Category: Posts on Leadership, Teaching & Parenting Outdoors

Most Important Plant – Cattails! Article & Video on Finding, Harvesting, Transplanting & Cooking Cattails

Posted on By Chris Chisholm 1 Comment on Most Important Plant – Cattails! Article & Video on Finding, Harvesting, Transplanting & Cooking Cattails

We consider cattails as the top survival food in Northern regions due to their high nutritional value, containing carbohydrates, along with protein and essential vitamins. Cattail can be cooked for a tasty meal, but must be harvested from unpolluted waters to avoid toxin accumulation. Besides being edible, cattails have medicinal properties and can be used in various crafts, such as making shelter, mats, and torches. Their versatility makes them valuable in both survival situations and everyday life. Continue Reading Most Important Plant – Cattails! Article & Video on Finding, Harvesting, Transplanting & Cooking Cattails

Posts on Hunting, Fishing & Gathering, Posts on Leadership, Teaching & Parenting Outdoors, Posts on Plants & Herbs, Posts on Sustainability & Self-Sufficiency, Posts on Traditional Technology & Wilderness Craft, Posts on Wilderness Survival

How to “Pit Cook” Root Crops, Meats & More – Cooking in the Ground

Posted on By Charles Borrowman No Comments on How to “Pit Cook” Root Crops, Meats & More – Cooking in the Ground

Pit cooking, once a common method of preparing food, has experienced a revival of popularity that echo traditional techniques such as Hawaiian luau Kahlua pig roasting. Pit cooking creates a unique and flavorful dining experience, ideal for large gatherings. The process involves digging a pit, preparing hot rocks, and using green plant materials for insulation and wrapping. Though it requires time and safety precautions, it results in a delicious meal and a rewarding cooking method worth exploring for enthusiasts. Continue Reading How to “Pit Cook” Root Crops, Meats & More – Cooking in the Ground

Posts on Hunting, Fishing & Gathering, Posts on Leadership, Teaching & Parenting Outdoors, Posts on Plants & Herbs, Posts on Sustainability & Self-Sufficiency, Posts on Traditional Technology & Wilderness Craft, Posts on Wilderness Survival

How to Cook Over a Campfire with Wilderness Chef Charles Borrowman

Posted on By Charles Borrowman No Comments on How to Cook Over a Campfire with Wilderness Chef Charles Borrowman

Wilderness Chef Charlie Borrowman shares time-tested secrets of cooking over a campfire while offering a social environment that unites friends and family. Traditions range from using just coals, to adding aluminum foil or skewers for various foods like meats and vegetables. Spit roasting allows for larger cuts, while contemporary methods involve grilling and using pots directly on coals. Regardless of the cooking method, the experience culminates in a cherished campfire cookout, fostering connection and enjoyment among friends. Continue Reading How to Cook Over a Campfire with Wilderness Chef Charles Borrowman

Posts on Hunting, Fishing & Gathering, Posts on Leadership, Teaching & Parenting Outdoors, Posts on Traditional Technology & Wilderness Craft

Criss-Cross Fire Construction, The WannaBlow & Other Fire Foibles

Posted on By Chris Chisholm No Comments on Criss-Cross Fire Construction, The WannaBlow & Other Fire Foibles

Wolf Camp director Chris Chisholm shares humorous and insightful stories about youthful experiences around fire, beginning with a childhood incident where he accidentally set the woods on fire. The article reviews fire’s basic needs: air, fuel, and shelter, and explains how these elements create a stable fire. Techniques for building a well-ventilated fire structure, the “Wolf Camp Criss-Cross Fire Oven,” are introduced to ensure optimal airflow and heat retention for magical reignition. The article ends with fire safety, including counterintuitive methods for extinguishing fires. Continue Reading Criss-Cross Fire Construction, The WannaBlow & Other Fire Foibles

Posts on Leadership, Teaching & Parenting Outdoors, Posts on Traditional Technology & Wilderness Craft, Posts on Wilderness Survival

Best Way to Make Fire: The Bed-Pillow-Blanket Method vs Tipi Fire Construction

Posted on By Chris Chisholm 2 Comments on Best Way to Make Fire: The Bed-Pillow-Blanket Method vs Tipi Fire Construction

This article trains you on fire-making techniques, emphasizing four essential requirements: fuel, air, shelter, and ignition using matches, fire steel or lighter. Two primary methods are key for creating fires: the Bed, Pillow & Blanket Method for quick setups; and the Giant Tipi Fire for the most challenging weather conditions. Continue Reading Best Way to Make Fire: The Bed-Pillow-Blanket Method vs Tipi Fire Construction

Posts on Leadership, Teaching & Parenting Outdoors, Posts on Traditional Technology & Wilderness Craft, Posts on Wilderness Survival, Posts Reviewing Outdoor Books & Gear

