The Tracker School is where I originally took wilderness classes. They have added so many since then, its hard to keep up. If you can't afford the time or the money to take class, there are also books. You can read the stories of Tom Brown Jr's life, or the survival guide series. Tom Brown Jr. is a NJ native who grew up near the Pine Barrens in South Jersey. His story is that he and his childhood friend practiced the teachings of a Native American elder named Stalking Wolf (his friend's grandfather). They learned to live with nature the Native Amercian way- respecting the land. TB Jr became a famous tracker and survivalist and started a school in the same area. If you have never been to the Pine Barrens, I suggest you visit. Most people think of NJ as industrial wasteland, but there is a reason it was named the Garden State. There are still some beautiful wild places left. The Pine Barrens is like a fairy forest; the pines and other trees are shorter than average and grow near the seashore, so at night during the full moon the sky is widely visible and the sand reflects the white moonlight. My grandmother lived near there, so as I child I used to play in one area of the forest. I loved it as it was so different from the north jersey city we lived in!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pine_Barrens_(New_Jersey)
The tracker school link has all kinds of great information.
http://www.trackerschool.com/ This is where I learned the Sacred Order: (Shelter, Water, Fire, Food) and two enormously helpful and simple skills: Awareness and Attitude. I learned and practiced tracking, survival and awareness skills (which branch off in numerous directions), and participated in sweat lodges and various meditations. I encourage all who read this to expand your knowledge and even practice it. Just BE SAFE!! I suggest starting out slowly, especially in wilderness situations, and give yourself a safety net. The first class I took we brought tents and learned skills on the farm. The number one reason people who venture out into the wild do not survive is EXPOSURE to the elements. Many of these skills can be practiced in your backyard, in a park ( As long as you arent damaging parkland) or on a campground. There will be suggestions especially for my city dwelling peeps too.
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| Luna moth |
This is for passing on the knowledge I have of living with the earth - something we all once knew how to do long ago. Im still learning too... especially about other parts of the world. I hope you enjoy following this topic my blog. Its one of my favorites.
