Professional Bushcraft, Wilderness Travel And Sustainability Immersion Programs Since 1999
"The more you carry in your head, the less you carry on your back."
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Professional Bushcraft, Wilderness Travel And Sustainability Immersion Programs Since 1999 "The more you carry in your head, the less you carry on your back." |
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TestimonialsTo read reviews of our programs by the media, visit the Media Room. Some of our more recent programs have associated videos on our video page. Earth Skills Semester Program "In my opinion Tim's greatest gift is his ability to demystify bushcraft. He makes bushcraft enjoyable and more importantly, accessible. So many of today's practitioners of bushcraft would like you to believe that bushcraft is a rarefied art form, with only a diligent few acquiring mastery. This is, in my opinion, an elitist approach. Granted, many bushcraft skills require years of dedication to master, but Tim has a knack of making these skills accessible to any person interested in bushcraft. He gives his students the skill set and self-belief for a far more enjoyable, and vastly more enriching, experience of the outdoors. Well-learned Bushcraft enables an individual to develop a more intimate and respectful bond with nature, it also emboldens the individual to rely on their own ingenuity and skills. - Sean Fagan, Ireland "I would like to take some time to discuss just how wildly different the experience at Jack Mountain is from a normal college semester. Every night, at home and on trips, the students sleep in shelters they have built with their own hands. Exams are not necessary because everything is practiced daily, at least to the point of competency and often beyond. Students study botany and zoology using the local flora and fauna as the object of their studies, and because of the daily contact with them the students are able to identify a specimen by its Latin name at a glance. Manual skills such as axe and knife-work are put to use just about every day of the course, even on the weekends. Traveling by canoe on a river the students are placed in a situation where they must choose either to learn the correct way to pole the canoe or to give up and sit down on the bank of the river. The "middle ground" of simply attending class and trying to absorb the information through osmosis is not an option at Jack Mountain, and this is what makes the school and its students stand out miles above a traditional college. Personally, I can say that I learned much more in ten weeks than I have in the past three years at college." Read more from Russell's final paper - Russell Venditto, Rhode Island "The Earth Skills Semester Program profoundly changed my life - allowing me to challenge myself through opportunities and experiences I had, previously, only dreamed of." - Jens Rasmussen, New York "I'm not sure anything I could write would do the least bit of justice to the Earth Skills Semester Program, or should I say, words can't even begin to describe my experiences at Jack Mountain, and my writing falls short of capturing my time there even if I were to write 100 pages about it. Aside from all the technical information I learned, I feel like I learned a fair amount about myself and really adopted some new philosophies along the way as well. Jack Mountain was just an overall wholesome experience. I feel confident about my wilderness navigation and survival skills, as well as my ability to create practical objects and tools out of wood and leather, using some of the oldest traditions known to man." - Julian Staller, New York "The Earth Skills Semester Program was a truly unique and profound educational experience. During the semester your daily rhythm slows the speed of life. When that happens, the ordinary things you used to just walk by become profoundly obvious and infused with deeper meaning. It was only when I took the time to watch a radiant frost give birth to the golden mists of a morning, to listen in awe to bard owls and loons tell stories in the evening, to feel the wood under my knife reveal a secret, to smell the romance of a rutting season courtship, and to taste the hidden treasure of a creeping snow-berry, that I realized I was gaining more than just knowledge, but awareness." - Devin Hickman, Vermont "The Earth Skills Semester Program experience focused on the practice of wilderness living skills. The theory and science were given their due time and importance as well, but the difference for me was how much time we spent putting our new knowledge to use. But it wasn't just the things I learned. Just as important was how I learned them surrounded by fast/deep friends and lots of laughter. It was a great experience for me how smoothly we worked together, dividing up chores and taking turns cooking. I really enjoyed learning as a group, sharing our observations, and theorizing on different phenomena. As our semester progressed I felt more and more a part of nature. The distance and numbness