Even More Activities

Native American Sign Language--Guests learn dozens of signs, participating in storytelling & our on-going signing. History & details of this universal language included.

Frontier Cooking - Guests roast their own meat on sticks they find and carve; identify and eat seasonal wild edibles; roast green coffee beans into Mountain Man coffee; try wild game pemmican and/or jerky; enjoy Cheyenne stew; and make "bread on a stick" or in a pan.

Cordage - Making string and rope from natural materials is a basic skill necessary for optimum survival. We find suitable plants and roots (or they are provided if conditions will not allow natural harvesting) and in no time at all, you'll have a few feet made.

Animal Tracking & "Sign" - Using drawings and other info on what sign to look for, we take guests out to find actual tracks and sign in the wilderness of your area. Scat, broken branches, digs, antler rubs, owl pellets, etc. A study zone may also be created in an area of mud or swept dirt to watch for tracks and monitor the deterioration of tracks over several days.

Willow Back Rests, Dreamcatchers & More - From gathering the right willows through peeling and stringing together, guests help us make the only authentic Plains furniture. Other willow projects available, including dreamcatchers, mandalas, hoop and spear game equipment, stick ball sticks, and fishing poles.

Basic Knots - One of the more important skills in many areas of life is often overlooked, so we cover several basic knots and their respective applications with a fun, hands-on class. Parents get to practice their knots on unruly children if they wish!

Animal Trapping & Fishing - Discussion & demos of traps (steel, snares, deadfalls, etc.) with scents, lures, placement, & survival details. If requested, skinning will be demonstrated. This activity is often used in conjunction with tanning to afford guests their own pelt. Also, fishing gear made from natural items and other age-old fishing secrets.

Birdwatching - Birdwatching will delight folks of all ages, as they learn how to identify different species. Roger Tory Peterson's field guides provide basics, while Shines' tips enhance the "watching" of many birds! An area list may be provided to guests, and included is the "scouting" of local animals, plus identifying birds and animals by sound.

Mountaineering - Basic Search & Rescue techniques are covered in this class, including "the sweep," how to use ropes in a rescue, survival information (hypothermia dangers, high-altitude sickness, etc.) & emergency signing.

Canoeing & Kayaking - Being professional guides for canoe and kayak trips (rivers, lakes, sea), we share the skills we've learned on how to have a fun, safe excursion on the waters. Current, snags and eddies as well as beaching and camping tips are covered on rivers. Basics are given on ponds and lakes.

Brain-tanning Hides - Guests participate in the various stages of hide preparation: de-hairing, scraping, braining and breaking. Hides are constantly being worked on in camp anyway, so depending on availability of "green" hides, some guests may participate in the whole process.

Beading & Quillwork - The basics of decorating with these age-old arts are covered. Bibliography with how-to books and historical information is included. Sometimes beading can be done on the craft created in another class!

Survival Shelters - Using only what Nature provides, guests participate in building brush & debris shelters.

Prospecting - From semi-precious stones (garnets, crystals, flint, chirt, obsidian, etc.) to precious metals (gold and silver), we take guests on a prospecting excursion. Experienced in gold-panning and rock-hounding, we say that there is a good chance guests will come away with at least something in their pockets besides their pick ax!