Location: Cornwall
Dates:10-12th April - Lodge Building, 9th-11th October - Vision Quest Cost: £160 (£320 for both weekends)

We will be holding the building of the Sweat Lodge in April to allow plenty of time for everyone to prepare themselves for the Vision Quest ceremony in October. Attending the Sweat Lodge Building ceremony is a prerequisite for the Vision Quest.

It is of the utmost importance that all medical conditions are declared before attending this course. If you have any questions at all please do contact us.

Vision Quest

The Hanblecheyapi, crying for a vision ceremony - Vision Quest.

Rarely do we have the space and time to review our lives and pathways and to be in seclusion, and send thoughts for the whole. This weekend we will endeavour to understand and experience, with full guidance, the ancient gift of this rite which has as much benefit now as in ancient times. With guided preparation and fasting, and full instruction on the gathering of all that is needed and how to build a medicine circle, followed by a purification sweat lodge ceremony - (we need to be as empty and pure as possible to then be filled with a vision and renewed). The individual will then, after previous consultation on the intent for their vision, enter into seclusion to lament in their protective circle in nature with heightened awareness of the messages within.

There, whilst fasting they will place their ceremonial pole which represents great spirit, and will be fully equipped with the knowledge songs and tools to undertake this quest for the duration of time. In the medicine circle life and deeds are reviewed and herbs offered to all directions, continuously thinking of the whole people and keeping them at the heart centre of this ceremony, as it is not enough to do this just for ourselves as it would mean nothing. We must be strong and focused whilst challenged during this intense and difficult ceremony, like the pole that stands in the centre of our circle, and if we are very pure we may receive a vision and a heightened awareness.

Then we return gently to the world, and learn how to use the experience in our daily lives, having the strength to make changes and walking our true vision as true human beings on the good red road. this is a powerful and sometimes life-changing experience. from a distance and with no interference to your seclusion you will have full support for the whole time you are within your circle, and be accompanied through this rite. On arrival - we prepare the lodge for the ceremony, and gather our vision poles. tobacco bundles will be made and sacred songs taught around a camp fire and guidance and instruction given and questing places chosen.

At dawn we enter the sweat lodge - swimwear required and towel, and then we walk in silence to our chosen place,where we sit in nature until we return and are given support and guidance on our individual experiences, around the warmth of a fire and share food and company once again. Preparation begins long before the weekend, with setting your intent and gradual fasting and instruction, as is traditional.

You will need - an eagle feather -or buzzard or hawk. a blanket . herbs - can be purchased seperately, white sage, ceremonial tobacco, sweetgrass, a small shell -to burn herbs within a small pipe of your choice and a lighter of your choice.

This is a very personal communication between you and the higher powers, or whatever you care to believe in it is a very special thing that you are doing and shows that you will make sacrfices to follow a pathway and improve strengthen and accept yourself for the good of the whole. The full understanding of the experience can take a long time to fully integrate into your being, it is really a beginning. remember the old saying " a lemon must be squeezed to make good lemonade!!'" it will be an honour to share these ways with you and guide you onto the path that awaits you. Kate Fenn

Location: Cornwall
Dates:25th October 2008 BushcraftUK members only.
Dates:1st November 2008
Cost: £30

River Tracking

Pull on a pair of waders and join Rhoda and Angie in the river for a fresh perspective on tracking wildlife.

Walking down rivers is simply the best way to find a large variety of wildlife signs and is a great way to kick start your tracking experience. Discover tracks in sand banks, animal scat and feeding signs and search for the elusive European Otter! Walking along a river gives you a totally new view of the world and is relaxing and loads of fun. We will stop for lunch on the riverbank before wading back down the other side.

Please bring a pair of waders (contact us if you would like us to help you to buy some) and a packed lunch.

Location: Cornwall
Dates: TBC
Cost: £30

Wild Food Walks

Come and spend a day discovering the wealth of tasty treats in our woodlands, fields and hedgerows. Learn about edible plants and fungi and how to prepare and cook them as well as plants with medicinal uses.
We will spend the morning foraging and then prepare lunch using some of the wild food that we have collected on the way before continuing on our afternoon walk. 4 walks will be held each year to discover the variety of wild food available with each different season.

Please bring a rucksack and a bowl, fork and spoon.

Location: Cornwall
Dates: 29th November 2008
Cost: £30 plus materials

Women in the Woods

Come and spend a day learning traditional skills practised by women throughout the ages.
We will cover basket making, natural cosmetics, natural dyes and fabrics, wild food and medicinal plants, and much more. Come and rediscover some of the ancient methods and skills of our grandmothers!