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SURVIVAL PRIORITIES

Emergency Fire Building

Maintain Core Temperature

PRIMITIVE VS MODERN

Friction Fire Methods

Ferro Rods and Flint and Steel

COMMUNITY BUILDING

Experienced Instructor

Hands-On Learning

WILDERNESS SETTING

Fire Off the Forest Floor

Identify Landscape Tinders

Next Firecraft Weekend Workshop:

CLASS DATES: January 25-26, 2025

Days

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

Are you prepared to create and sustain a fire if you ever found yourself in a survival situation without modern conveniences?

Firecraft is the art of creating and sustaining a fire, a skill essential for survival and everyday use. In a time not so long ago, fire-making was a routine task and an integral part of life. Today, as modern conveniences dominate our lives, this ancient craft is at risk of being forgotten. A weekend course in firecraft offers participants the opportunity to reconnect with this timeless skill, blending hands-on practice with insights into its historical and practical significance.

The course covers a range of techniques, from using traditional methods like friction-based fire starting with a bow drill to modern tools such as ferro rods. Participants will learn how to select and prepare tinder, kindling, and fuel, as well as how to build and maintain different types of fires for specific purposes—whether for warmth, cooking, or signaling. By the end of the weekend, attendees will have not only developed confidence in their ability to make fire but also gained a deeper appreciation for its role in human survival and culture.

Beyond practical skills, the weekend firecraft course fosters a sense of community and connection with nature. Gathering around a self-made fire becomes a shared experience, encouraging storytelling, teamwork, and camaraderie among participants. The course also emphasizes responsible fire-making, teaching essential safety practices and environmental stewardship. Whether you’re a survival enthusiast, an outdoor adventurer, or simply curious about ancient skills, this course is a rewarding journey back to humanity’s roots.

FRICTION FIRE

ACCELERATED TINDER

NEXT FIRE MENTALITY

PROCESSING FUEL

GAIN CONFIDENCE

Equip yourself with essential survival knowledge, fostering self-reliance and the ability to thrive in the great outdoors.

HANDS-ON TRAINING

Gain practical experience with traditional and modern fire-making techniques, empowering you to build and sustain a fire in any situation.

COMMUNITY BUILDING

Immerse yourself in a shared learning experience that fosters camaraderie, storytelling, and a deeper appreciation for humanity’s relationship with fire.

Firecraft Weekend Workshop

Original price $200.00 - Original price $200.00
Original price
$200.00
$200.00 - $200.00
Current price $200.00
COURSE DETAILS:

FIRECRAFT WEEKEND WORKSHOP

Lead Instructor: KELSO

JANUARY 25-26, 2025

BEGINS 8:00 AM SATURDAY

Students can arrive on site as early as 7:30 AM to set up camp.

ENDS 12:00 PM SUNDAY

Students can NOT stay on site past Sunday for insurance purposes.

Please contact courses@georgiabushcraft.com for any questions relating to this course.

Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

This course is designed for 20 participants total.

Course Highlights:

  • Learn ancient fire-starting methods such as bow drills and hand drills, connecting with time-tested practices.
  • Discover how to use ferro rods, flint and steel, and other contemporary fire-starting tools effectively.
  • Understand how to identify, gather, and prepare natural materials for tinder selection
  • Practice constructing various fire lays
  • Gain essential knowledge about safe fire-making practices and how to control and extinguish fires responsibly.
  • Apply fire-making skills in simulated survival situations, building confidence in challenging environments.
  • Explore the history and significance of firecraft across different cultures and eras.
  • Work collaboratively with fellow participants to solve fire-making challenges, fostering teamwork and camaraderie.
  • Experience the magic of creating and maintaining fires under starlit skies, enhancing nighttime outdoor skills.
  • Learn techniques to minimize the environmental impact of fire-making, emphasizing Leave No Trace principles.
GEAR LIST:

Required Gear List:

  • Weather Appropriate Clothing
  • Knife with 90º Spine
  • Folding Saw and/or Multitool

Additional Items:

  • Camp Chair for Comfort
  • Notebook with Pens/Pencils
  • Tent or Hammock with preferred sleep system
  • Headlamp with Spare Batteries
  • Proper Clothing for Season and Weather
  • Leather Gloves for Camp Chores
  • Combination Tool like a Leatherman or SAK for Camp Chores
  • Cookware and Stoves for the Meals and Snacks you provide
  • Water and Water Container with Lid
  • Hydration/Electrolyte Packs
  • Hygiene Items
  • Any Prescribed Medications
LOCATION:

Our Address: 1150 Carruth Rd Watkinsville, GA 30677

SEE MAP

Classes are held on a private, 30+ acre property located approximately 90 minutes from Atlanta Airport and 20 minutes from Downtown Athens.

On Carruth Road, turn right down the second drive way next to the large barn and blue dumpster.

Participants can park along the woodline near the red gate straight ahead.

Class instruction will be held at Basecamp, which is located 200 yards past the gate.

Overnight camping is determined by the instructor and is subject to change, however, setting up in the main field or the woods near Basecamp is common. You may leave your vehicle near the entrance or relocate it to your camp.

Downtown Watkinsville is located within a 20 minute drive from the farm with major conveniences (grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, hotels, etc.) nearby.

Please check out our store, Oconee Outpost, in Downtown Watkinsville for more information about our events as well as shop for additional gear and local goods.

In addition to the store, travel across the street to the Blind Pig Tavern and try our signature burger, the Outpost!

SAFETY AND POLICIES:

BEFORE YOU ARRIVE:

All students must read, agree, and sign our Liability Waiver prior to arriving on site.

Be sure to check out our FAQ Section on our site HERE.

