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Some classes need a little explanation, you can find those here.
Pimp Your Pants
Full day class for customizing your wool britches
with Kevin Kinney
Pimp Your Pants
Full day class for customizing your wool britches
with Kevin Kinney
Hot on the heels of last year's demo, this full day class is for 6 participants who want to reinforce their own pair of winter pants. We'll set up early, the strip our pants open to quarter panels. Once they're laid bare, we can craft custom patterns and markers for adding knee and seat panels of breathable, durable Supplex Nylon. Then we'll reassemble them. Bring your own sewing machine. I'll provide a serger for finishing the raw edges, and have a heavier machine on hand to sew those portion that yours can't handle. The class is $30, payable as a donation to the WCS.
This is a Thursday class in Mitchell 9:00am to 3:00pm
Introduction to natural soap making: a hands-on workshop
With Deb Johnson
This introductory course is perfect for beginners. No prior experience in soap making is required.
What you'll learn
Cold Process Soap Making: Master the safe and effective use of lye (sodium hydroxide) in the cold process method, including proper safety procedures and ventilation techniques.
Recipe Formulation: Gain a basic understanding of formulating your own soap recipes and calculating lye quantities.
Hands-on Experience: Create your first batch of soap, learning the step-by-step process of mixing ingredients, achieving "trace," and pouring into molds.
Curing and Storage: Understand the importance of curing and proper storage for handcrafted soap to ensure a long-lasting and luxurious bar.
Take-home
You'll leave the workshop with the knowledge and confidence to make your own natural soaps at home, a 5 pound custom batch of soap you created (about 10 bars), and a comprehensive handout to guide your future soapmaking adventures.
This course offers a unique blend of practical skills and historical context, empowering you to create healthy, beautiful, and sustainable soap products.
Tea and Titles With Irene Henderson and Beth Peterson
Join Irene Henderson for tea and cookies and a discussion of two books depicting the tale of survival in the rugged wilderness and harsh terrain of Labrador.
The first was a tale of tragedy beset with mistakes and problems. An expedition by Leonidas Hubbard, adventurer and journalist, along with his friend, Dillon Wallace, a New York lawyer. Along with their Native guide, George Elson, they intended to go up the Nauskaupi River, but instead mistakenly took the Susan Brook. Upon reaching Lake Michikamau their food began to run out and they decided to turn back. October 18, 1903, Wallace and Elson left Hubbard in a tent, too weak and starved to go any further. Wallace was lost in a snowstorm and Elson reached an occupied cabin in a week. Wallace was found alive on October 30 by a search party, but it is believed that Hubbard died on the same day they left him at the tent or a day after that. A tragic, sad story about what could have been a grand adventure, you almost feel the bite of the cold and wind and hear the crunch of the snow.
Mina Hubbard, wife of Leonidas Hubbard Jr., decided to complete his journey, honoring him and correcting misunderstandings about his tragic expedition. And her journey in his memory was at that time the only one recognized by the geographical authorities of America and Europe.
This was a 576 mile journey, completed in record time, with complete success and without serious mishap. Accompanied by four gentlemanly northern Canadian guides, including George Elson, her adventure was filled with warmth and confidence and does not demean the Native people.
The same journey, two startlingly different results.
Please bring your favorite cup and join us!
2025 Winter Camping Symposium Session 1
Roger Pilsner
Let me offer you a chance to make some of your own treenware. Spoons, mugs, cups, bowls, and shrink pots. This year will focus on all of the above but mostly on the simple Birch Shrink Pot. Carved from a short section of green white birch tree with the most rudimentary tools, has a dry piece of wood inserted into the base and allowed to dry(and shrink) thereby locking the base into the birch forever. Once dry, a lid can be carved and fit to the final dimensions. Uses do not include drinking as the joint is not completely water proof. It does make a very good container for tea, herbs, dried fruit, nuts, and jerky. Birch is one of the trees that is naturally anti-microbial, it does not support mold and bacteria. Generally, insect and rodent resistant. The outside still has the birchbark attached and this offers a place to do some decorations.
I will provide the birch tree section, the dry wood base material, and some material for the lid. As before I will bring along a selection of tools for those traveling as light as possible. Canadians are especially welcome.
You should bring a wood carving knife. Preferably a fixed blade or lock blade. 3” long with either a Skandi grind or modified skinner profile. For those of you who know me, I have a huge preference for high quality high carbon blades and not too impressed with most stainless blades. Please attend session 2 for details about stainless.
One rule: No children under the age of 18 and I will not tolerate any children over the age of 18!
When: All day Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 9:00 am ish to 4:30 pm ish. Come and go as you please, the carving never really stops.
Where: Hansen bldg..
Cost: Free unless you really want to offer me more but that requires some serious vetting.
2025 Winter Camping Symposium Session 2
Roger Pilsner
Metallurgy of cutting-edge tools and definition of what is sharp!
Body centered cubic crystalline structure of FeC and alloys. Actually, let’s start of
a bit simpler and discuss in more general terms that relate to everyday
applications. Please attend and enjoy the heated discussion about high carbon
steel verses stainless steel. What steel make a good blade and what makes a
great blade. How do you define sharp and how to avoid the cheap parlor tricks
that some use. What devises are used to obtain and maintain that precious edge.
