We are a network and community from southern Ontario and beyond. We come together to share skills that keep us rooted in the natural rhythms of nature and to engage in stewardship/caretaking projects as a way of giving back to the land that supports us. Twice a year (spring & fall) we gather in large numbers for the Headwaters Earth Skills Gathering. It is a weekend of workshops, story telling, trading goods, sharing knowledge, and celebrating life.

The gatherings emphasis is on traditional & ancient earth-based skills that help us build deep relationships with nature while learning about its cycles and ecosystems through direct interaction. Creating a resilient culture of nature connection is our intention. No prior experience is required.

Some of the skills we use to achieve this include: Learning to track wildlife, understanding bird language, plant ID including harvesting edible and medicinals, ancient friction fire making, primitive cooking, yoga & martial arts, sensory awareness, traditional archery, singing around the fire, listening, and much much more.

Sat night we hold a community pot luck and trading circle of hand crafted/harvested and other goods. We also engage in a stewardship project each gathering to give thanks to the land for supporting our learning. Click the link above for a complete schedule of events.

All participants are expected to pitch in with camp duties and will be assigned a work crew on arrival to the gathering. This is the fifth headwaters celebration and the momentum & teachings keeps on building!

Event Details:

Who:

Headwaters Gathering is run by a volunteer committee, committed to bringing friends, naturalists, and earth based skills workers together to celebrate the changing seasons, and to spend time learning from each other.

What:

A family oriented weekend of learning new things, socializing with like-minded people, and enjoying nature at it's best. A full spectrum of short workshops will be offered over the weekend all run by participants.

Where:

Headwaters takes place at different locations across Ontario. The upcoming gathering (Spring, 2010) will be held on a farm near Meaford, Ontario. When you register you will be sent full maps and you have the option of being part of a car pool (as either driver or passenger). People come from all over Ontario to this event, so car pooling is highly recommended.

When:

The gathering will run all day Friday June 4, 5 & 6. Opening ceremonies will happen Saturday morning but workshops will be running Friday. We highly recommend trying to make the entire weekend and being there by Friday night at the latest. This really helps us all come together as a unified village.

Why:

Originally conceived to be a harvest celebration with friends and claimed space to make time for learning new skills, and then a gathering of alumni from the various wilderness living schools around Ontario. It has now grown to be an inclusive event for anyone with a love for nature and a desire to engage in earth based skills and culture.

How (to get more info):

Register here, or ask any questions you may have by e-mailing Darian Bacon or phoning 705 201 1013.

How (much does it cost):

We do not charge for this event, but do ask for donations to purchase and maintain group equipment, including water tanks, pots/pans, firewood, use of land, supplies for stewardship project etc. The suggested donation to cover our expenses is $20. We also ask guests to contribute towards any pot luck meals we have for the weekend. Some workshops may have a cost to cover materials; such workshop costs will be specified on the schedule. You are also expected to help with camp chores such as: camp clean up, splitting firewood, setting up washing stations, cleaning outhouses, etc. You will be assigned a work crew upon arrival.

What (workshops are offered):

Members from our community are willing to share knowledge in a wide variety of skills. This fall, we have already confirmed Yoga Sessions, a stone knapping pit, and workshops on everything from nature photography to primitive cooking, to edible plants, tracking & traditional bow making. Click here to see our current schedule of events

What (facilities are offered):

Participants sleep in tents they provide themselves. There may be limited indoor space for families with very young children and elders. To request indoor space please e-mail: chris@earthmentorship.com

There will be a dish & hand wash station outside and a fire for cooking. Participants are required to bring their own dishes, food, and cook stove if needed. There is NO refrigerator space.

We have dug outhouses for going to the washroom and NO showers.

There is a large barn to use if it rains.

Also see our facebook pages:

Fall 2009 Event

The Spring 2010 Headwaters Gathering on Facebook