EVERYDAY BUSHCRAFT

Imagine stepping into the wild, surrounded by the whisper of leaves and the crackle of a campfire. You’re not just surviving; you’re thriving. That’s the magic of bushcraft. It’s about connecting with nature, learning practical skills, and gaining confidence that stays with you long after you leave the forest. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a school camp, or a community adventure, mastering some introductory bushcraft skills can turn any outdoor experience into a m

Why I Take Military-Grade Gear on Solo Bush Trips (And Why You Might Too) There’s a certain romance in “ultralight everything” and minimalist kit lists. And I’m not here to knock it—light gear has its place. But when I’m heading out on my own, especially into rough country or uncertain weather, I lean hard toward something a bit less trendy and a lot more dependable: military-style field gear. Not because it’s “tacticool.” Not because it’s camo. But because it’s built for har

Why Discomfort Builds Capability (and Why Civilians Need It Too) There’s an old military idea that sounds simple, but hits hard the first time you live it: Train how you will fight. Not “train when it’s convenient.” Not “train when you’re fresh, warm, well-fed, and everything is going your way.” Train under pressure. Train in bad weather. Train when you’re tired. Train when it’s hard. Because that’s when the real test arrives—whether you wear a uniform or not. Why the militar

5s and 25s: The 10-Second Habit That Cuts Risk in Everyday Life Most accidents and “bad moments” don’t happen because people are stupid. They happen because we’re human. We rush. We scroll. We daydream. We walk from one environment into another (car to carpark, street to shop, home to driveway) and our brain is still back in the last place. That’s where 5s and 25s comes in: a simple, repeatable scan you can use at everyday transition points to sharpen situational awareness (S

Sometimes the path appears after you step. And sometimes that step becomes the moment you realise: “I can do hard things. I can rebuild”

Start 2026 the Everyday Way: Outdoor Survival Skills, Real Confidence There’s something about the first few weeks of a new year that feels like a reset button. Fresh calendar. Fresh intentions. Same life. If you want a start to 2026 that actually sticks, get outside. Not because the bush is magical (though it can feel that way). But because the outdoors strips things back to what matters: clear thinking, simple systems, calm action, and the confidence that comes from knowing

A Very Merry Christmas, the Everyday Bushcraft Way Merry Christmas, everyone. Whether today is loud and joyful, quiet and reflective, or a bit of a mix of everything—my hope is that you feel safe, seen, and surrounded (in person or in spirit) by people who genuinely care about you. Christmas has its own kind of wilderness. It’s not a forest or a ridgeline—but it can still be full of weather: expectations, old memories, family dynamics, travel plans, tight budgets, busy calend

Forging high performance teams happens under heat, pressure, and shared challenge, structured in a way that builds confidence and trust.

Using the PACE method to prepare for bush trips and everyday life.

Foundations for Resilient Living - Kicking Off 2026 with a Weekend that Actually Makes a Difference

Life is a bit like a bushwalk through the Australian outback. Sometimes the path is smooth and sunny, other times it’s rocky, steep, and full of surprises. What keeps us moving forward? It’s our resilience and skills. These are the tools that help us navigate challenges, adapt to change, and come out stronger on the other side. Today, I want to share some insights on resilience skill development and how you can nurture these qualities in yourself and those around you. Why Re

1. Ikigai – The Fire That Keeps You Going Bushcraft skill: 🔥 Fire Ikigai is often translated as “a reason for being.” It’s the intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be rewarded for. But at its heart, ikigai is much simpler: A reason to get out of bed in the morning. In bushcraft, fire is life. It warms you, cooks your food, boils your water, and lifts your spirits when the night feels too big. But you don’t just have a fir

A Time for Everything Under the Sun Remembering Pixie and the Seasons of Love and Loss There’s a verse in Ecclesiastes that has echoed through centuries of human experience: “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1) It’s a beautiful reminder that life moves in cycles—joy and sorrow, beginnings and endings, growth and letting go. Today, that verse sits heavily on my heart, because today my wife and I had to say goodbye to

Everyday Bushcraft Inclusion Statement At Everyday Bushcraft, we believe the outdoors belongs to everyone. Our mission is to create safe, welcoming, and empowering experiences where all people—regardless of background, identity, or journey—can learn, grow, and thrive. “Bushcraft for All” means: Respect We respect every person’s individuality, identity, culture, and lived experience. We use inclusive language, honour people’s chosen names and pronouns, and uphold dignity in e

How Christian Wisdom Shapes Everyday Bushcraft There’s something unmistakably spiritual about stepping into the Australian bush. The noise fades, the distractions fall away, and suddenly you’re left with the simple essentials—shelter, water, fire, and the people around you. For me, bushcraft isn’t just about surviving in the wild; it’s about remembering what matters. And as a Christian, I often find that the lessons I teach in Everyday Bushcraft echo the same truths found thr

Last weekend I had the privilege of spending two days at the Elmore Events Centre with Scouts from across Victoria, celebrating the 50-year Gilweroo event. For most of the weekend I was on the air rifles team, running a lane on the range, coaching kids on safe firearm handling, and teaching the fundamentals of marksmanship. For many of the young people stepping up to the firing line, this was their first ever experience holding a rifle. And like any instructor will tell you,

Imagine stepping into the wild, surrounded by towering trees, the scent of earth and fresh air filling your lungs. You’re not just wandering—you’re thriving. That’s the magic of bushcraft and outdoors training. It’s about more than just survival; it’s about connection, confidence, and discovering skills that stay with you for life. Whether you’re with family, part of a school group, or a community eager to learn, mastering these skills can be a game-changer. Let’s dive into h

Why Modern Society Needs Tribal Traditions Again And how Everyday Bushcraft can help families and communities build their own initiation rituals For most of human history, young people didn’t simply “grow up.” They were brought up—guided, shaped, and initiated by their tribe, their clan, their elders, and their community. Across cultures and continents—from Aboriginal songlines to Celtic coming-of-age trials, from First Nations vision quests to the African semanā initiation c

What Autumn Teaches Us About Resilience There’s a quiet, powerful concept in Japanese philosophy that speaks directly to anyone who’s ever felt like life is stripping them bare: When you feel like you are losing everything, remember that trees lose all their leaves in autumn. They don’t panic. They don’t fight. They simply wait, knowing spring will come. This isn’t naïve optimism. It’s nature’s blueprint for resilience. And it’s one we can apply directly to our own lives, esp

The Story Behind a Simple Paracord Bracelet A paracord bracelet is more than just a bit of woven cord around your wrist—it’s a small piece of practical history. Originally derived from the parachute cord carried by World War II paratroopers, paracord quickly became a soldier’s best friend in the field. Light, strong, and endlessly versatile, the cord found its way into shelters, gear repairs, and emergency situations of every kind. Over time, troops began weaving it into brac