promoted by modern convenience living slowly peeled away as I learned how to use my axe and knife to build what I need to live in nature. The necessities that I had come to take for granted, warmth for example, were things I had to generate for myself. I have become both more confident and more humble." - Dawa Fitzmaurice, California "The song of life is a mixture of lyrics and melodies, rythems and rhymes; one without the other creates imbalance. When they are known and lived, the music of life rings harmoniously. Tim has the wonderful ability to teach the words, while letting you find the melody and rythem on your own, allowing you to take what Tim is teaching in whatever direction works best for you. When we took a tree, we didn't ask the forest for permission or leave an offering, but through Tim's actions, he taught us reverence for what was around us. The level of realsim in the class was refreshing in an age of trendy spiritualism and plastic wrapped religion. Basically were we learning how to live, not just to survive." - Paul Sveum, Wisconsin "It was good to get back to the basics of life, only having to worry about firewood for the night and keeping your axe sharp." - Brandon Clark, New Brunswick, Canada "Whether people like it or not we are still animals with the same needs and instincts as the earliest homo sapiens. I think some primal aspect of ourselves is made very uneasy by how ignorant we are of the means of fulfilling our basic needs. People who live off microwave burritos are totally cut-off from where their food actually comes from, how it's produced, gathered and prepared. I can now wander into the woods with nothing but the clothes on my back and build myself a shelter that will keep me warm in freezing temperatures, build traps to catch animals and collect edible plants. I can tan the hides of those animals to make clothing, and use their bones to make knives and fish hooks and various other tools. I'm aware of what my most basic needs are, and I know how to satisfy them. I realize that the likelihood that my survival will ever depend on these skills is slim to none, but that doesn't change the fact that engaging in them puts me in touch with a fundamental element of my humanity that has thus far received little attention." - Brian Lacey, Saskatchewan, Canada "After finishing the ESSP people are always asking me what I liked most about it. What a hard question when the answer is simply the entire experience. It was the ability to retreat into the woods and immerse oneself in primitive living and bush skills for an entire three months. It was the daily chores of collecting firewood, identifying plants, and being aware of the movement of animals and changes in the forest. It was waking in the middle of the night to stoke the fire, gaze at the stars, and listen to the wind move the branches of the surrounding hemlocks. From my early morning sit to the sunset over the lake, each day brought new experiences and a growing knowledge of the forest resources around me. So I tell them, my favorite part was collecting firewood. For then I knew that night I would sleep warm." - Ernie Davis, New Hampshire "Thank you so much for a wonderful 12 weeks and for being a great teacher and friend. Your determination to figure out how something works and your passion for passing on that knowledge to others had more of an effect on me than anything else. You're an inspiration and the ESSP was an experience that will continue giving me benefits long into the future." - Peter Frost, Washington "I came into the Earth Skills Semester Program looking to become more comfortable in the woods, with my main focus being survival situations. We've accomplished that and much more. The instructor's knowledge, skills, patience, and flexibility are truly inspiring. The available resources are nearly limitless. I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn to live in closer connection with the natural world and have a great, fun time in the process." - Jim Kossick, Illinois "Before I took the ESSP, I had a huge list of gear that I needed to have in the outdoors. Most of the ideas for this list came from books and well-meaning outdoor instructors who probably read the same books. Now I have an entirely different list, a much smaller list, based on my experiences, my new skills and new awareness that I gained from the ESSP. I have so much more faith in my ability to improvise and use the materials around me. - Lisa Tancredi, New Mexico "For the twelve weeks of the ESSP I always knew what phase the moon was in and what the weather was. This awareness was something I'd seldom had the opportunity to foster before. Before this, all my outdoor experience had been recreational. Having grown up camping and backpacking, this took something I already knew and gave it a half-twist so I was looking at the same environment in a totally different light. The greatest gratification came from taking walks in the woods and gradually feeling less and less blind. More than a class, the ESSP was a twelve-week exploration, with