Doe Camp

This past June I got to participate at Doe Camp, up in the Northeast Kingdon. This event is sponsored by the Vermont Outdoor Guide Association and Vermont Outdoors Woman, and the summer/fall programs draw more than 100 women of all ages who want to learn fire skills, archery (including the very talented and lovely Christina Bean), marksmanship, tie a fly, forage for wild edibles, and wilderness survival among other outdoor pursuits. I was there for the weekend to instruct on fire/bow drill, cordage, as well as tracking and awareness. Friday for me began with teaching fire skills. Despite the drizzle, there were seven women there and ready to learn fire, one even brought a previously made kit and questions. Even better. Then, to my excitement and surprise, after carving their kits, six of the women busted out coals, and the one who brought her kit got some answers and probably more questions. Dang. It was apparent that the group's attitude was casual, attentive, and really excited about the idea of producing a coal. And it is this, despite the drizzle, their attitude that lent so much to their success. It was a great class to be a part of. The next day was cordage. Note the large heap of elm bark I am emerging from. It was a most beautiful day, warm with a gentle breeze, there in the Northeast Kingdom. We covered a number of wraps and styles, and began a small weaving project. Here is a student about to begin the three-ply wrap reverse wrap. Sunday morning was Tracking and Awareness. Given that was the title, it diverged into a few hours focusing on awareness of ourselves, out surrounding environment, and that interplay. Of our relation to and awareness of our land-base. This was through exercises with our senses and opening them up, questions, and moving slow. In the end it rightly finished up with Moose tracks walking up a muddy corridor.

You can view VOGA's website at http://www.voga.org/vermont_outdoors_woman.htm

I also would like to make a point to mention the skilled tailor, serious hunter, and lovely lady Wendy Butler of Trailfeathers. She provides hunting clothes designed for women. As it is said in her website; "The Trailfeathers' line of clothing is designed to fit a woman's body and to provide her with superior comfort across a full range of activities—from sitting in a tree stand to climbing a windy ridge, and even answering the call of nature." That call of nature? inspiration via her mom for those chilly mornings, her pants come with an extended crotch zipper so that "women no longer need to hang it all out to relieve themselves." Brilliant!
You can check this out at: http://www.trailfeathers.com/