Fall Weekend Workshop

You finally harvested some Washington shellfish, now what do you do with them? Learn to shuck oysters, clean crab, steam clams and more. Discover simple recipes that will win over the most skeptical eaters! (24 spaces)

Start out learning basic form, parts of a bow, how it works and how to shoot and score arrows. Have fun while learning correct timing, posture, and concentration. Karin Cook is a level 3 certified coach and brings years of experience to this skill. (36 spaces)

Don’t head into the backcountry without this knowledge! This course is “packed” with instruction on the latest lightweight equipment, “Leave No Trace” practices, trip planning, weather coping, and backcountry tips. Gear will be provided for you to evaluate and try on. (24 spaces)

An indispensable course for beginning freshwater wranglers! Cover the basics of rod and reel handling, knot tying, using bait and lures, and then enjoy some casting in the pond – you might even catch a trout! A current fishing license is required. (18 spaces)

Explore the philosophy behind hunting (particularly deer and elk) and the ethics of the hunt. Lead instructor Bruce McGlenn of the Human Nature Hunting School covers safety, preparation, planning, equipment, optics, tracking, and sound decision-making. This class addresses firearm choice and use. Bow-hunting techniques are also demonstrated. (16 spaces)

Come hungry to this class! Nothing tastes better than food prepared in a Dutch Oven. Learn the secrets to cast iron cooking, Your instructor shares tips on prep, coals, temperature and timing. Prepare and cook delicious cobblers, rolls, amazing one-pot dinners, soups and breakfast casseroles. (24 spaces)

Whether your fire is for warmth, cooking, or relaxation, learn efficient fire building techniques , wood choices and safety tips. Build a fire with and without matches. Use effective knots techniques to erect a simple snow or rain shelter. (12 spaces)

Have you had your tent fail? Straps break? By cleverly using what you already have with you, learn to make gear you break usable while still in the field. Your experienced instructor gives valuable tips on how to keep your gear from failing in the first place! (12 spaces)

New to fly fishing and casting? This class will cover the basics to give you new confidence or renew past technique – from casting and knots, to equipment and bugs. You will fish for trout in the camp’s stocked pond. A current fishing license is required. (24 spaces)

Grab the line, scissors, thread bobbin, and whip finisher! Learn the art of turning fur and feathers into fishing flies. Learn how to tie a Wooly Bugger and 3-4 other popular patterns for your personal collection. Taught by an experienced fly fisher who ties her own patterns. (16 spaces)

Do you plant the right native plants, shrubs, and edibles for birds, butterflies and humans? Learn what they all prefer and what does best in your backyard. The wildlife will thank you! (24 spaces)

Ropes, paracord, needle and thread—how can you make the best use of these materials in the outdoors? Students will practice useful knots and braids, and use paracord to create handy lanyards and zipper pulls. (8 spaces)

Read a topographic map? Take a bearing with a compass? Find true north? Declination? You will learn all this and more during classroom instruction. Then test your new skills in the field to successfully navigate a course! (24 spaces)

Learn how to identify and use our Northwest’s top ten most effective medicinal plants for common trail emergencies. Take home the beginnings of an herbal first aid kit with healing salves, an herbal tincture and medicinal teas, all which you make in class. Karen Sherwood of Earthwalk Northwest instructs. (12 spaces)

Learn how to turn your snapshots into “WOW!” shots. Students will learn the basics of camera operation such as shutter speed, aperture, iso/image sensors, as well as composition and lighting to help bring photos to life. (24 spaces)

This form of basic soap making is an old homesteading skill. The class will teach you how to make an all-natural, cold-processed soap from scratch, using fats and essential oils. Create a batch of mild soap that cleans and nourishes without synthetic ingredients. (12 spaces)

Learn techniques for short-term outdoor survival including wilderness awareness, mental and physical preparedness, shelter building, fire starting, and water purification. Update your “10 Essentials” and your mind set. (24 spaces)

Do you know who is in our woods? Learn about the diverse wildlife of Washington—their behavior, how to respond in the backcountry, and how to co-exist peacefully with our wildlife friends. Track signs of animal presence on a spiked trail. (10 spaces)

Explore the bounty of the Northwest as you learn to identify, harvest, and prepare the wild edible plants which grow here. A  trail-side walk precedes a buffet of prepared wild foods. An emphasis on safe forging and nutrition will be highlighted. Go home with a packet of some favorite wild foods recipes. (12 spaces)

Immerse yourself in the beauty and feminine force of nature writing. Explore the unique power of female outdoor writers and discuss both historical and modern styles of nature writing, including essays, poetry, and other narrative forms. Tap into your wild feminine self while we spend time out in the field observing and writing. (24 spaces)