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Some classes need a little explanation, you can find those here.
Pimp Your Pants
Full day class for customizing your wool britches
with Kevin Kinney
Pimp Your Pants
Full day class for customizing your wool britches
with Kevin Kinney
Hot on the heels of last year's demo, this full day class is for 6 participants who want to reinforce their own pair of winter pants. We'll set up early, the strip our pants open to quarter panels. Once they're laid bare, we can craft custom patterns and markers for adding knee and seat panels of breathable, durable Supplex Nylon. Then we'll reassemble them. Bring your own sewing machine. I'll provide a serger for finishing the raw edges, and have a heavier machine on hand to sew those portion that yours can't handle. The class is $30, payable as a donation to the WCS.
This is a Thursday class in Mitchell 9:00am to 3:00pm
Leftover Night with Kevin Kinney
Did your elders leave a garage full of toys? Join us for a roundtable
discussion about rehabbing and repurposing older outdoor equipment. Hear
what a few local experts have to say, then add your thoughts.
Thursday Evening- McLeod
No One Cares That You Telemark
Josh Stamper
Nordic cross country skiing is one of the purest forms of winter travel and exploration. Telemark skiing is nordic's unwashed, deadhead cousin. There is all kinds of free heel skiing in between nordic and telemark. This class will expose you to the spectrum of freeheel ski applications, classic exploratory ski routes along the shores of Lake Superior, and resources to become a better skier.
This class is a cautionary tale about how the free heel skiing bug can consume your winter months, and the next thing you know you are skiing down frozen rivers, lowering sleds down waterfalls, skinning up cat tracks, bathing in a hot tubs, and winter camping in a parking lot in the UP. Be forewarned.
Introduction to natural soap making: a hands-on workshop
With Deb Johnson
This introductory course is perfect for beginners. No prior experience in soap making is required.
What you'll learn
Cold Process Soap Making: Master the safe and effective use of lye (sodium hydroxide) in the cold process method, including proper safety procedures and ventilation techniques.
Recipe Formulation: Gain a basic understanding of formulating your own soap recipes and calculating lye quantities.
Hands-on Experience: Create your first batch of soap, learning the step-by-step process of mixing ingredients, achieving "trace," and pouring into molds.
Curing and Storage: Understand the importance of curing and proper storage for handcrafted soap to ensure a long-lasting and luxurious bar.
Take-home
You'll leave the workshop with the knowledge and confidence to make your own natural soaps at home, a 5 pound custom batch of soap you created (about 10 bars), and a comprehensive handout to guide your future soapmaking adventures.
This course offers a unique blend of practical skills and historical context, empowering you to create healthy, beautiful, and sustainable soap products.
Antler Handle Knife - Workshop
Warren Peterson
Antler Handle Knife - Workshop
Warren Peterson
Making an Antler Handle Knife 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 $50.00 per person. Contact Warren prior to Symposium if interested in taking this workshop. Warren M. Peterson, cell # 715-314-0797, email: wildexposurewp@yahoo.com
Screen Print Class
With Leigh and Amy Hunter
Don’t miss out on this workshop! You only need to bring a shirt from home, plus $5, and you can have the pleasure of seeing that old laundry pile transform into a state of the art Winter Camping Symposium souvenir torso wrapper!
The print designs will be posted at the symposium for scrutinizing. You can then decide if you’d like to join us for the funky fabric freakout!
The screen printing process works best on a shirt you already own and fit into, or you can head down to your favorite thrift mart to find the right item to be printed (any color shirt will work). We will have multiple designs to choose from, one geared toward the grown-ups and one geared toward the grown-downs. You can pick whichever suits your fancy.
This workshop can be whatever you want it to be, we will be happy to discuss the entire process, bits & bobs of what we’ve learned or you can just hang out and make snarky jokes, it’ll also be totally socially acceptable to just drop your shirt off, and let us print it for you while you’re off symposiuming!!
COST: the shirt off your back, and $5 ink donation per print.(kids free)
Each participant needs to bring;
100% cotton T-shirt/Hoodie (cotton blend will work) any color.
A willingness to have fun.
Patience to wait for paint to dry.
WCS Snowshoe Lacing Class
WCS Snowshoe Lacing Class
Jackson Harren
Choose your snowshoes and register for this year's class at the Winter Symposium!
Add your snowshoe shape of choice & checkout to complete registration. Please be sure to include Name, Email & phone so we can contact you.
Sign Up Here!
Paige and Jamiah will be back as vendors, but will also be running forge demos all weekend.
Traditionally knife makers would work together allowing each maker to perfect their craft. The smith would forge the blade and then pass it on to the handle maker and then on to the sheath sewer, this was not always the case but it was a very effective system. While Jamiah does follow the more modern approach of making the entire knife he also participates in the old tradition with fellow knife maker and close friend Paige May over at Wilderness Effects. Jamiah forges and grinds the blades and then Paige finishes the process by creating excellent traditional scandinavian style handles and sheaths.