Where: Hanson Bldg.
When: 10:30 am Friday and Saturday, @ 1 hour long depending on crowd
interaction.
Cost: Free, band-aides will be available
Antler Handle Knife - Workshop
Warren Peterson
Antler Handle Knife - Workshop
Warren Peterson
Making an Antler Handle Knife Participants will learn to assemble a small blade into an antler handle as well as stitch together a sheath that will hang around the neck and will be provided information on sources for knife blades, leather, and tools required to make knives on their own. All materials are provided by the instructor. Cost is $50.00 per person. Contact Warren prior to Symposium if interested in taking this workshop. Warren M. Peterson, cell # 715-314-0797, email: wildexposurewp@yahoo.com
Screen Print Class
With Leigh and Amy Hunter
Don’t miss out on this workshop! You only need to bring a shirt from home, plus $5, and you can have the pleasure of seeing that old laundry pile transform into a state of the art Winter Camping Symposium souvenir torso wrapper!
The print designs will be posted at the symposium for scrutinizing. You can then decide if you’d like to join us for the funky fabric freakout!
The screen printing process works best on a shirt you already own and fit into, or you can head down to your favorite thrift mart to find the right item to be printed (any color shirt will work). We will have multiple designs to choose from, one geared toward the grown-ups and one geared toward the grown-downs. You can pick whichever suits your fancy.
This workshop can be whatever you want it to be, we will be happy to discuss the entire process, bits & bobs of what we’ve learned or you can just hang out and make snarky jokes, it’ll also be totally socially acceptable to just drop your shirt off, and let us print it for you while you’re off symposiuming!!
COST: the shirt off your back, and $5 ink donation per print.(kids free)
Each participant needs to bring;
100% cotton T-shirt/Hoodie (cotton blend will work) any color.
A willingness to have fun.
Patience to wait for paint to dry.
WCS Snowshoe Lacing Class
WCS Snowshoe Lacing Class
Jackson Harren
Choose your snowshoes and register for this year's class at the Winter Symposium!
Add your snowshoe shape of choice & checkout to complete registration. Please be sure to include Name, Email & phone so we can contact you.
Sign Up Here!
Paige and Jamiah will be back as vendors, but will also be running forge demos all weekend.
Traditionally knife makers would work together allowing each maker to perfect their craft. The smith would forge the blade and then pass it on to the handle maker and then on to the sheath sewer, this was not always the case but it was a very effective system. While Jamiah does follow the more modern approach of making the entire knife he also participates in the old tradition with fellow knife maker and close friend Paige May over at Wilderness Effects. Jamiah forges and grinds the blades and then Paige finishes the process by creating excellent traditional scandinavian style handles and sheaths.
UHMW Toboggan Workshop:
With Nick Gordon
UHMW Toboggan Workshop:
With Nick Gordon
A toboggan is a great tool for hauling the gear necessary for extended treks in deep snow country. Join Nick Gordon of NOW Outdoors to build your very own 8 or 10 foot UHMW toboggan just in time for winter. The satisfaction that comes with building your own gear is great and these premium toboggans are built to last! We will blend modern materials with traditional design to create a means of moving your winter camp with ease. When class is over, these toboggans can be easily rolled up to fit inside your vehicle. This course includes all materials, tools, and hardware. We do invite you to bring a drill if you have one. If you are unable to attend the workshop, we will have some fully assembled toboggans available for purchase as well.
Workshop Cost: (8 Foot $260) (10 Foot $300)
Space is extremely limited. Reserve your spot by emailing us at info@nowoutdoors.org.
Avoiding Axe-idents | Camp Axe Use & Safety
Curt Isaacson
Avoiding Axe-idents | Camp Axe Use & Safety
Curt Isaacson
In this hands-on workshop, Hults Bruk Ambassador Curt Isaacson will demonstrate some safe and effective ways of putting axes to work in camp, with a particular focus on prepping and splitting firewood. Feel free to bring your favorite axe! (This workshop is sponsored by Hults Bruk of Sweden, who will be giving away one of their axes and accessories package at this year's raffle.)
Solo Winter Trekking 101/201
Pete Brautigam
Solo Winter Trekking 101/201
Pete Brautigam
Solo Winter Trekking 101
Join us in an hour-long two-part discussion on how to start solo trekking in the backcountry including the BWCA. Topics include route planning, safety, food, and camp setup.
Solo Winter Trekking 201
Join us for part two in an hour-long discussion on how to start solo trekking in the backcountry including the BWCA. Topics will include, training, gear and tips and tricks to safely get you and your gear over difficult portages alone.
Inexpensive Toboggan Wannigan/Camp box build
Pete Brautigam
Inexpensive Toboggan Wannigan/Camp box build
Pete Brautigam
A camp box that can do it all, please join us for a two-hour workshop to convert the popular Plano sportsman tote into a highly functional, durable, lightweight camping gear box. These fit perfectly on a toboggan or in the back of the sedan. This will not be your average tote when finished. All tools and materials will be supplied. Please reach out to Peter Brautigam at pete.beworks@gmail.com to get signed up. To make your camp box truly unique and work best for what you like, please consider bringing items to the workshop you want to store, such as cooking and eating utensils, dishes, camp pots, etc. The cost for the workshop is $50 and limited to twelve people and kids are welcome with adult help.
