Wilderness Living School

RESIDENTIAL INTRODUCTION TO ADVENTURE

Session I: June 21-27, Teachers: Marcea MacInnis and Ross Scatchard
Session II: July 12-18, Teacher: Lynne Boudreau
7 days, Easy-Moderate
Skill level: Beginner
Ages 9.5-11

Over the last twelve years this program has introduced hundreds of children to the wonders of natural living. It is perfect for those campers who are ready to participate in their very first “wilderness expedition.” The first two days of base camp life are filled with useful work around the village, learning new skills and making new friends. We will then leave for a three-day canoeing journey on one of our beautiful local lakes. We will paddle out in search of a very special place to set camp and create our new home. Settling into the rhythm of paddling, campfire meals, stories and songs, our life will be full and rich. Every day there will be time for swimming, exploration, play and wilderness crafts.

Teachers: Sueño LeBlond and Baruch Schwadron
7 days, Easy-Moderate
Skill level: Beginner
Ages 9.5 -11, August 2-8
This program was fashioned from the book, Children of Noisy Village, by Astrid Lindgren.

During this exciting week, young campers will enjoy oldfashioned adventures at Pumpkin Hill Village. Each day we will rise and shine to greet the day with a stretch and possible swim. Morning chores will involve cooks, firewood and water gatherers, and caretakers of the farm animals and the garden. We will then be ready for a yummy breakfast cooked over an open fire. Morning activities may include handwork, clay sculpture, woodworking, beadwork, berry picking or forest exploration. After lunch and rest, we may ride in the horse drawn wagon, make jam, canoe, swim and, of course, play games. After supper there will be singing and storytelling before sweet dreams overcome the tired villagers.

Session I: Teachers: Tom Rosenberg, Hans Mayer and Michael Kohout
Skill level: Beginner, 7 days, Easy
Ages 11-12, June 28-July 4
Session II: Teachers: Tom Rosenberg and Hans Mayer
Skill level: Beginner-Intermediate, 7 days, Easy-Moderate
Ages 12-13, July 12-18

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a time when all the necessities of life were made by hand from the raw materials of the earth? This program will begin by settling into our traditional dwellings made from poles and sod (dug up grass) on the edge of the village forest. The next day we will begin crafting our long bows, arrows and fishing gear. Our work on the bows will be interspersed by lots of fire starting, woodcarving, and explorations through the wild forest and field. White shavings will fill our workshop, and your hands will come to know every bump and twist of your beloved bow. And, of course, there will be plenty of forest games, swimming, and even a day of rock climbing. Everyone will return home with his own bow and arrows and, in addition, a great respect for all living things. Session II may venture out on an overnight expedition by foot or canoe.

Teachers: Tom Rosenberg and Sueño LeBlond
7 days, Moderate
Skill level: Beginner to Intermediate
Ages 11.5-13, August 16-22

Through an emerald green forest the Lost Tribe of the Ashuelot walks silently on the moose path that skirts the porcupine cliffs. Pausing only to investigate a fresh animal den and harvest some Indian cucumber for snack, the weary explorers reach their secret destination: a talking waterfall beneath the shade of a hemlock tree. Welcome to an exciting week of living in nature! We will begin by carving spoons and making tribal necklaces. Then, venturing into the deep forest, we will learn about those who truly live in the woods: deer, porcupine, beaver, and all the trees and plants. These beings will serve as our guides as we make shelters from leaves, boughs, and all the other gifts of the forest. We will learn to harness the gift of fire as we cook our wholesome meals over the open flame. We will paddle across beaver ponds and scale cliffs; and may possibly even practice archery! Our eyes will get accustomed to the dark and our ears will open to the sounds of the wilderness. Our hearts will open to the community of plants, animals and each other. We will sing, laugh and tell ancient stories. There is much to learn from the beings of the forest and much to bring back to our community of the world.

Teachers: Lisl Hofer and Tom Rosenberg
14 days, Moderate-Strenuous
Skill level: Beginner-Advanced
Ages 14-18, July 26-August 8

Imagine a time when canoeing down a swift current was the fastest way to go places, a shelter of bark and leaves was a welcomed home, and roots and berries were the snack of the day. On this trip we will step back into this time and learn to combine the beautiful gifts of the land and some modern tools of today to create a simple and exciting lifestyle all with our own strength and will. The sun, the lay of the land, and our map and compass will guide us for the first half of our trip as we bushwhack deep into the woods to reach our hidden camp. Here we will sleep under the stars, building our base of wilderness skills and knowledge: coal-burning wooden spoons to eat with, the art of open-fire cookery, and looking for all the signs of the other beings of the forest—moose, bear, and coyote. We will form a special connection to the deer as we traditionally tan their soft hides for our moccasins. When we’re ready, we will hike over the mountains and down to the river’s fast current, which will carry us in canoes to new adventures! Being on the river will open up new opportunities for paddling rapids, carving, sewing moccasins, swimming, and whatever other adventures cross our paths! One of our guiding principles will be to remember our role as caretakers of the land, so that through our actions, we leave a healthier forest than what we found. We will work together, support each other, and look out for one another, creating a true old-time community. On this trip we will experience a way of life whose roots stretch back thousands of years but whose skills and philosophy apply to all times.

Teachers: Ken Gagnon and Misha Golfman
14 days, Moderate-Strenuous
Skill level: Beginner to Advanced
Ages 13 and up, August 9-22

With thanks and gratitude, the final swing of an axe and a thump, the tree falls. It is limbed and cut into log length and then brought over to the sawmill with Brita, our work horse. Here the tree is milled into posts and beams which are then joined together with mortise and tenon. The stack of timbers grows each day. Finally, one day, there is the excitement of a barn raising party and at the end of that day a stately timber frame outlines the shape of the carriage barn. Students with a curiosity for traditional woodworking are invited to join our very first Timber Framing Program. The process of raising Kroka’s carriage barn has been carefully divided into several sections. Working together, the team will focus on one complete section of the barn. We will be using traditional hand tools: chisel, mallet, axe, cross cut saw, brace and plane. In the afternoons, when our hands have grown tired, we will bike to a nearby lake to jump off cliffs into the refreshing water. We may explore waterfalls or go canoeing or rock climbing. Hiking a local mountain, we will be rewarded with sweeping views and a snack of wild blueberries. Life at Kroka camp presents many opportunities for farm and garden work as well as observing wildlife by the side of a beautiful beaver pond. One day we may take a break from building altogether and go white water rafting or climb a big mountain. Combining Ken’s and Misha’s expertise in woodworking and adventure this program promises to be a special experience and an opportunity for students to be part of Kroka’s history!