Learning and fun in the Bush

An Everyday Bushcraft Adventure with Steiner Families

Today was one of those truly rewarding days where teaching, learning, and connection all came together. I had the privilege of running a one-day Everyday Bushcraft course with a group of Steiner students and their parents. The average age of the kids was around nine, though one very enthusiastic four-year-old reminded us all that curiosity knows no age limit.

Learning the Five Skills

Throughout the day we explored the five essential bushcraft skills—self-aid, knots, shelter, fire, and water purification. Each skill was introduced in a way that made it both practical and engaging, and the group quickly found themselves drawn into the experience.

The knots, shelter-building, and fire-starting in particular sparked the most energy. Whether it was small hands wrestling with rope, or families huddling together to pitch a simple tarp, the laughter and determination made each activity come alive.

Skills That Speak Across Generations

What stood out most to me was how naturally these skills bridge generations. The children delighted in watching their parent tackle new challenges, sometimes fumbling, sometimes surprising themselves, but always persisting. It sent a powerful message: mastery doesn’t happen instantly—it comes with patience and persistence.

Parents, in turn, appreciated being in a setting that pulled them away from the usual routines and distractions. They had the chance to be fully present with their children, not as “the ones who already know,” but as fellow learners. That shift created a space of respect and mutual encouragement.

Why This Matters

Everyday Bushcraft isn’t just about surviving in the wild—it’s about building resilience, problem-solving, and confidence. When a child sees their parent struggling with a knot and then succeeding, it normalizes the idea that learning is a process, not a one-time event. When families work side by side to light a fire or construct a shelter, they aren’t just building practical skills; they’re strengthening bonds and building memories.

A Day to Remember

By the end of the day, there was smoke in the air from the fires, knots tied into ropes hanging off branches, one clever 9 year old fashioned a ladder using rope and sticks with the marlin spike hitch I challenged her with, shelters standing proudly—and smiles all around. Everyone left with a sense of accomplishment and, perhaps more importantly, a deeper sense of connection to one another.

Today was proof that bushcraft really is for everyone. From the youngest curious learner to the most experienced adult, these five everyday skills invite us all to slow down, work with our hands, and rediscover the joy of persistence and shared experience.