Tim acting as guide. The things I did and the crafts I built were amazing, but the most important thing I walked away with was a new level of comfort with the natural world. More than ever I'm aware of how little I know, but Tim and his course gave me a foundation from which to build on from here." - Cate Brown, Virginia "I highly recommend the ESSP to anyone interested in living more fully. The instructors and the material covered not only broadened my awareness of the natural world, but also taught me to begin to perceive life, with all its subtleties, in a much deeper way. All the skills taught during the ESSP, from primitive fire-making to brain-tanning to mukluk sewing, were presented in a useful and enjoyable manner. I am so grateful for all the lessons I learned in the ESSP and know I will reference them time and time again throughout my life." - Aiyana Booth-Athenian, Maine "The Earth Skills Semester Program exceeded my expectations and altered my perspective. The instructors have set up a solid course for the maximum in wilderness living skills learning without burnout. Tim Smith is a wealth of knowledge and another level in humor. The atmosphere of the class is easygoing and fun. From plant identification and application to shelter construction to mental awareness exercises, we were exposed to a wide array of teachings. Most importantly I took away a spirit of learning and an increased awareness of myself and my surroundings." - Bret Schact, Nebraska "The ESSP is an experience without compare; in looking for a course that gives a full and cohesive curriculum of primitive and wilderness skills, this is the only one that fulfilled my requirements. And the experience of those twelve weeks lived up to and surpassed all my expectations. I have learned more practical knowledge, and had more fun doing so, than in any of my university semesters. The experience also made me aware of how much we take for granted in life. I have begun to see how all the things that make our lives "easy" have a price, and have realized how empowering it can be to turn what is considered "waste" into beautiful compost, and how free I feel living without things that are made in an unsustainable way. For me, the best part of this program was its focus on living in harmony with nature, not overcoming her." - Jessica Gorton, New Jersey "When I went into this course I tried to limit any expectations. I just kept a positive outlook on the experience and had a feeling it would be life changing. It has been that and more. I'm still trying to take in all the course has taught me, but I certainly notice and change in my personality, demeanor, spirit and connection." - Ryan Grindle, Maine "Looking back, it is amazing to me not only the number of skills I learned, but how much I grew intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. During my three-months, I learned basic survival skills such as shelter building, friction fire, finding water, and identifying edible plants. I lived in a natural shelter and helped construct other shelters. Living in a natural shelter is a reflection of the entire experience - it is remarkably unique and you are literally surrounded by nature. - Kathy Chen, North Carolina Earth Skills Summer Program"The time my son and I spent at the 2007 Earth Skills Summer Program was an eye-opener for the both of us. I thought of myself as knowledgeable in outdoor skills and survival but Tim taught us skills we can use in the wilderness with confidence. His unlimited knowledge of plants, trees and their properties for food or medicine during plant walks was educational and entertaining. Tim and his staff made us feel at home the minute we arrived, and we enjoyed their quick wit and humor throughout the course. Thanks Tim." - Stephen and Jordan Marshall, Nova Scotia, Canada "My experience at Jack Mountain revealed a whole new world. I have a better understanding of how the different parts of this life fit together-namely our human society and nature. We view the woods and open lands as backdrops, as optionals we can take or leave. But throughout time, they are the constant. It is our society, our almost dream-world, that is the temporary, changing thing. This summer, sitting on the ridge of a mountain, watching the sun set over endless trees, I felt more at touch with reality than ever before. During my time at Jack Mountain, I gained both practical skill and a more thorough interpretation of our role as a species. We are, in fact, part of the natural world. Appreciation of this fact is the most valuable thing I have gained." - Emma Tipping, Pennsylvania Guided Canoe Trips"As a place, Ouje was like no other. I experienced a silence and serentiy undescribable. Sunrise on a desolate northern lake - no people, just nature. Even the tracks of bear, moose, wolf and beaver were quiet. Eagles, loons, geese and kingfishers kept us company. The Cree of Ouje are incredible also. Our guides were very lean on speech, but they taught much by doing their everyday tasks with skill, grace and precision. Every day