Backcountry Axe Craft
Curt Isaacson
Backcountry Axe Craft
Curt Isaacson
In this hands-on workshop, Hults Bruk Ambassador Curt Isaacson will teach you some safe and effective ways of putting axes to work in the backcountry, with a particular focus on limbing, bucking and splitting firewood. He’ll also cover axe selection, maintenance, and first aid considerations. Feel free to bring your axe, as Curt will stick around afterward to help you gain confidence in your axe craft.
DIY Stoveboard Workshop
Josh Borchardt
DIY Stoveboard Workshop
Josh Borchardt
Tired of your camp stove sliding around on the snow and losing all of your hard earned hot water?! In this workshop, we'll construct the same stoveboards used all around the world in places like Denali, Everest, and the Polar regions. This workshop is kid friendly but please have an adult to supervise them during tool use. These stoveboards are lightweight and have insulating and reflective properties. Please bring a personal power drill and drill bits of various sizes, the stove you'd like to use with the board, and some fun stories to share! Class should take 30 - 60 minutes.
Stove board templates will be cut large so you may use a jigsaw or handsaw when you get home to refine the shape to fit your pack or sled. Feel free to bring those tools (must be battery powered) with if you'd like to refine the shape here at the Symposium.
Cost: $30/person
Max sign up: 20
Time: 30-60 minutes
Circumnavigate Sturgeon Lake by Bike
Jason Busch
Circumnavigate Sturgeon Lake by Bike
Jason Busch
I brought my bike to the WCS last year, and rode around Sturgeon Lake on Saturday, and thought it would be fun to see if others wanted to join me this year, as it was a nice, scenic, easy ride.
We will meet at the basketball court, in front of the main lodge and registration tent, at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. You can complete the ride in under an hour, if you like, or take a more leisurely pace, and join me for a true Minnesota cultural experience, at the weekly Meat Raffle, at Ray and Marge's resort. Bring some cash/$1 bills if you want to experience the meat raffle. It's a blast!
The route is approximately 13 miles, and is predominantly on paved shoulders, with some gravel, and a short section through the woods at Camp Miller. I will ride a gravel bike for this, but it's suitable for mountain bikes, fat bikes, and even road bikes.
There is a covered bridge, that would make for a great group selfie stop, and Ray and Marge's resort is a short distance from camp, near the end of the ride. My intent is to be back to camp in time for the tour of the tents.
The ride is not suitable for younger riders, some sections are on the shoulder of a highway with a 55 mph speed limit, so keep that in mind if you intend to ride. The route is on public roads, there are no closed roads, all riders must obey traffic laws, and ride at their own risk.
The RideWithGPS route file is here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/56209876
Helmets and lights are recommended, this is on public roads, and there will be some traffic on the road. Ride smart, ride safe, and obey all traffic laws.
Reach out if you have any questions, happy to talk about the ride, the meat raffle, or whatever.
Also, if you have your bike, the Munger trail is not too far away, and it's a nice ride up to the town of Moose Lake, from camp.
Winter Hot Tent Camping Discussion
Winter Hot Tent Camping Discussion
Chad Nelson
Chad Nelson
Curious about winter camping but not sure where to start? Already spending nights in the winter wonderland and looking to refine your skills? Join this interactive discussion focused on winter hot tent camping and the practical knowledge needed to stay comfortable, safe, and confident in cold-weather conditions.
Unlike a traditional lecture, this session is driven by your questions and experiences. Whether your interest is car camping, base camping, or winter trekking, we'll explore the topics that matter most to you. Bring your questions about gear, stoves, tents, camp setup, floor systems, clothing systems, trip planning, campsite selection, cold-weather routines, and lessons learned from the field.
The goal of this session is simple: build confidence through conversation and shared experience. Participants are encouraged to ask questions, share successes and failures, and learn from others who enjoy camping in winter conditions.
No matter your experience level, come prepared to participate, learn, and leave with practical ideas for your next winter adventure.
Hiking Staff Class
Roger Pilsner
Hiking Staff Class
Roger Pilsner
What: You will select the perfect piece of wood to create a custom hiking staff.
Why: Preparation for your elderly years and arduous hikes back from festivities.
Where: Hanson Building and the casual relaxation around the fireplace.
When: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, From @10:00 am to @ 3:00 pm
Cost: $10.00 per staff. All BS is free.
Wood Type: Hop Hornbeam, Tag Alder, Popple, Maple, Ash, Oak
I will Supply: I will have available a selection of dry pre-cut saplings, knives,
rasps, scrapers, sandpaper, draw knives, shaving horse, glue, Danish Oil
Finish, rags, and some other handtools. Oh yah, and some band-aides.
You Supply: You should bring some simple hand tools. A sharp whittling knife,
scrapers, sandpaper, wood rasps of various shapes. To embellish your
staff you could bring fabric, lacing thread/string, leather, fur, feathers, glue,
markers of various colors, fingernail polish is a great paint. Simple
woodburning tools are excellent for designs. Advanced embellishments
could be done with a Dremel, a Fordham, caving tools, metal inlays.
This class with run basically all day and you can come and go as you like. There is no
required time to start. I will address each participant as they wish to begin. You should
be 18 years old or more to participate in this class, as I will provide very minimal
supervision, children require more attention than I am capable of giving. Skill level will be
basic woodworking and sharp tools. You will select a sapling and begin to embellish or
refine the shape to your desires. I will have some examples and books relating to this
project. A typical fancy walking staff takes me approximately 2-3 hours to complete.
