Do you wish you were Katniss racing through the forest in the Hunger Games? While most of us don’t need to outrun rabid children, basic survival skills are essential for every outdoors person. Even those of us who’d rather stay indoors should know how to build a fire and use a compass.
The Firefly Gathering, a four-day workshop focused on sustainability and survival skills, is a place to go beyond Boy Scout expertise. There will be classes on bow making, wilderness medicine, shelter-making, animal tracking and even shoe-making. You never know what you’ll need in the woods. In between classes, this community-building event will offer camping and evenings around the fire. Bring the kids along for an intensive program just for them.
“Everyone is smiling,” says Natalie Bogwalker, co-founder of the event.“Learning and sharing skills builds confidence and fosters healthy relationships. This event is unique as it attracts folks from all ages and walks of life around skills and they all get along fabulously.”
Admission is on a sliding scale basis and includes camping and access to all classes. Pre-registration is required for anyone who wants to stay overnight. Whether you’d like to camp out, stay in a cabin or just come for the afternoon, there are plenty of ways to learn how to thrive in the wild or in your own backyard.
The workshop will be held June 21-24 at Camp Pinnacle in Hendersonville. Full Pass: $100-300 sliding scale, Day Pass: $35 -$100. Reduced rates for children. Info: www.fireflygathering.org.
