Adult Workshops

Get ready for an exhilarating adventure as we dive into the age-old art of generating fire through friction in our interactive workshop!

Master the captivating skill of using a bow drill for fire creation, an essential survival technique that also sparks an exciting journey of discovery. Embark on this thrilling expedition and immerse yourself in the primal craft of fire production. This isn't just about learning a useful skill - it's about sparking a sense of wonder and admiration for our ancestors who relied on this incredible method for survival and advancement! This is your chance to tap into the wisdom of the past, so don't miss out!

• Learn basic knife safety
• Learn several carving techniques
• Carve and construct your own bow drill kit
• Learn the proper techniques for starting a friction fire
• Learn proper material identification and selection,
• Learn proper fire structures, and tinder collection.
• Experience creating fire for the very first time just as your ancestors did.

When: November 24th 2024, 10 am-4pm
Registration Fee: $35-$75 Sliding Scale (*Sliding scale you choose per person what you want or can afford. General admission is our suggested fee per person)
Location: Bowie/Lanham
Age: 16 -71+

This will be a learning experience for sure as we journey back in time to learn how to create tools from the stones found in local the geological formations.  Come on out and learn about the local rocks that Natives used around the D.C area.  This is a true adventure in stone.  You will make a myriad of tools that are so often over shadowed by the more attractive "sexier" arrowhead. We will then saw, slice, and chop, putting the local rocks to work.

Bone tools are often overlooked when it comes to the history of our ancestors, as they are consumed by the earth and animals in a short period of time. You can’t make bone tools without stone tools… Bone tools are an integral part of the wilderness skills tool box. Being able to obtain the resource and work it into a tool is a skill everyone should have.  Come on out and work with an age old material and experience ancient ways for processing bones into beautiful ivory like objects. A variety of things can be made such as, arrowheads, awls, hair pins, nut/crab picks, fishing hooks, scrapers and pottery tools.

When: November 30th-December 1st, 10am - 4pm
Where: Riverdale MD
Ages: 16 -71+
Registration fee: $80-$200 Sliding scale (you choose, per participant, what you want or can afford)

The Self-Bow Building Workshop engages in the fine art of bow making; learning to carve and shape a single piece of wood into a beautiful and efficient hunting bow. While participating in this workshop you will experience the complete process of bow making from start to finish.  This is not a survival or quickie bow class.

You will learn how to properly select, harvest, and season bow wood. We then work through design & layout, shaping, tillering (bending), and finally shooting. Each participant will also learn how to make their own bow strings. In the end you will have completed a highly effective hunting bow that you will be able to enjoy for many years to follow.

When: 9am-5pm, Wednesday - Sunday March 26-30, 2025
Where: Mount Rainier, MD
Cost: $600 (tools use and hickory stave are included, Osage Staves are an additional $50)

Food and medicine are growing all around us, and yet very few people know how to recognize the abundance of the land we walk upon. In this walk and talk we will explore:

• the simplest strategy for getting to know plants
• how to correctly identify plants and mushrooms and how to rule out poisonous look a likes
• the top wild staple foods in the area
• how to gather enough calories in a day to last a month
• how to harvest sustainably and promote wild edibles with guerrilla planting tactics

Bring a friend or three, snacks to share, and note taking materials if they help you to learn. Audio and video recording is allowed and encouraged (check in with the group to make sure everyone consents to be recorded and or photographed) especially if the content will be shared online.

Age: 10 - 71+ (under 16 must be accompanied by a parent)
When: 1-4pm March 29th, 2025
Location: Greenbelt MD
Registration Fee: $20-$75 Sliding Scale - (Pay what you are comfortable paying)

This two day workshop teaches the complete process of primitive arrow making. From harvesting the arrow shaft to taking the shot, you will learn all the steps it takes to make the most important piece of the bow hunting equation.

On this adventure you will create a bone arrow point, learn several natural arrow shaft materials, two methods of arrow straightening, how to properly spine test your arrows, how to fletch the feathers, and haft your own arrowhead.

You will walk away from this class with a deeper respect and understanding of the primitive arrow and hunting.  If time permits there will be a flint knapping demonstration on how stone points are made.