REFUND POLICY:

No refunds are available if you cancel any in-person event within 30 days of the event date. Your tuition can be applied to a future class within 365 calendar days from the scheduled event if you need to postpone. We will do our best to accommodate your future class requests but there is no guarantee there will be space for the event you would like.

ADDITIONAL INFO:

Sleeping Arrangements:

Students are not required to stay on site, however, overnight camping is encouraged to deepen social bonds around the fire.

Students can set up their tents or hammocks along the woodline in the field (suggested) or in the woodland area near the classroom. 

Restrooms:

There is a Port-A-John along the woodline near Basecamp for use.

Food:

Food is not provided so students are required to bring their own meals and snacks for consumption. 

There are scheduled breaks for meal times. Everyone usually gathers around the campfire during mealtimes, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for fellowship. 

If you have a cooler, we recommend filling it with ice to store perishable items to keep everything fresh and ready to enjoy.

Students should still inform the instructor of any critical food allergies if any.

Terrain:

The property is rich in resources with varying tree species on top of a diverse range of edible and medicinal plants. 

There are deep creek beds that can make navigating for some difficult. Participants should be mindful of their physical limitations and potential for mechanical injury when navigating off the trails. 

The trail into the woods is a worn down dirt path so vehicles can risk getting trapped. Those driving sedans or 2WD vehicles are not recommended to pass.

Cell Coverage:

Cell service is reliable except for some T-Mobile users where reception is rare, but can sometimes receive signal.

WiFi is available near the farm house for emergency use.

Water:

We suggest bringing plenty of water for hydration, cooking, and hygiene. 

Potable water is available on site near the farmhouse and also near the shower stall next to Basecamp.

There is a single outdoor shower stall that is usable barring certain weather conditions.

Power:

There is no external power source available for students. Participants should bring their own power stations or chargeable units for cell phones, head lamps, etc.

Trash:

There is a trash can available in Basecamp and a dumpster along the driveway.

Please respect this land and “leave no trace.”

MEET THE INSTRUCTOR

BUSHCRAFT KELSO

BUSHCRAFT KELSO

Wilderness skills instructor, gear developer and tester, blacksmith and owner of Bushcraftkelso LLC.

Kelso specializes in wilderness skills and bushcraft in the South Eastern United States. Teaching both private and public multiday classes covering a wide variety of skill sets. His classes provide tried and true wilderness skills with a touch of his outside the box thinking.

Working closely with many companies in the outdoor industry,  Kelso not only tests gear in real world scenarios but helps to fine tune and develop trusted gear from urban EDC to the minimal primitive survivalist. Kelso has designed several knives as well as many handforged tools and soft goods.Imitation of industry is seen in lots of his hand made bushcraft gizmos and gadgets. Fully functional fishing combos, mechanical traps and cooking implements to name a few...READ MORE.

Kelso at GABC got skills!

Do not miss this opportunity to take this course. Kelso's ability to break down the steps and process of the artform of aircraft us amazing. It doesn't matter if you're a senior or a small child getting exposed to the outdoors and a new skillset. Kelso's ability to break down instruction to every student is remarkable. It's not just an educational event, it's fun! You meet many people and families with diverse backgrounds with different skill levels all wanting to partake. Don't miss out!

PAUL H.

Great Class!!

From the smallest spark to a blazing fire- this class covered everything including preparation, gathering materials and multiple methods of fire making.

If you want to learn fire making don't miss the next bushcraft Kelso's class on fire craft.👍

FRANK L.

I made FIRE!!!

Kelso is a great guy who has a wealth of knowledge and the patience of a Saint. He is dedicated to teaching what he loves and his personality is contagious. I enjoyed taking this course with my kids and look forward to taking more.

CHRIS D.

MEET THE VENUE | GEORGIA BUSHCRAFT FARM

BASECAMP

This is where the majority of class instruction will be held.

THE FARM

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Do I need prior experience to take this course?

No prior experience is necessary! This course is designed for beginners and seasoned adventurers alike. Whether you’ve never built fire before or want to refine your firemaking skills, the course will adapt to your level and ensure you leave confident in your abilities.

2. Is this course suitable for kids or families?

Yes, this course is family-friendly! Children ages 12 and up are welcome as long as they’re accompanied by a participating adult. It’s a fantastic way to build family skills and confidence while enjoying the outdoors together.

3. What skills will I leave with after completing this course?

By the end of the course, you’ll know how to identify useful plants and trees that aid in fire, build proper firelays for various uses, and apply advanced techniques like bow drill and hand drill. You’ll also learn how to build fire for core temperature control and signal for rescue in emergencies. These skills will prepare you for confident and self-reliant adventures in any wilderness setting.

4. Who do I contact for further information about this course?

Please contact courses@georgiabushcraft.com for any inquiries about this weekend workshop.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

  • 10 Essential Bushcraft Skills for Beginners
    September 26, 2024 Georgia Bushcraft

    10 Essential Bushcraft Skills for Beginners

    When you first dive into the world of bushcraft, it can be a bit overwhelming. It's easy to get lost in the world of bushcraft vs survival, what gear to buy, and countless other questions. However, knowledge is the most...

    Read now
  • Bushcraft Ready Everyday Carry
    April 18, 2024 Georgia Bushcraft

    Bushcraft Ready Everyday Carry

    One of the best strategies for preparedness is layering your gear, and what you have on you at all times is the first level. Carry bushcraft and survival gear as a part of your EDC is a great way to stay ready for survival situations.
    Read now
  • Five Best Bushcraft Knots
    March 13, 2024 Georgia Bushcraft

    Five Best Bushcraft Knots

    It's time to tie up the loose ends of our series on cordage. Pun fully intended. We've already covered our favorite types of synthetic cordage and how to make cordage from natural fibers, and now we'll finish the series by...

    Read now

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