Workshops

Black Ash Pack Baskets have a deep tradition among outdoorsmen in the Northeast.  These are tough functional baskets that will last a lifetime.  The making of these basket begins with pounding splints out of a Black Ash tree, the splints are cut down to a desired size and woven into a basket. For this workshop most of the prep work will already be done and thus all that is left to do is weave/sculpt the basket. Discussion will include learning to recognize black ash trees of basket splint quality and the technique involved in producing the final weaving material. At the end of this course you will leave with an 18" tall Pack Basket that can be used for anything from carrying ice fishing gear to hauling home groceries. Harness for the basket is an additional $10.
  

Winter requires lots of gear but fortunately it also provides snow to slide your load.  For those who have been meaning to build a pulk (sled with poles) but never seem to find the time - this session is the perfect answer.  Because we will start with custom machined components, participants will finish the assembly process in one hour.   

The clinic fee includes a Paris Expedition Sled, fiberglass poles and all the specially machined parts and hardware needed to assemble your own system. (hip belt not included)  

Instructors will provide the tools and walk you through all the steps necessary to complete your own commercial quality system.  Sample hip belts will be demoed to give you ideas on how to construct your own hip belt as well. Cost is $95 ( plus MN sales tax).   Maximum class size is 15.

Spend the day gaining the required knowledge to get yourself to and from camp using both map and compass, and bare hand navigational skills.  Map and compass will be provided but you are welcome to bring your own compass if you like. This class is limited to 18-will work in groups of two or three. Class cost $15

Mors will draw from his years of experience while teaching youth tangible education in the far North.
He will work his magic to instill a sense of wonderment and discovery in youth while using their hands and minds in the natural world.
During the class, they will make Simple crafts and experiment with plants: They will learn how to make fire with a piece of a hacksaw blade, craft a simple bow saw to aid in the harvest of natural material, make a simple signal whistle from a piece of tin and craft a doll from cattail leaves.
They will come away looking at the bush as a welcome place with so many things to discover and to enjoy.

9’ or 11’ Hauling Toboggan Workshop (HDPE)
Time: 3+ hours (Sunday Morning)
Students: 8 maximum per session (no minimum)
No tools or experience necessary (but, any additional block planes, cordless drills, ball peen hammers, Phillips #2 drill bits, or countersink bits would be helpful)
Description:
“In this 3+hour workshop students will be able to construct their own 9’ or 11’ hauling toboggan that will be ready for use upon completion. Construction materials will include a black 8’ HDPE pre-shaped blanks, finished white ash crosspieces, stainless steel screws, and 4mm accessory cord for running line and tumpline. Students will prepare and finish the plastic blank, fasten crosspieces to blank, and string up toboggan. The end result will be a low maintenance, durable, and rollable toboggan that will provide years of use trekking into the bush.”
Cost to student: $175/student/9’($195 w/ Lashing System) or $205/student/11’($225 w/ Lashing System)
Sign up prior to event by emailing or calling Chris. You can pay with check, cash or credit card. Payment accepted at event but I need to know how many to expect.
Toboggan Details

Participants will learn to assemble a small blade into an antler handle as well as stitch together a sheath that will hang around the neck and will be provided information on sources for knife blades, leather, and tools required to make knives on their own. All materials are provided by the instructor. Cost is $75.00 per person. Contact Warren prior to Symposium if interested in taking this workshop. Warren M. Peterson, cell # 715-560-0384, email: wildexposurewp@yahoo.com

We will cover the use of knife, axe, tomahawk and machete and how to use safe technique to process wood using these tools.  We will start with one piece of wood and process it down to fuel fine enough to start with a ferro rod or fire steel.

I will be covering as many knots from the Mors Kochanski book as I can. My focus will be on the Jam Knot and the Constrictor knot-two of the knots used exclusively in bushcraft.

Bring your traditional wooden snowshoes and canoe paddles to receive a high quality full varnish dip. Save yourself time and money while increasing the quality and durability of your wooden gear. Man of War Spar Varnish (one of the best sealants available) in a large dip pan will fully coat your wooden gear... right down into the small cracks and crevices. This is a value that cannot be passed up. Greg Burns will assist in dipping your gear and he'll hang it to dry for the weekend, so on Sunday you can take it home looking fresh and new.
$10.00/pair/snowshoes
$5.00/canoe paddle

CLASS IS FULL!!!
The crooked knife, formally known as the mokotagan, is a very old type of woodworking tool unique to North America and predominantly found around the Great Lakes region. It is a nomad’s tool, born out of the need to be versatile yet easy to transport. The knife is used one handed and pulled toward oneself which gives the user great control and frees up the other hand to hold the wood being worked. When in use, a properly designed crooked knife a joy to use. These knives historically have been used for carving paddles, snowshoe frames, and the primary tool for birch bark canoe building, but can be used in place of a drawknife or block plane. In this class we will discuss the stock removal method to create the shape of the blades and then go over the process of hardening and tempering the steel. We will then mount a blade made by Jarrod to custom fit handle of your creation. Instruction will also be given in how to use the tool efficiently.  Class cost:  $65

CLASS IS FULL!!!
Join us around the table for an evening workshop and learn to craft nature's finest fabric- leather. We'll work with deer and elk hides and craft a pair of mitten shells that are perfect for your winter work. The class begins with the basics of pattern making for hand wear. We'll trace and cut our hides, then hand stitch them. Grab some canvas to complete the shells, and adorn them any way you please.  Some sewing experience helpful.  Follow up class the next night if you're still in process.
(The course fee is waved If a student brings their own materials)