When: May 3 &4 2025, 10am - 4pm
Price: $190 (ages 16 and older)
Where: Lanham/Bowie, MD

MAPS Meet- May, 23-26 2025

The Mid-Atlantic Primitive Skills Gathering (MAPS Meet) is an ideal event to kick-start your summer. It provides an opportunity to take a break from the hustle and bustle of modern life, letting you reconnect with nature's healing powers. Regardless of your outdoor experience, our expert instructors are ready to impart their knowledge at various levels. The topics covered every year are diverse, ranging from Fire by Friction, Natural Fibers, Stone and Bone Tools, Brain Tanning Leather, Natural Basketry, Primitive Pottery, Foraging, to Bows and Arrows, and much more

Sample Schedule

MAPS Meet is a intimate event with limited availability, accommodating a cozy 100 participants ages 13 and over. We generally reach full capacity very quickly, so please register early to guarantee your participation!

Food and medicine are growing all around us, and yet very few people know how to recognize the abundance of the land we walk upon. In this walk and talk we will explore:

• the simplest strategy for getting to know plants
• how to correctly identify plants and mushrooms and how to rule out poisonous look a likes
• the top wild staple foods in the area
• how to gather enough calories in a day to last a month
• how to harvest sustainably and promote wild edibles with guerrilla planting tactics

Bring a friend or three, snacks to share, and note taking materials if they help you to learn. Audio and video recording is allowed and encouraged (check in with the group to make sure everyone consents to be recorded and or photographed) especially if the content will be shared online.

Age: 10 - 71+ (under 16 must be accompanied by a parent)
When: 1pm-4 pm May 31, 2025
Location: Greenbelt MD
Registration Fee: $20-$75 Sliding Scale - (Pay what you are comfortable paying)

Food and medicine are growing all around us, and yet very few people know how to recognize the abundance of the land we walk upon. In this walk and talk we will explore:

• the simplest strategy for getting to know plants
• how to correctly identify plants and mushrooms and how to rule out poisonous look a likes
• the top wild staple foods in the area
• how to gather enough calories in a day to last a month
• how to harvest sustainably and promote wild edibles with guerrilla planting tactics

Bring a friend or three, snacks to share, and note taking materials if they help you to learn. Audio and video recording is allowed and encouraged (check in with the group to make sure everyone consents to be recorded and or photographed) especially if the content will be shared online.

Age: 10 - 71+ (under 16 must be accompanied by a parent)
When: 10am-1 pm August 30th, 2025
Location:  Great Falls VA Area
Registration Fee: $20-$75 Sliding Scale - (Pay what you are comfortable paying)

Discover the art of basketry in this immersive workshop, where we’ll craft a ribbed egg or melon-style basket using wild-harvested wisteria vines. Originating in 19th century Europe, this unique basket style combines functionality with rustic elegance. Participants will learn about wisteria—its uses, and processing methods, as they weave their own baskets. This hands-on experience offers a meaningful connection to nature and traditional crafting techniques, resulting in a beautiful, sturdy basket to take home. Perfect for beginners and experienced crafters alike!

When: September 6th 2025, 10 am-4pm
Registration Fee: $40-$100 Sliding Scale (*Sliding scale you choose per person what you're comfortable paying. General admission is our suggested fee per person)
Location: Bowie/Lanham
Age: 16 - 71+

In our upcoming workshop, we'll delve into the art of creating unique masterpieces from pieces of wood found in nature, a technique rooted in ancient traditions. You'll learn to use your personal breath, a glowing coal from our communal fire, and your knife to shape your creation. Imagine the satisfaction of crafting your own handmade wooden spoon!

These wooden spoons aren't just practical, they're also a charming addition to your assortment of kitchen utensils or camping mess kit. Plus, they make heartwarming gifts for friends or family members, offering a personal touch to show you care.

Whether you decide to share this experience with a partner or your kids, or choose to embrace the tranquility of solitude, you're welcome to join us. Discover the joy of hands-on creativity in our inviting workshop environment.

When:  October 11th 2025, 11:00am-4:00pm
Ages: 10 - 71+ (Under 16 must be accompanied by an adult)
Location: Lanham/Bowie (location is sent when you register)
Fee: $30-$75 Sliding Scale (*Sliding scale you choose per person what you're comfortable paying. General admission is our suggested fee per person)