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          Next May we will gather again near Santa Rosa, California, and camp out for a week - over the new moon this time. Choose from a wide range of workshops every day, share food, and enjoy the fire together at night.  What we offer has not always been known as ‘Ancestral Arts’, ‘Primitive Technology’, ‘Wilderness Survival’ or ‘Earth Living Skills’.  At one time it was just simply, LIFE.  So here is your chance to learn from teachers who keep these ways alive, to find doorways to deepening your connections to nature, to meet new pals, and see where inspiration takes you!


        We are honored to hold Buckeye at YaKaAma Indian Education and Development, a local non-profit, and ask all participants to help tend the land with respect to ensure the continuance of events (like ours!) on their land.  We encourage a family-oriented, all-ages event that emphasizes skills and materials indigenous to California, while welcoming skills, students and instructors from all over the map as well.   The central arbor and fire pit are at our core, with fields and forest edges for camping in tents, tipis, vehicles, and under the stars.   The Russian River is accessible from the land by a 10 to 15 minute walk, and we are also blessed with poison oak in the forests to remind us to keep our awareness keen!  We’ll have a map and orientation information for you at the gate.


      At Buckeye, you might find craft and skill oriented workshops such as:


   friction fire         plant fiber cordage        stone, bone & wood tools            buckskin                 basket weaving             nature awareness/  tracking

   pottery                 local flora & fauna i.d.     local Native culture          musical instruments     primitive weaponry                  fiber/textile arts

   herbal medicine   shelter building                        games                             storytelling                    basic blacksmithing                  flintknapping

   earthen ovens       natural pigments         sandals & moccasins                    trapping                             yoga                                       felting                        


        Students arrive starting Sunday morning - early is wise!  That afternoon we gather for opening ceremonies and orientation.  Instructors  announce their basic schedules for the week.  On Monday morning begins 5 days of classes:  breakfast and class announcements, morning classes, lunch, afternoon classes, and dinner in the evening.  Kid’s camp for ages 5 and up runs everyday during classes.  There is not a specific schedule available before arrival.  There will be a central fire in the arbor and a few satellite camp fires set up in the evenings.  In the evenings look forward to music, discussions, presentations, and dancing.  Bring your acoustic instruments!  On Saturday we will close camp and part ways.


            We’re providing breakfast and dinner so that we can share meals and have more time to focus on learning and teaching.   There will be simple fare every meal, with meat offered most meals; our cook is focused on local and organic cooking.  Lunches are up to you!  Bring your own bowl and/or plate, drinking vessel, and utensils.  The first meal is Sunday dinner, and the last is Saturday breakfast. 


            What to bring:  a shelter, bedding, food for lunches, bowl/plate, utensils, knife & sharpener for classes, a light, water containers, clothes for walking in tick/poison oak country, comfortable yoga clothes, musical instruments, swimsuit, toiletries, sunscreen, & a solar shower if you wish (no showers on site).  This is not a clothing optional event.   Some instructors may also require materials fees.  We provide:  porto-potties, breakfasts and dinners, drinking water & recycling.  Please produce minimal garbage: take out what you bring in!  There are no non-service pets allowed, so this means if you arrive at the gate with your trusty canine you will be turned away. 


             We ask all students to volunteer for two-three hours over the week to help everything flow smoothly and to get a chance to rub elbows with new pals.  You can sign up upon arrival - the lion’s share of volunteer time will be with meals and kitchen work. 


              On Friday we will end classes early to have a camp-wide barter fair.  Bring money and trade goods for the crafts and resources that will be available from instructors and fellow classmates throughout the week.  We are encouraging a handmade trade and gift economy, so bring homemade goods, including what you wear! 

           

            Thanks to all the early organizers’ energy, and thanks to all the gatherings like Rattlesnake Rendezvous, Wintercount, Echoes in Time, & Rabbitstick who paved the way!  Keep your eyes on the website as we post updates.  Let’s have some unprecedented fun!