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/

Spring Fling, Traditional Archery Shoot

Spring Fling

This was the first Spring Fling of many more to come.

May 31, 2008 - This past Saturday ROOTS held a traditional archery shoot for the community. Despite the rain, the event was well attended, with archers of all ages. Through the efforts of a number of committed and creative people we were able to hold space for a 20-shot 3D course, aerial shooting, and instinctive shooting tutorial. A notable mention goes out to G and Oliver who held to the task of fashioning a 'spooked grouse' that flew up into the trees by means of a crafty weighted lever action. That was a pleaser, along with a similar 'running' deer. The day ended at dusk, with a tutorial on making and shooting flaming arrows...which are dangerously fun. see raucous take down of the straw man.

Below: Shooting at aerial targets, people lining up to shoot at stationary targets, an enthusiastic Emmit Avery along with his father Lucian, us walking the course, and the evening of flaming arrows...

To anyone who reads this and thinks they missed a good time. You can catch up and check out the ROOTS Rendezvous this October.

This is ROOTS new blog

Welcome to ROOTS School's Web log, where you may be able to find fascinating photographs, class notes, journal entries or who knows what!

Our Mission Statement:

The Goals of R.O.O.T.S. - Reclaiming Our Origins through Traditional Skills - are:

To educate people of all ages and backgrounds in:

• Traditional Survival Skills
• Awareness and Tracking
• Indigenous Philosophy

We will facilitate the growth of strong bonds between individuals, communities, and the natural world by:

• Inspiring a shift in humanity's perspective of our role as inhabitants of the Earth towards a deeper understanding of our interdependence with all creatures and elements with which we share the planet.
• Supporting and teaching skills based on natural materials in order to connect people to the Earth through their artistic process.
• Providing ourselves and our work as artisans as a reference for those who wish to learn the ancient ways in which human beings lived as an integral part of the natural community.