Primitive Skills

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“The lost art of living off the land is preserved here on his property!”

“If you want to understand wild plants and their uses from food to medicinal purposes-this is the place to go and learn!” – Bethany from Dawson

Friction Fire: Hand Drill

Humans have evolved with fire for quite some time and we are now dependent on it for our modern civilization. Certain plants are also dependent on fire for their survival. Let’s take things back several thousand years and re-learn how to create fire from entirely natural materials. We will also discuss and practice ways to keep a fire going, bank a fire, travel with fire and much more.

We will start out with a brief overview and history of fire making, and then we will walk around my mountain property to learn about and identify helpful plants for the fire making process. Afterwards we will craft our own hand drill kits from natural materials gathered locally. Finally, we will practice the art of hand drill and you will take home your very own fire kit! Never be stuck trying to start a fire again, learn the in’s and out’s of a proper pyre for starting a one match fire.

Some knife carving is required. Materials for your kit are hand gathered in north Georgia. Price is for each person taking a home a fire kit and tinder bundle. Family members may join the experience as ‘additional guests’ but will not be supplied fire making materials.

  • 2.5 hours.
  • Fire makers: $55  Additional guests: $10
  • Up to 12 guests
  • Recommended ages 10+

Video of the 1st attempt with a freshly made kit for this family. Congratulations!

Creating your 1st friction fire can be empowering for you, your family or group

“This is a great experience for families or people who need team building. Together we created a fire in less than 4 minutes at the end of our experience. Caleb is a great instructor and you can tell he loves to teach the art of fire!” – Sam

Bark Baskets: The Appalachian Berry Pickin’ Basket

Come cut, peel, and sew up your own Appalachian berry pickin’ basket! The Tulip bark basket has been utilized in this area for many years. They were typically crafted on the spot for a quick container and later discarded, so not many have withstood the test of time. It is a simple, fun activity and reminds us of an older time. The bark only peels from the tree in the spring / early summer and materials are very limited! Email for family pricing and a date/time not listed. 2022 bark season: May – June.

  • 10:00 AM or 12:00 PM
  • Check calendar for days
  • 2-3 hours
  • Basket makers $55 Additional guests $10
  • Up to 10 guests

Some knife carving is required. Materials for your basket are hand gathered in north Georgia. Price is for each person taking a home a basket. Family members may join the experience as ‘additional guests’ but will not be supplied basket making materials.

Wigwam Progress at Ever Wilder