Bamboo Basketry – with Nathan “Bigfoot” & Christina Jenkins

Come on out to our booth at the GatherThing and learn how make baskets out of bamboo. Class is free but a donation for time and materials is greatly appreciated. A good basket to make is a medium size pack basket but if you are willing to spend the time to make it you can make larger or if time is not on your side make a small basket. The goal is not to have a basket but to learn to break down the bamboo into usable basket making materials and have enough knowledge to make a basket from scratch. We will be there making our baskets from bamboo and whiteoak for the entirety of the event. We will have our spoon carving tools and hopefully some spoon wood for anyone wishing to drop by the bodger shop and whittle a few spoons. Grab a chair a knife, a knee pad made of leather or denim, some bandaids and serious sense of adventure mixed with a case of basket fever.

Wilderness First Aid – with Becky Christopher

Have you ever wondered what to do if you face an emergency or injury while in the outdoors? Come learn basic first aid skills and how to care for yourself as well as others. Becky has 23 years experience in Emergency Medicine as well as being Certified in Wilderness First Aid. She will teach you about Burns, how to stop the bleeding, hypothermia, hyperthermia, as well as other injuries you might face in the wilderness and how to handle them.

Tactical Knot Tying – with Todd Longanacre

Learn 5–6 essential knots with practical, real-world applications for camping, survival, emergency preparedness, and everyday carry. As you master each knot, we’ll also explore the biblical principles they represent, connecting hands-on skills with timeless lessons in faith, strength, and perseverance. No prior experience is needed.

Compass Navigation 101 – with Ty Barker

Learn the basics of using a compass to find your way with confidence. This hands-on class covers understanding your compass, finding and following a bearing, orienting a map, and basic navigation techniques you can use in the wilderness. No experience necessary—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to learn.

Wild Plant Identification – with Kevin Baxter & Carley Barker

Take a walk through the woods and learn how to identify common plants using their leaves, stems, flowers, bark, and other distinguishing features. Discover which plants are useful, which should be avoided, and how knowing your surroundings can be an important outdoor and survival skill. A hands-on introduction for beginners and curious explorers alike.

Blacksmithing – with Gene of No 8 Forge

Basic Tools and Techniques Demo

Learn forging techniques to create your own tools to start forging at home. Tools such as punches, hot cuts, tongs, etc. (Friday morning at purple canopy)

How to Forge a Knife Demo

During this demo Gene will explain and demonstrate how to effectively and successfully create a bushcraft blade on a coal forge. (Saturday morning purple canopy)

How to build a coal forge and set up shop

In this lecture, Gene shares years of knowledge on all the dos and don’ts to be successful in setting up your home forge. (Friday afternoon and Saturday afternoon at the purple canopy.) 

Tarp Shelters & Ridgelines – with Chad Redding

Discover the versatility of tarp shelters and how to adapt them to any environment. We’ll cover essential rigging, ridgelines, and multiple tarp configurations to keep you dry, shaded, and comfortable in the outdoors. Perfect for campers, preppers, and anyone who wants to boost their outdoor skills.

Shepherd Sling – Make & Take – with Paul Christopher

Discover one of history’s oldest and most effective survival tools! In this hands-on class, you’ll make your own traditional shepherd’s sling, learn the proper techniques for using it safely and accurately, and explore its historical role in hunting, livestock protection, and survival. You’ll leave with a finished sling, the knowledge to use it, and a deeper appreciation for this timeless skill.

AtlAtl Make & Take – with Wanda Priday

Join this class to learn the history and current application of the Atlatl across the globe. Bring your carving knife and skills to this hands on workshop where you will carve your own AtlAtl to take home! We will learn how to use this primitive technology to improve the speed and force of commercial practice arrows. Atlatl supplies provided by instructor. Basic Morkniv knives available for purchase $15. A donation of $5 is appreciated to cover material costs. Instructor: Wanda Priday

Native American Necklace – Make & Take – with Rick Dunlop

Create your own Native American-inspired necklace in this fun, hands-on class. Learn the basics of traditional beadwork patterns, natural materials, and simple cordage techniques while crafting a unique keepsake to take home. No experience is necessary, and all materials are provided.

GatherThing Swap Meet

For 2025 we will be holding a “swap meet” style trade blanket on Saturday evening. All are welcome to meet in the pavilion with their gear to offer up for trade and barter. All relevant wares are welcome from store bought to hand crafts, vintage to brand new.

Survival Challenges (Youth & Adult)

Join in our survival challenges for a chance to win big!

This years Youth Challenge is Sponsored by the Pathfinder School.