gave me a great deal of satisfaction." - Vince Walsh, New York "As we near the corner of winter my thoughts go back to August on the Allagash with you guiding us; me, Grandpa - 3 vigorous sons in their late 30's and 40's and my "greenhorn" grandsons, age 7, 10, and 12. This, because of you, was an unforgettable, once in a lifetime experience. Your patience with all my kids, and particularly the grandkids, is a lesson all of us should learn, and you're only 33. Your skill - teaching as well as canoeing - safety mindedness and acute knowledge are amazing. We will never forget the sightings (as close as 15 feet away) of moose, weasels, beavers, fox, and above all the eagles, one of which swooped down to take an ill-advised swimming squirrel only five feet aft of a canoe. Weren't those kids bug-eyed! I would recommend your guide services (and at such a reasonable cost) to anyone of any age (down to 7). Your teaching, observation and empathetic nature made this a trip people should stand on line for. They are extraordinary! Lots of thanks and fond remembrances." - Dr. Peter Garner, New York "The trip was outstanding. The length of the paddling sections were very appropriate and my arms never really got tired. By the end of the trip I was so used to being out there camping and paddling and living in the woods it really became second nature. Thanks again Tim. I really had a blast." - Ross Wolfson, New York " I am an older person and was most comfortable on this trip from beginning to end. I am not an expert outdoorsperson or an expert canoeist, but the helpfulness and professionalism of the guides made the trip fun and not too difficult. Time spent on the water was just right; no days were too long. When the weather was cold and rainy having the wall tent and wood stove along made all the difference. I was impressed when you invited the people from the other party in to warm up, demonstrating that your sense of fellowship and camaraderie extended beyond our party to all who we met on the river. A true learning experience and one I highly recommend." - Diane Messner, Florida " The St. John is the most spectacular river in Maine. The peace and tranquility is unbelievable. Water varies from quiet flat water to roaring rapids. I have experienced low water and high water runs with Tim. I had the great fun running down the Big Black Rapids with Tim in the stern in high water and only got my sleeve wet. His humor adds to the campfire chat. I love the St. John river, this being my fourth trip." - Mary Sue Carlisle, Maine "Because of never having done something like this and age, I was a little fearful. However, being on the river and lakes was so peaceful and the scenery grand. I felt good at the end of each day - ready for sleep and looking forward to the next day. I felt that my husband and I were in good hands." - Janet Smargon, Massachusetts "Jan and a I had a great time. I am recommending your trips to all the people I speak to. " - Pete Smargon, Massachusetts Wilderness Skills and Survival Courses"Thank you for a great winter survival class! I had a very enjoyable weekend and learned more than I imagined possible in such a short time. You have a gift for quickly making the survival material seem simple, accessable and do-able. You not only know a tremendous amount, you are able to impart that knowledge in a way that was immediately empowering for me and the rest of the class. I'll be processing and applying what you shared for months - both the hard skills and your approach to survial." - Mark Kutolowski, Vermont "Your weekend class was great! I signed up to learn some of the basics, but got more than I expected. By your covering a balanced agenda of skills -- shelter building, fire ignition, map and compass reading, etc. -- we received a broad introduction to many critical areas of survival. Also, your framework approach is practical and informative. In short, I enjoyed the class and will recommend it to others." - John Coates, New York "This past weekend, (July 20, 2007), my friend Dan and I took the Summer Survival Course. Dan and I were quite confident we knew enough to survive and only wanted to brush up on our knowledge. We were quickly humbled by Tim's knowledge and our lack of knowledge of the outdoors. Tim's style of hands on skill learning and sense of humor made the class not only interesting by extremely enjoyable. Only now do I know how lucky I was NOT to have been lost in the woods before. I have no doubt that if I do get stranded, I will be able to keep calm and survive until help arrives. I highly recommend his courses. We will be back for more knowledge. On the Good to Bad scale, this is definitely "GOOD"." - Kenneth Muravnick, Connecticut "Tim Smith of Jack Mountain Bushcraft and Guide Service is one of the most knowledgeable guides and educators that I know. His bushcraft and outdoor cooking skills are great, and he has that certain way of teaching that conjures up thoughts of that favorite teacher that you once had in school. He allows you to learn and enjoy at the same time. The