Grooming The Next Generation

It has been a month since we went to the woods with these guys for their first set-up session.

I seriously considered using our outdoor classroom on the farm for this one though I knew the two watershed crossings would still be running water and a couple stretches of the trek in would be muddy. You know. Make it as real as possible. After all, when you are out there hoofing a trail you have to deal with Ma Nature on her level. Sometimes she can be a little testy. Sometimes she can be flat unforgiving.

These guys are not ready for that level of adventure yet. Yet. It is coming though. One step at a time preparing them for some adventures farther on in their journey. So rather than hiking in to the hill we utilized our outdoor space here for their exercise.

I wondered how they would do.

Drawing straws set the order for their demonstrations. Rather than turning them loose as a group to do their set up and fire making I wanted to be able to observe each one individually, offer a little troubleshooting assistance here and there, and make some mental notes.

They did good. Real good.

While the guys are studying on what I am teaching them, I am studying the guys … getting to know them as individuals … getting to know their individual personalities … identifying their individual strengths and weaknesses so I can better assist and direct them in their journeys. This is something that mentoring this trio affords me the opportunity to do. It gives me access to levels not afforded in short courses.

There are a couple of things that I have to reiterate in this early stage of their woodcraft adventure.

1. Practice. Keep practicing the skills you are learning until you own them. It’s easy to build a shelter or make fire when the weather is fair and you have time to spare. It is altogether another story when the weather is against you, everything is wet, and the dark of night is twenty minutes away.

2. Your kit and its items. Safeguard them. Keep every item in its place when it is not being used. Every time it is used. Do not lay anything down and walk away from it. If you lose something in the grass or leaves here in these exercises it is easy enough to replace it. If you lose it out there miles from a supply point you are in real trouble.

I can communicate a lot in a morning crash course, a day course, or over a weekend. Honestly though. Actually grasping, integrating, and owning what is communicated is a whole ‘nuther deal that takes time in the school of woodcraft where there is no graduation day. There is a lot to it … a lot more than having a prescribed kit … that simply cannot be taught in a crash course.

It was a new culinary experience for them.

The broth and squirrel was quite tasty. 

It tasted just like squirrel. Seasoned with a pinch of salt, a little black pepper, and a little crushed red pepper to give it a bit of zip and zing. Now I must admit, being one that wants simulations to be as real as possible, I did not wash all the hair off the parts before putting them in the pots.