Family Programs

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+

Experience the thrill of building a top-grade shelter that shields you from extreme weather conditions! This essential survival skill could drastically change your perspective of how you see the forest.

Be part of our journey in crafting a shelter robust enough to endure the coldest winter nights.  Once you enter the "survival mind"  survival strategies and the importance of preparedness will captivate you.

For the experienced survivalists, we've got something special! We'll explore the design complexities of basic shelter building and share valuable tips to enhance their insulation.

This is a chance you can't afford to miss! Invite your partner, your children, or simply come alone!

When:  December 8th 2024, 10am-4pm
Ages: 7 - 70+ (15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult)
Location: Lanham MD
Fee: $30-$75 Sliding Scale (*Sliding scale you choose per person what you want or can afford. General admission is our suggested fee per person)

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)

Join us for a hands-on family workshop where we'll explore the art of traditional candle-making through beeswax candle dipping! In this fun, interactive session, participants of all ages will learn how to make beautiful, hand-dipped beeswax candles.

Each participant will create their own candles to take home, perfect for cozy evenings or gifting. This is a wonderful way to connect with nature, get creative, and bring home a handmade piece of earth-friendly art!

When:  April 5th 2025, 10:30am-3pm
Ages: 7 - 70+ (15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult)
Location: Lanham, MD
Fee: $25-$75 Sliding Scale (*Sliding scale, pay what your are comfortable with per participant) General admission is our suggested fee per person)

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)

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)