lost art of bushcraft is not lost as long as Tim's around, it's a pleasure to know him!" - Steve Murphy, Massachusetts "In my 60 odd years I have run into lots of smart people, but they are seldom good teachers. My weekend with Tim provided me with one of those rare occasions where the combination occurred. Tim taught us basic survival techniques using a friendly, hands-on approach. He stressed the process not results so there was never a fear of failure or looking foolish. A two day course can only skim the surface of the survival field, so Tim welcomed questions that allowed us to dig deeper into areas of special interest. And no matter how far we went into an issue I never had the impression we were any where near the end of Tim's knowledge on the subject. He is incredibly well read, and has the bibliography in his head, so I came away with several recommendations for further learning. And all the academics are, of course, seasoned with the experience gained from extensive time in the bush. An introduction to the art of living in the bush has whetted my appetite for more. That's what good teachers do." - Dick Forte, Massachusetts "When one of the course participants fell off the shelter bed he was sleeping on in the middle of the night and woke up laughing, I thought it was the perfect testimony to the way Tim is able to take the urban dweller, introduce him to the outdoor life and make it a thoroughly enjoyable experience, whatever happens. Although time constraints meant we could only lightly touch the whole subject of wilderness and survival during our weekend course, Tim was the perfect guide - attentive, knowledgable, entertaining and engaged. He also crammed in a large dollop of his incredible fund of knowledge on topics ranging from fire making to edible plants to soap making. The best thing is that he cares. Go on one of his courses, re-connect with the real world and tell all your friends." - Derek Perkins , Massachusetts "Thank you for an excellent workshop on canoe poling and paddling at the end of April. The tips I received will come in very useful in my future adventures, and I can now tackle the Northern Forest Canoe Trail with the confidence that I have the skills to paddle and control my boat no matter the conditions." - Chuck Horbert , Rhode Island "Tim not only teaches useful hands-on skills but also the theory and history behind them. This combined with his teaching ability, easygoing personality and incredible depth of knowledge make Jack Mountain a perfect place to learn." - Bruce Ebbett, New Brunswick, Canada "The course taught me things I always wanted to learn but could never find anyone to teach me." - Wendy Weiger, MD, Maine "The course was great. It was like scout camp for adults." - Jack Platt, Massachusetts "The course was the perfect level of instruction for the beginner or intermediate outdoorsman. I was exposed to the necessary skills. The more advanced people in the class also came away with plenty of new information. The 4:1 student to instructor ratio made the instructors very accessible to get more detail whenever necessary. I plan to be back for the winter course." - Steve Torla, New Hampshire "In preparing for a 7-day solo trip I was seeking knowledge and confidence. Tim exceeded my expectations in both areas. If I ever need a guide in Canada, Jeff is the one only call I will make; knowledgeable, conscientious and fun." - Doug Leland, California "Tim gives a real nice introduction into the skills. You get very hands-on and you can progress and learn as much as you want. Great facilities. Tim is a great resource and a vessel of knowledge. Jeff is fantastic; super knowledgeable and has an easy, friendly teaching style. Together Tim and Jeff complemented each other well. It was a treat to have their combined knowledge and they made for a fun, relaxed environment. Great stories too." - Keong Sim, New York "Tim has an enormous amount of knowledge on almost every aspect of wilderness skills. Having applied his knowledge to perfecting his skills, he zeros in on what works most effectively and what to avoid. In three days of rainy weather we were able to hone the skill of the one-match fire to the point of feeling confident in making a fire despite adverse conditions. Jeff has a wealth of knowledge that he readily shares in all aspects of survival skills and Bushcraft. His humor is invaluable and added levity to the weekend." - Karen Zale, Vermont "Tim is really knowledgeable and a great host. I think I will enjoy all of my hikes more after this course." - Nathan Gauthier, Massachusetts "I had a great time and learned some very useful information in a rather short amount of time. I'll be back again!" - Josh Carter, Maine "The great thing about this course is that Tim explains the scientific principles behind every survival method he teaches so it is easy to understand and absorb." - Sid Stubbe, Massachusetts "Thank you very much for the survival information that I learned while attending the Winter Survival course in January, 2003. The information would be a life