Monthly Programs

Practicing Primitive

North Austin  |  Ages 13-16

Ages

13-16 (Owls)

2022/2023 Dates

September 10th
October 1st
November 5th
December 3rd
January 7th
February 4th
March 4th
April 1st
May 6th (Family Campout)

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Time

9:00am – 3:00pm

Location

North Austin
Walnut Creek Park
12138 N Lamar

Tuition

$600

Join us one Saturday each month for a blast into our past as we explore the lifestyles of our primal ancestors. Using only naturally sourced materials found on the landscape we will discover wisdom of plants, trees, wildlife, fires, shelter building, primitive tools and technologies in order to understand how to meet our basic needs of being human long ago. Participants will also explore areas of:​

  • Natural hazards
  • Sensory awareness
  • Stalking skills
  • Rock & bone tools
  • Shelter building
  • Friction fire making
  • Water procurement
  • Wild plant & animal foods
  • Natural fibers & basket making
  • Primitive hunting & fishing
  • Primitive cooking
  • Traditional archery

Students arrive and we often play a game to get our energy out. We then circle up to give thanks for each other and the day. Often a story about the topic of the day will be told in order to get the participants inspired. Then we will break into groups in order to begin working on a project, or go for a wander around the land to talk about plants, tracks of animals, or bird language.

After lunch we may relax near the water and then get in during the warmer months, or try and get warm with a fire in the cooler months. An instructor may have a game or activity set up also for the students after lunch, such as a cordage strength challenge or whittling a spoon for a camp out.

To complete our day we circle up once again and tell of our adventures in making a fire, or building a shelter, or making a bow and shooting it, or whats the difference between a cat track and a dog track, or even what wild edible plants we sampled that day.

Students at Practicing Primitive are given the chance to experience life as a true child of the earth. From searching the landscape for materials to build a shelter or maintain a fire, to harvesting edible foods and crafting tools, there is never a dull moment while practicing primitive.