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    • gigglemonk
        June 1, 2012 at 5:56 pm
        Post count: 146
        #5867

        Hey all

        Im a pretty new member so heres some background.

        Ive been a primitive skills/survival instructor for about 6 years. Before that I was working with Outward Bound and similar programs for about the same amount of time. 2 years ago I started working with the local (Ventura County, CA)homeschooling/alternative education population of 8-15 year olds.

        This most recent program focused on wilderness awareness, team and community building and some primitive skills. It was going very well. With the older kids, we built a few selfbows, made some shoot arrows and braintanned some deer hides.

        When I mentioned I was thinking of expanding the wilderness portion to include hunting history/ethics I was asked to leave the program:(. Since then the program has folded and many of the families have been asking me to start up a new program.

        So, Im putting together a nonprofit education program. Primitive skills, archery/bowyery, conservation/service, a wilderness expedition and hunting as sacred/rite of passage will make up the curriculum.

        Im looking for ideas on a reading list and possible organizations that may offer grants to a program like this. I feel confident about the program though Im unsure how the notion of teaching and exploring hunting will go over. Still, Im going to go ahead and give it a shot.

        The reading list so far includes Leopold, Pope, Thoreau, Emerson, Joseph Marshall III, Gary Snyder, Randall L Eaton and David Petersen.

        Any thoughts and input would be greatly appreciated!

        g

        MODS: If this is an innappropriate post I understand. I hope it is clear that I am not asking for any sort of support or donations other than thoughts and ideas.

      • Robin Conrads
        Admin
          June 2, 2012 at 12:47 am
          Post count: 916
          #45739

          G, the post is fine. The part about them asking you to leave upsets me. It’s so short-sighted, but I know the feeling. When we lived in Western Washington we could hardly tell people we ate meat much less hunted for it. 😕

          I suggest you contact Nick Dedaker at Compton Traditional Bowhunters. His email is rndedaker@aol.com. Their education program is one of the best in the nation. I hope they can help you.

          Good luck with your project. It sounds like a great program!

        • Fallguy
          Member
            June 2, 2012 at 12:48 am
            Post count: 318
            #45741

            You could try contacting the Pope & Young Club and PBS for help. I wold also check with any local archery clubs. I would also add Teddy Roosevelt, Don Thomas and Sigurd Olson to the reading list.

          • gigglemonk
              June 2, 2012 at 8:57 pm
              Post count: 146
              #46674

              Thanks for the replies. Im getting great feedback from the families, Ill contact the groups mentioned.

              Again, thanks!

              g

            • lyagooshka
                June 12, 2012 at 1:21 am
                Post count: 600
                #56806

                “HUNTING THE HARD WAY” By Howard Hill was what started my adventure in traditional archery. It’s an easy read and shows the potential of a handmade bow. Also loved watching Byron Ferguson do his thing.

              • wildschwein
                  June 14, 2012 at 1:50 pm
                  Post count: 581
                  #59649

                  Good on you for what your trying to accomplish Gigglemonk. I am only 26 and can remember wishing for programs of the sort you are hoping to start up. I hope it all pans out.

                • doestomp
                  Member
                    August 21, 2012 at 9:46 am
                    Post count: 7
                    #23562

                    I highly recommend the books of Tom Browne Jr. In his youth Tom was schooled by an apache elder named stalking wolf in the spiritual connectedness to all things living as well as learning to live as the apache Indians did They are great reads and are very inspiring!

                    Michelle

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