saver if the unexpected occurs. To the game or trophy hunters who think this knowledge is not necessary, take it from me, you are seriously wrong. Things can happen even with a guide. I have been on a number of guided hunts, drop camps hunts, and self organized 2 week camping-hunting trips. On our non-guided trips, there have been times when a member of our group has gotten turned around while out in the field, but always found their way back. On one occasion the hunter missed the marked trail (blaze orange ribbons) and missed the camp by about 20 or 30 yards. The other hunter did not hear the whistle because he was tone deaf for that pitch (we found this out afterwards and we changed our whistles). He finally got back to the camp a few hours later than expected. The worst experience happened to me, when my guide became lost and we had to stay out in sub-freezing weather for the night, with the woods being wet because it rained on and off that day. Everything the guide did was wrong in a survival sense. The only lucky thing was that the last inch of a 12 inch car flare finally got the damp wood burning. After that experience I told myself that the only safe way is have the survival knowledge yourself. The guys in your party should also be at the same level. Once again Tim thanks for the great course." - Charles Scott, DPM, Connecticut "Tim brings a great depth of knowledge and is able to communicate complex concepts simply. Five star course." - Frank Grindrod, Massachusetts "The wilderness navigation class that Tim taught was both educational and life changing. In addition to the planned wilderness navigation skills we also learned about edible plants and roots, the use of a sundial, fire making skills, basic backpack/knapsack making, essential knots and rope usage, and even how to make and play the didgeridoo. But the characteristics of the class that I was most affected by were Tim's overall appreciation of being outdoors and respect for nature. I left the class with a greater appreciation for the wilderness and a longing desire to quickly return. I truly believe Tim is one person that could be dropped in the middle of the uncharted wilderness with nothing but the clothes on his back and be able to survive with ease for as long as he desired." - Ted Corrigan, Massachusetts "It was a great experience...and a good reminder of how unnecessary many of life's complications are and just how much nature has to offer us." - Shayne White, Nova Scotia, Canada "I really appreciated being able to take part in this class despite my health problems. It was absolutely worthwhile. I learned tons even though I was tired often. Thanks for working with me around my limitations." - Amy A., New Hampshire "The highlights of the class were getting my first hand drill coals, tracking the owl, and to a lesser extent having it defecate on my arm as it flew low overhead. Along with the broad range of survival skills covered, I enjoyed the fun and laughter that permeated the entire week." - Craig Augustinsky, Connecticut Canoe Expedition and Guide Training Course"I took Tim's Allagash trip to help me expand my guide service from day trip fishing to canoe tripping. We learned and practiced everything from planning and provisioning to group management while we worked on paddling, poling and bushcraft skills. Instruction was tailored to fit individual learning styles as well as the skill being taught. The result was rapid increases in skill levels by all and a thorough appreciation of what it takes to turn a group into a team over the course of two weeks on a river system. Tim's unique sense of humor and leadership style capped the experience. Highly recommended!" - Bud Farwell, Maine "As a 20 year serving member of Princess Patricia's Light Infantry of the Canadian Armed Forces and the subject matter expert for dismounted infantry operations at the school of infantry, I enrolled in Tim Smith's Canoe Expedition and Guide Training Course with high expectations. Tim not only met, but exceeded them. His knowledge of the north woods and his respect for the old ways made the course a delight to be a part of. I learned so much by talking with and observing Tim during our time together. I would highly recommend any of Tim's courses to anyone who has a desire to learn about the natural history and traditions of the north woods, as well as the skills that are required to get out an enjoy them. Tim's knowledge of the bush, courtesy towards his clients and wonderful sense of humor made this course a great learning experience. I'll be back." - Jeff Butler C.D., New Brunswick, Canada Private Courses and Custom Workshops"Thank you for your hospitality. I thoroughly enjoyed your course. I feel as though you are extremely well-read and an expert in bushcraft and primitive living skills. Your course had taught me valuable skills and an awareness that is needed when traveling through wilderness settings. As a result of your teachings, I feel more confident in my outdoor skills. Accordingly, I will be a safer backpacker and kayaker." - Austin