Snares/deadfalls placement and strategy, fishing traps, deer hunting preparation, catch and release fishing with minimalist equipment.
Projectiles- Throwing stick use and practice, and archery refinement, as well as a one day crossbow.
Throwing, stalking, seeing, and hitting the mark
Advanced fire making- learn to make fires faster, more easily, and under more severe conditions. I’ve learned a lot of new things that I can’t wait to share! Make a fire in five minutes with a 2” diameter stick and a match (no tinder), Bow drill revisited and understood.
Food/Medicine prep– The Big Four survival plants inside and out – all medicine/food//utilitarian uses of quercus, pinacea, typha, and grasses(including phragmites, etc.) will be covered. Ever eat grass roots? These pants are listed as the most important survival plants to know. Steamed grass roots/stems, oak bark flour, uses for tannic acids, pine bark flour, pitch gum, pine needle tea recipes, cattail stalks, hand drill, pollen, pain killer.
Survival Medicine, study on common wilderness maladies and their wilderness cures such as gastro-intestinal complaints, poisoning, common injuries, fever, headaches, dehydration, hypo/hyperthermia.
Students should please bring: knife w/sheath (available for $12 via North Wood Traditional Archery LLC), wood matches, fish hooks and line, glass bottles, bandannas, binoculars (if available), extra layers, hat, extra wool socks. notebook, extra pencils/pens, swim suit (and the regular items required for Great Hollow Days, please refer to Director or Policy Document.)
Great Hollow Wilderness School 
