Frequently Asked Questions
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General
Curriculum
Field School Courses
Yearlong Immersion Program
General Questions
Where do you run courses?
Most courses take place at our Bushcraft And Sustainability Field School in Masardis, Maine. Other locations are used occasionally.
How do I get to Masardis?
Driving directions, as well as particulars about traveling by bus and plane are located on our travel information page.
Are there any stores nearby?
The Masardis Trading Post is four miles upriver and a few miles down the road. We're also 8 miles from Ashland, which offers a grocery store, laundromat, and numerous other stores and services.
How long have you been doing this?
We began teaching and guiding part-time in 1995, and since 1999 we've been doing it full time.
How old do I need to be to take classes?
For our semester and yearlong programs, we accept students 18 and older. For other courses, students must be at least 16 to take a course by themselves. Students under 16 are welcome to take courses, but must be accompanied by an adult. We're putting together a series of summer programs for middle school boys, so check back soon if you're interested in that.
How large are the groups on courses and trips?
Group size is intentionally kept small. Courses have a maximum of 12 students. Canoe trips have a maximum of 10, and snowshoe trips a maximum of 6.
Do I need to be in top physical condition?
We've had people participate in courses from a wide variety of physical conditioning backgrounds. Some couldn't walk a mile without becoming winded, while others were active competitors in Ironman triathlons and other extreme endurance competitions. You don't need to be in top physical condition to participate in courses. In the past I've worked with people that had casts, bad backs, bad knees, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, to name just a few. By working together we were able to modify some of the course content to come up with a comfortable activity level. If you are handicapped or have any medical condition that might impact your experience on a course, please discuss it with me ahead of time so that we might find modifications and solutions that will work for you. That being said, the better shape you're in, the better time you're likely to have. Living outdoors and taking care of your own needs takes a lot of effort and energy. No one will be making you comfortable except you.
Are there toilets and showers available?
We've been using a composting toilet system for over 13 years and it works great - no odor, no flies, and all organic matter is composted. We have a low-tech outdoor shower, and that combined with swims, saunas and sponge-baths should be enough to keep you clean. Inside showers are available for $5 at Blackwater Outfitters, a few miles away.
What equipment do I need to bring?
When you register for a course or a trip, you will receive a gear list of things to bring. Basically, you want to have good, seasonally appropriate clothing and footwear that fits and is broken in. Also, you'll need a sleeping bag and pad, and water bottle and insulated cup. Specifics are listed on the gear list. You'll need whatever it takes you to be comfortable. At our field school you live outdoors in northern Maine. The weather can be extreme, so be prepared.
Do you have any references?
We'll gladly provide references of satisfied clients and students.
Curriculum
Do you offer sweat lodges, vision quests or other Native American spirituality programs?
No. We teach and model respect for the land and its inhabitants but we don't do so through new age religion or by misappropriating the spirituality and ceremonies of Native American or First Nation peoples. Sweat Lodges and Vision Quests held religious significance to native peoples and we respect that by not incluing these, or any other, ceremonies in our programs. We do include sweat baths in many of our courses as a way to maintain cleanliness, but we don't include religious symbols or ceremonies. Similarly, we do encourage people to spend time alone in the bush and to gain experience fasting as part of their training, but there are no religious undertones to it.
Field School Courses
Where is the Field School
Our roots are rural, and our Field School is in rural northern Maine in Masardis. The land that borders us isn't incorporated into towns, but has names such as T10 R7 (township 10, range 7). This is the rural north. We're 2.5 hours north of Bangor, and an hour west of Presque Isle. While there are many "wilderness" programs these days, there are few that are actually in rural areas. We are.
Where do I sleep?
Courses at our field school are advanced courses. You should bring a tent and plan on sleeping in it or under the stars. For more information on life at the field school, read the Field School Background Information page.
Do I need to bring food?
We provide a variety of staple foods at the field school, but for food needs or wants other than these you should plan on bringing your own or purchasing them in Ashland or Presque Isle. The staples we provide include grains, beans, flour, coffee etc. To see the list, read the Field School Background Information page.
Will I have to eat bugs?
Only if you want to. Insects are used as food in many cultures throughout the world. Nutritionally, they are very nourishing and full of protein. Some of the insects I have eaten, such as grasshoppers stir fried in olive oil with a hint of soy sauce, were so good I would order them at a restaurant if they were available. However, I am aware that our culture has very strong food prejudices, and that the thought of eating insects is not a pleasant one for most people. With that in mind, if the insects are available, and you'd like to try eating some, you are welcome to, but no one will be required to do so.
Yearlong Immersion Program
Is the yearlong program separate from your other courses?
The yearlong program isn't separate from our other programs, it combines them together into a deeper, more complete learning experience than a semester course alone.
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