Schwartz, Illinois " Tim Smith meets and exceeds all expectations. From his professional approach with his work to the hospitality that he shares with all who visit Jack Mountain, the experience leaves a positive lasting impression. I found that as long as I was willing to listen, Tim was willing to pass on information. He made the experience of making a bow and toboggan easy and enjoyable." - Larry Sandford C.D., New Brunswick, Canada "I am the parent of two children and wanted to organize a primitive technology course for my children and their friends, with varying ability and age. I asked Tim to be the instructor and being a new father, he agreed as he understood what a course such as this could be for kids. Tim was great. He was very flexible when discussing potential course topics, which we agreed would be bow-making. We started the bow-making day, walking into a patch of new growth with Tim identifying the trees and selecting a tree to make a very simple survival bow. We then selected staves to make a self-bow that we would carve. During the course he kept the children interested in bow making for 3 straight hours, without a break. He was able to teach to all levels of children's ability and he walked from person to person offering guidance and instruction as needed. Tim's approach is laid-back, but very knowledgeable. He demonstrates the techniques and then repeats the instructions for those who may have missed a step. It was great to see the kids actively working on bow-making and by the end of the day, begin shooting their new bows. Later in the day, Tim was prepared to teach an ad-hoc course making a string bottle holder for those who were interested in other crafts. It was great to see proud children going home, carrying their new tool. We will definitely have Tim back for another course. " - Jim Turner, New Hampshire "I came over from Scotland for a 2-week private workshop with Tim to gain the skills and experience needed to start a new career. As a first step on that career ladder, spending time with Tim was the best thing I could have done. Ten out of ten for the skills I learned, the experience I gained, and especially for making me feel like part of the family." - Paul Carpenter, Scotland, United Kingdom "Being able to enjoy a whole weekend doing the simplest of chores - fire-making, tracking and carving, was great! Tim was able to build confidence in my skills and teach me so many new ones. He has patience and courtesy and is truly a gentleman of the woods." - Moe Blondeau, New Hampshire "I love the knowledge I acquired - being able to master the basics - or try to anyway. I have learned so much from Tim. He is very patient and social. You can rely on him to teach you anything!" - Tyler Blondeau, New Hampshire "The course was great. I camp with lots of enthusiasm and left with more. I loved how the instructor adapted to my changing interests." - Josh Cowan, Quebec, Canada "I couldn't be more pleased with the experience. I had contacted Tim, based primarily on his solid and growing reputation, to brush up on "survival" skills I had learned some years back. I left with a far greater level of technical proficiency and confidence than I've ever had. That was expected. What was truly an unexpected and positive surprise (in addition to just how much fun the week was) is Tim's extensive knowledge of, and passion for, primitive living and culture (I should have known -- go look at his resume). Importantly, Tim shares this knowledge and passion in an interesting, and very relevant way. Being a NYC resident and having grown up in a "military" environment, I initially wondered if this angle would detract from my re/learning technical "survival" skills. How wrong I was. Aside from being extremely interesting, it provides a real context (obviously, a critical element for any learning) for everything else. It truly is additive to the learning experience, regardless of what you want to get out of your time with Tim. He is wonderfully humble and personable, highly knowledgeable and proficient, and an excellent teacher. Truly, more than I ever hoped to find in an instructor/guide. I should add that the teaching doesn't stop when you leave. Tim makes himself highly accessible afterward to answer questions, provide reading suggestions, etc. Rest assured, I will be back time and again." - Kyle Rudden, New York Crafting Workshops"Thank for an extremely educational and fun-filled experience at the pack basket workshop. The best thing about the class was that you never doubted my ability at handling a knife, drilling, sawing or weaving. I would recommend this class to anyone, Tim will make the experience memorable and enjoyable. Thank you Tim, I think I found a hobby of my own!" - Janice Watson, New Hampshire "I enjoyed learning how to construct a toboggan at Jack Mountain Bushcraft. Tim really knows his stuff and is a nice guy; he guided me through the process of constructing it and gave me some tips on how to pack it and use it." - Jonathan Jessop, New Hampshire "While over from Scotland completing