The ancient skill of fire making has been practiced for tens of thousands of years, and unites us all as human beings.
Energy from the sun is stored in the plants around us. We release this stored energy through fire to warm us, cook our food and give us light. Using friction, you can create enough heat to bring that fire to life.
When we learn these skills we are recreating the experiences of our ancestors. Come learn how to identify local native plants used for creating fire by friction kits, make your own spindle and fireboard, and practice making friction fire with a bow drill and hand drill. You will take your fire by friction kit home with you. Gather around to enjoy the shared experience of fire, cooking with the coals, and celebrating warmth and light.
Class Details
Date: Winter 2024
Time: TBD
Price: $75 per participant
Location: O’Neill Regional Park, Trabuco Canyon
Instructors: Jodi Levine, Karen Graham, Deanna Moore
Ages: This class is created for adults. Children with knife safety & carving experience ages 14 and up may enroll independently.
You might wonder, can I bring my nursing toddler? Or an infant in a carrier? While we generally welcome all ages, this class includes carving with knives, cutting with saws, hatches, and fire. We could make an exception for infants in a carrier, but do not want toddlers exploring the class area. If you would like to bring your family to a family style fire by friction class, let us know and we will get one on the calendar.
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Participants should bring
- A knife (Morakniv Knives will be available for purchase during class)
- Comfortable outdoor clothing that you can kneel on the ground in (pants or jeans)
- Drinking water (enough for the day)*
- Lunch and/or snacks
Note: *We encourage you to bring water and food in reusable containers.
Earthroots will provide
- Materials and tools for participants to make a fire kit
- Fire building materials
- Snacks to cook on the fire
Scholarships Available
Earthroots is committed to creating nature connection opportunities for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) participants.
It is Earthroots Field School’s policy and pleasure to make scholarship space available in its programs for those in need.