Like last year, but better.
Winter Camping 101
Winter Camping 101
An overview class of equipment used, safety and styles of travel. Tents, sleeping bags, clothing, toboggans, snowshoes/skis, and other items will be discussed.
Ryan will share equipment he has used, and currently uses. This class will also cover basic safety concerns and tool usage. Questions, and discussion at the end of class are encouraged!
WILDERNESS SAFETY AND RISK MANAGEMENT
Doug Ashton
WILDERNESS SAFETY AND RISK MANAGEMENT
Doug Ashton
In February 2019 there was a life-threatening incident in the backcountry
that changed Doug’s approach to wilderness safety and risk management.
He will share this experience with you and talk about the take-aways that
set the wheels in motion to develop a systematic approach to safety,
utilizing trip organization, rescue techniques and various equipment that
mitigate the risks.
This interactive session will address Pre-Trip Planning, En Route Planning,
Incident Management, and Incident Debriefing. Specific attention will be
given to rescue techniques and equipment for both group and solo travel.
Map and Compass Land Navigation Class
with Michael Neiger
Map and Compass Land Navigation Class
with Michael Neiger
Crossing the Big Lakes
Josh Borchardt
Crossing the Big Lakes
Josh Borchardt
This talk will focus on finding arctic style exploration right in our backyard. At the start of the pandemic I decided to take my teaching online and cross Lake Mille Lacs on a 2 day trip on skis, sharing my experience and science with students across the country as I went. Since then, I and my team have successfully built trips and crossed Leech Lake and Lake of the Woods. Enjoy the talk and learn about my gear, trip planning, and my experience crossing some of the biggest lakes in Minnesota and how anyone can get the feeling of being at the poles within a couple hour drive from home.
Paddle In- Ski Out
With Bear Paulsen
Paddle In- Ski Out
With Bear Paulsen
Paddle In - Ski Out
For two decades Bear dreamed about a long winter camping trip. He wanted to experience the arc of winter. The year before his son entered kindergarten, the dream came true. Bear, his wife, Claire, and son, Dashwa, paddled into the BWCA in October. They travelled slowly, exploring, and living in a 10x10 tent warmed by a wood stove. They skied out 130 days later having not seen another person.
The Movable Feast:
With Joshua Stamper
The Movable Feast:
With Joshua Stamper
Food for Thermoregulation and Cozy Patrol Basics. You will not be cozy if you do not have adequate food, water, and shelter. Simple tools and tricks to incorporate into your winter camping kit
The Tools of Survival from Mors Kochanski and Tom Roycroft with Brian Rice
When the chips are down, and you find yourself in a survival situation, you're going to need some tools to make it through it. Mors and Tom came up with tools to make your situation better. For travel through the boreal forest in deep snow, they made the Ski Shoes, to cook food, Mors developed the Burtonville rig from a camp he found. Tom developed a pack frame that could be made out of three sticks, which he could use to haul out equipment or even a person. Mors improvised a frame saw based on a bucksaw to process firewood in the boreal forest. I'm going to make most of these and show you their uses. If you want to try to make the bucksaw in the back you can, but know that this class is about showing off these tools and less about construction. As time is limited, and each of these tools could take over three hours to create for the first time, they are made. (Students who want to try making the saw can reach out to me at Threeravensbushcraft@gmail.com for the materials required to make a bucksaw.)
Survival Super Shelter made famous by Mors Kolchanski
With Brian Rice
With Brian Rice
If you find yourself out overnight, a good bed and shelter could make a world of difference in your survival. Mors developed the supershelter after teaching kids in Dawson Creek, Northern British Columbia, and the bed he developed with Tom Roycroft at the RCAF Survival School in Alberta. With these 2 shelter pieces, one can comfortably live in a long survival situation, in deep cold, and it can even be moved easily with one person. This isn't one of those man forts you've seen me rant about; this is a survival Super shelter and Bush bed that will change how you see bushbeds and shelter. Come with me to make and explain one of the best beds you'll ever sleep on for under 10 bucks.
“BWCA Winter Camping Primer” with Earl Swenson
Let’s talk all things Winter Camping in America's most visited wilderness area the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) in northeastern Minnesota. Winters coming fast and you want to be ready! Make this the first year you go or the year you go back! We’ll talk when to go, where to go, where to camp, travel tips, tips for staying warm and more. Bring your questions, concerns and experiences to share.
HOW TO BUILD A SNOW SHELTER AND SHORT FILM
by Chris Ozminski of CozWild.com
"We will have a snow shelter on display and after the film, a short presentation on building snow shelters.
Crossing the Height of Land
Off-trail in the Wild
Run Time: 16 minutes
Travel on foot through the great white north with a team of expeditioneers. Immerse in wilderness while crossing into the Arctic Watershed, navigating harsh conditions and the approaching winter of life.
8:00pm Mitchell after Keynote
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