Best Emergency Wilderness Survival Shelter – The Wolf Camp BIVOUAC BED & EAGLE’S NEST and Bivi Bag instead of Debris Hut

Posted on By Chris Chisholm No Comments on Best Emergency Wilderness Survival Shelter – The Wolf Camp BIVOUAC BED & EAGLE’S NEST and Bivi Bag instead of Debris Hut

The debris hut, popularized through the Boy Scouts and survival schools, is ineffective for most emergency situations due to its impractical requirements, including time, skills, physical ability, and materials. Instead, we recommend the Bivouac Bed, or Bivy Bed, as a more viable emergency shelter that can be created quickly under duress. It emphasizes essential steps like sheltering out of the wind, and insulating against the ground. The Eagle’s Nest is even better for extended situations. Continue Reading Best Emergency Wilderness Survival Shelter – The Wolf Camp BIVOUAC BED & EAGLE’S NEST and Bivi Bag instead of Debris Hut

Posts on Hunting, Fishing & Gathering, Posts on Leadership, Teaching & Parenting Outdoors, Posts on Traditional Technology & Wilderness Craft, Posts on Wilderness Survival

Emergency & Wilderness Survival – Tips, Suggestions & Advice

Posted on By Chris Chisholm 1 Comment on Emergency & Wilderness Survival – Tips, Suggestions & Advice

In emergencies, individuals often panic due to a biological “freeze, fight, or flee” response. A crucial step during panic is to pause for 20 minutes to calm down and reassess the situation. The “Law of Fours,” helps us identify essential needs in survival: good air within 4 minutes, temperature regulation within 4 hours, potable water within 4 days, and substantial food within 4 weeks. Continue Reading Emergency & Wilderness Survival – Tips, Suggestions & Advice

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Hiking & Backpacking Leadership – Outdoor Risk Management

Posted on By Chris Chisholm No Comments on Hiking & Backpacking Leadership – Outdoor Risk Management

The content emphasizes the importance of outdoor leaders, particularly those in their 20s, recognizing the incomplete development of their frontal lobes and the habits to engage them. It stresses mindful decision-making to prevent risky situations, highlighting that young leaders can still make wise choices. The piece outlines various risks including water hazards, falls, and more, advocating thorough risk management and communication plans. It addresses safety protocols for transportation, incidents, and equipment to prevent accidents while accomplishing outdoor educational goals. Continue Reading Hiking & Backpacking Leadership – Outdoor Risk Management

Posts on Leadership, Teaching & Parenting Outdoors, Posts on Wilderness Survival

Teaching Nature Part II of II – Learning Styles, Age Considerations: Preparing & Leading Classes, Camps, Lessons & Programs

Posted on By Chris Chisholm No Comments on Teaching Nature Part II of II – Learning Styles, Age Considerations: Preparing & Leading Classes, Camps, Lessons & Programs

This article shares effective teaching strategies across age groups in outdoor education, grounded in a philosophy of using diverse learning styles — head, heart, and hands. It shares methods that consider developmental stages, with tailored approaches for young children, pre-teens, teens, and adults. Article author Chris Chisholm explains how to create positive relationships with parents, offering guidance for managing their expectations and emotions along with their children. Creative preparation and structured lesson plans bring successful teaching, with a balance of activities and clear communication of rules to engage students in a supportive learning environment. Continue Reading Teaching Nature Part II of II – Learning Styles, Age Considerations: Preparing & Leading Classes, Camps, Lessons & Programs

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Teaching Nature Part I of II – Outdoor Education Tips & Tricks: Prep, Safety, Discipline & Building Community

Posted on By Chris Chisholm No Comments on Teaching Nature Part I of II – Outdoor Education Tips & Tricks: Prep, Safety, Discipline & Building Community

The essence of teaching at Wolf Camp & School of Natural Science lies in effective preparation and building community among students with daily rituals. Instructors must prep based on experience, whether the subject is a first-time lesson or repeated sessions. Creating safe physical and emotional environments is paramount, highlighting the importance of respect, collaboration, and risk management. This article shows teachers how to implement structured behavior management techniques, acknowledging diverse student needs, such as mental health and cultural sensitivity. Wolf Camp director Chris Chisholm emphasizes how a personal feeling of continual learning is key to successful teaching, making a lasting impact on students’ lives. He shares several “tips and tricks of the trade” gained over 30 years of teaching in the classroom and outdoors all summer. Continue Reading Teaching Nature Part I of II – Outdoor Education Tips & Tricks: Prep, Safety, Discipline & Building Community

Posts on Classes & Workshops, Posts on Leadership, Teaching & Parenting Outdoors