Make new friends, hike in new local habitats, and learn new skills!
In this apprenticeship style series, join Firecraft Northwest Instructors for a deep dive into nature awareness and survival skills. Our cohort will meet once a month on Saturdays for four sessions February through May.
We’ll cover a wide variety of subjects including survival basics, fire making, plant identification, bird identification, wildlife tracking, tool use, sensory/nature awareness, fireside cooking, and more. Sessions utilize a blend of hands-on training, interactive activities, and detailed educational content. Every session the group will learn Naturalist Skills, Survival Skills, and practice and take home one Wild Craft (detailed below). We will visit a new location each date for this course.
Here is the outline for what we’ll focus on. Please note that some locations or content is subject to change due to permits, weather and seasonal influences, participants, and location availability.
Saturday, February 22, 2025 at McClane Creek Nature Trail
9:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Naturalist Skills
Introductions and getting to know the group
Nature awareness and how that supports other skills (tracking, survival, etc.)
Waterfowl identification and getting started in the world of birds and bird language
Survival Skills
Prioritizing survival needs in an emergency
Shelter building and it’s role in emergency survival
Introduction to knots, ropes, and cordage
Wild Crafting
Learning to use a knife, knife safety, and carving our first project
Saturday, March 22, 2025 - Millersylvania State Park
9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Naturalist Skills
Plant identification basics in the field
Early spring foraging, local edibles, and honorable harvesting practices
Survival Skills
Fire starting and it’s role in survival skills
Learn a new camping knot for use in upcoming outings
Wild Crafting
Make a take-home fire kit for your pack
Saturday, April 26, 2025 - WSU Pack Forest outside of Eatonville, WA
9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Naturalist Skills
Introduction to wildlife tracking and track and sign identification
Spring Fungi ID and mushrooming basics
Survival Skills
Modern shelters on the go, tarpology!
Navigation 101 - basics of map, compass, and orienteering
Wild Crafting
Building upon knife skills, learn notching and grip techniques, carve second project
Saturday, May 17, 2025 - DNR Capitol Forest Campground
9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Naturalist Skills
Identifying spring wildflowers and fresh growth
Putting it all together - the big picture of ecology and sensory awareness
Survival Skills
Fire-building challenges
Campfire cooking (learn two field recipes!)
Learn a new knot to use on your outings
Wild Crafting
Making pitch glue for crafting and outdoor use
Tuition: $325
Registration for new participants to the program also includes:
A belt knife (Morakniv) to keep
All materials for each outing
Two carving projects
Backpack ready fire kit
Paracord for knot tying practice
All natural “glue-stick” made from pitch
Please contact us directly for scholarship opportunities and financial aid inquiries.