an internship, I was fortunate to be able to spend a few days with Tim at Jack Mountain Bushcraft & Guide Service, learning the fine art of bowmaking. The excellent facilities, and the practical and extremely knowledgable teaching I recieved from Tim, helped me to turn out my first primitive bow, which I couldn't have been happier about!! If you get the chance.......get over there!! " - Steven Hanton, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom School Programs and Presentations"Thanks for working with the kids of the Paul School science club. Your ability to transfer your obvious wealth of knowledge in a way where the kids could have fun and understand was a pleasure to see. Thanks for planting this seed and giving it the right amount of water." - Christine Wrightington "The kids were so excited to go outside with you and check out animal tracks. It was great to have a field expert speak with them and provide an opportunity to explore a natural setting that is so close to home." - Laura Dufresne "Our school had the great fortune of having Tim Smith visit us recently. Tim was able to amaze over 100 students by giving a presentation that included numerous artifacts that the Native Americans used, demonstrating how these items were utilized, and then allowing the children to explore the tools themselves. Additionally, Tim enlightened the children with fascinating information delivered in an extremely warm and kid friendly manner. After teaching for nine years and having countless guest speakers, I can honestly write that I have never had such positive and enthusiastic feedback from not only the children but parents as well." - Stephen Facques "Tim Smith's presentation captivated every child's attention in the audience. He was extremely knowledgeable in his field and we look forward to having him return next year." - Amy Poisson "It was clear right from the beginning that Tim Smith was an affable, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable presenter. Days after his visit, my class was still buzzing over what a great time they had." - Kerri Vivathana "Tim Smith's recent visit to our school was a fascinating experience. There wasn't a question that he couldn't answer based on his personal experience in combination with his vast knowledge of historical facts. We all thoroughly enjoyed his visit and learned many valuable lessons to incorporate in our lives." - Nicole Lewis "In November Mr. Arthur Viens, Ms. Mercedes Warren and I took the Team Vista 7th and 8th graders to Tim Smith's facility to learn about primitive living and survival skills as part of a unit on Discovery Exploration and Settlement. The students broke into small groups to study shelter building, wild plants and foods and fire making. In each group students were able to experience first hand how Native Americans, explorers and pioneers might have lived. Students climbed inside shelters and learned about their construction, tasted native plants including wintergreen and Jerusalem artichoke, and attempted to start a friction fire using a drill and board. - Katie Jarnot "Tim Smith's presentation, given to four 11th grade American Studies classes, was a wonderful supplement to our classroom. His presentation was engaging and well prepared. The accompanying slide show allowed students to see terrain and wilderness survival techniques, helping them to visualize a great deal of material that we had been talking about as a class. They were also able to see and touch examples of baskets, gear, deer hides, etc. lending a necessary tactile element to the unit. Mr. Smith was extremely well prepared, having been in contact with me well before the scheduled presentation date. As a result, his presentation was nicely tailored to the audience. The students were engaged and interested. Many students later cited his presentation as one of their favorite activities from the semester. I will certainly have Mr. Smith come to talk to future classes." - Jeannine Bock "Tim Smith shares his wealth of experience with our young people in a fun and light-hearted way that communicates caring toward the earth and the people in the group. His students are well taught and inspired." - Jeff Eckhouse, Education Director Television and Film Consulting"Tim had the challenge of taking our team of "urbanites" and prepping them for a night on their own in the deep woods of New Hampshire. Not only did Tim impress the team with his knowledge and experience in bushcraft and survival training, but he taught them methods and techniques that are both essential and practical for even the most inexperienced of outdoorsman." - Rob Haley "Tim worked on the Alaskan Mountain Range episode of 'Man Vs Wild' with Bear Grylls for the Discovery Channel as the survival expert. Tim is not only a hugely knowledgable bushcraft/survival consultant but also a very professional and amiable person to work with. It was a pleasure to have him on the crew. I'm not filming another survival show without him." - Belinda Kirk
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