FRICTION FIRE WEEKEND — MAY 20 - 21, 2023
FRICTION FIRE WEEKEND — MAY 20 - 21, 2023
(IN PERSON)
THIS WORKSHOP HAS BEEN CANCELLED
SATURDAY, MAY 20, 2023, 9:00AM - 3:00PM
AND
SUNDAY, MAY 21, 2023, 9:00AM - 3:00PM
INSTRUCTOR:
BRENTON SPRATLEN
LOCATION:
BEAUTIFUL LAND A FEW MILES BEYOND TREESONG ON THE WASHOUGAL RIVER ROAD
In this two-day workshop, we will dive deep into the "hearth" of friction fire, creating our own kits from elements in the landscape, and discovering new ways to improve our success with the bow and drill methods. We will also practice hand drill techniques, and learn about the many other methods associated with friction fire ignition. We will spend much of our time practicing, crafting, and modifying our kits. There will be a fair amount of knife work and physical activity, and some knot tying will be taught as well. Come learn how to be self-sufficient in fire making!
What to bring:
- Bring your own seat unless you are okay with sitting in the grass, dirt or on potentially wet tree stumps. Old yoga mats or sleeping pads can be cut to size. Wool blankets and cutting boards can even be used. Insulation from the ground can make a big difference in comfort while in an outdoor classroom environment.
- Kneepads are very useful. We will be on our knees often, bring a pad of some sort.
- Rain layer — jacket and pants (wet tree stumps!)
- Proper footwear — tennis shoes are fine in ideal conditions, but each participant should have decent water-resistant hiking shoes/boots. We don't anticipate a lot of travel so rain boots may suffice if comfortable while standing in them for long periods or short walks. The area we are using is a beaver pond marshland.
- Change of clothes and extra in case of emergency. Best to have multiple thin layers than one thin and one heavy layer. There will be physically demanding activities which may require shedding some layers. Bring whatever you need to feel comfortable. Space for gear is not an issue.
- Bring your own food. Plenty of snacks are highly recommended. Foods high in energy are preferred as some of us will be working harder for fire. No refrigeration available.
- Prescription eyewear if needed.
- Water bottle.
- Facemasks when needed.
Optional:
- Hat or head covering optional, but useful.
- Favorite knife if available, preferably non-serrated, and at least 4 inches long. Knives will also be available as loaners for projects.
- Any additional cold weather gear needed (gloves, seat cushion, etc.).
- Sunglasses if needed.
- Work gloves (preferably leather) to protect hands.
- Notepad and pencil if taking notes (recommended for keeping track of all the information provided for future reference).
Age restricted to 17 years and over.
Please no alcohol/drug use during the program or on site.
TUITION: $150 (plus processing fees)
SUPPORT NATURE CONNECTION: Please consider making an additional donation to help TreeSong, a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Anything helps and we thank you in advance!
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has." — Margaret Mead
PROCESSING FEES ARE ONLY APPLIED TO TUITION AMOUNTS, NEVER DONATIONS.
About the instructor:
Spending his early years in the dry riverbeds east of Paso Robles, CA, Brenton evoked his natural passion for the outdoors at 5 years old, while tracking and hunting Jack rabbits on horseback. At age 7, his family moved to the mountains of Colorado where he spent every available moment of his next 10 years exploring the 40 acres of land he lived on. The countless forts and fires he built, mixed with trails and his own wild imagination, accounted for his deep desire to become proficient in the arts of wilderness survival, primitive living and bushcraft. Brenton has spent many of his adult years following this path, and being self-taught in these types of primitive arts has led to a great amount of self awareness and loads of information to share with all who will listen.
Brenton recently spent 4 years mentoring children and adults at Trackers Earth in Portland. From his time with Forest School Kindergarten, Homeschool and Apprenticeship programs, to his Adult Immersion programs and Director-level experiences, he has had the pleasure of learning from many other students, parents and educators and hopes to continue sharing what he has learned so that others can benefit.
Brenton believes nothing is greater than the connection we have with nature and strives to teach this and other primitive skills to all. The self-discipline, drive and attention to detail he obtained from his days in the US Navy's Presidential Guard, including the experiences from traveling abroad and learning different cultures, reflect in his teachings.