What I need from you! Please fill out the surveys and return them. If you have
projects that you would like to see, please let me know. I am very open to other
woodworking, metalworking, lapidary and leather craft ideas. How about a wood box for
your craft supplies and tools, a leather belt bag, a birch bark knife sheath, craft a copper
bowl, a canvas tool roll for your chisels, craft a knife or chisel from a sawblade, make your
own Whetstones and other sharpening aides. Please, please respond.
Build Your Own Pulk Sled
Josh Borchardt
Build Your Own Pulk Sled
Josh Borchardt
Join us in building your own durable pulk sled. Josh has used this sled for hundreds of miles across the state in temperatures down to -55F, pulled across rocky portages, and loaded down with over 100lbs of gear. After 5 years of hard use, I've still never had to replace it. These sleds are economical, durable and long lasting. In this workshop we'll assemble our own with a bungee strap system and cords to attach to a harness of your choice. All materials are provided, but please bring a battery powered drill, drill bits, a personal lighter, and sharp scissors or a knife. Supervised kids are welcome, and a 2nd set of hands is extremely helpful in your build. Pair up in camp or we can help find a buddy!
Cost: $145/sled builder. Extra pair of hands/buddy to help: Free
Max Sign up: 15 builders
Time: 60-120 minutes
Rough It Softly: The Luxury Camp Pillowcase
Melanie Olson
Rough It Softly: The Luxury Camp Pillowcase
Melanie Olson
Who says winter camping can't include a little luxury? In this hands-on sewing class, you'll create your own compact, packable camping pillowcase designed specifically for life outdoors.
My unique pillowcase design combines cozy cotton flannel on one side and smooth satin on the other. The flannel side helps keep your pillow from sliding around on your sleeping bag, while the satin side adds a little luxury to your night in the woods. Sleeping with satin is great for your hair and skin because it reduces friction, which helps prevent hair damage and sleep wrinkles!
Sized smaller than a standard pillowcase, this lightweight design is made to be stuffed with the clothing you're already carrying, such as a packable down coat or wool sweater. The result? A comfortable, customized camp pillow without adding a bulky pillow to your pack.
During class, you'll be guided step-by-step through the process of constructing your pillowcase, including working with the flannel, satin, and zipper. Each participant will receive a complete kit containing the fabric, zipper, zipper pull, and instructions to make the project.
What to Bring:
If you would like to sew your pillowcase during class, please bring your own sewing machine, thread, scissors, and pins. One sewing machine will be available for participants who cannot bring their own; however, use of the shared machine will require taking turns and may involve some wait time.
Class Size: Limited to 10 participants
Come ready to sew, learn, and discover how a few ounces of fabric can add a whole lot of comfort to your next winter camping adventure!
The Never-Ending Quest for the Perfect Winter Tent
Michael Maruska
The Never-Ending Quest for the Perfect Winter Tent
Michael Maruska
What makes a winter camping tent a winter camping tent? In this class we’ll dive into tent design, frames, fabric and what works and doesn’t among other things. A wise man once told me “every tent is different, except if you buy it from the same place.” I’ll bring examples and past experiences, you bring the questions.
Traditional Inuit-Style Mitten Harness Workshop
Traditional Inuit-Style Mitten Harness Workshop
Chad Nelson
Chad Nelson
For generations, Inuit travelers have relied on simple, practical solutions to thrive in Arctic conditions. One of those solutions is the traditional mitten harness, an elegant system that keeps mittens secure, accessible, and protected from loss during winter travel.
In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the history, purpose, and construction of a traditional Inuit-style mitten harness worn on the outside of a parka. Unlike the "idiot mittens" many of us remember from childhood, this design allows mittens to hang comfortably at your sides when not in use and to be crossed behind your back when performing tasks that require free hands.
Using wool yarn and simple four-strand braiding techniques, attendees will create their own functional mitten harness while learning a practical piece of Arctic winter travel tradition.
No previous crafting experience is required. Bring a friend and braid together, or pair up with a fellow participant and make a new friend while learning a useful new skill. Participants will leave with a completed mitten harness, a greater appreciation for traditional northern ingenuity, and a piece of gear that can be incorporated into their own winter camping adventures.
Skill Level: Beginner
Workshop Type: Hands-On Crafting Workshop
What You'll Learn:
Traditional four-strand braiding techniques
Tassel making
Mitten harness construction
The practical use of this classic Arctic travel accessory
Materials Provided:
All materials will be supplied by the Winter Camping Symposium. If you'd like a custom look, feel free to bring your favorite colors of wool yarn. Two- and four-color combinations work particularly well and allow you to personalize your finished harness.
Feel free to bring your favorite pair of mittens so you can leave with a complete, ready-to-use setup. Don't have mittens with you? No problem. The harness can easily be attached to your mittens later at home.
Bring a friend or come ready to make one. This workshop is a fun, social way to learn a traditional northern craft and leave with a practical piece of winter gear.
No One Cares That You Telemark
Josh Stamper
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