Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a time when all the necessities of life were made by hand from the raw materials of the earth? This program will begin by settling into our traditional dwellings made from poles and sod on the edge of the village forest. The next day we will begin crafting our long bows, arrows and fishing gear. Our work on the bows will be interspersedby lots of fire starting, woodcarving, and explorations through the wild forest and field. White shavings will fill our workshop, and your hands will come to know every bump and twist of your beloved bow. And, of course, there will be plenty of forest games, swimming, and even a day of rock climbing. Everyone will return home with their own bow and arrows and will have cultivated a great respect for all living things.

We will begin this program by choosing a special spot in the forest to observe nature and learn from it. This will be the beginning of opening a door to the depth and richness of the wilderness and all it has to teach. We will learn to walk like the fox and see like the owl, and learn the names and the uses of all the plants of the forest floor. We will hike and swim and play games. When we see a dead spruce tree, everyone will get to make a fire-from-friction bow drill set; when we see a small ash tree, we will learn how to make a quick bow that could be used to hunt rabbits or partridge.

We will explore beaver bogs and make a raft to discover all the mysteries in swamps and marches. Throughout this program, we will work on fire-making and survival skills. At the end of the week we will celebrate what we have learned by a special solo: students will find a spot in the woods and build a shelter, make a fire, and cook there dinner for the night. Through the practice of these ancient skills we will learn from the wilderness and gain a reverence for the spirit of the forest.

THE LOST TRIBE OF THE ASHUELOT
One Week, Ages 11 – 13 • August 15 – 21
Sliding Scale Tuition: $950 - $560

Imagine stalking down the woodland trail to our camp of handmade shelters, unseen save by the squirrel on the limb of the pine and the hawk circling high overhead. We stop by the stream and LOOK! Otter tracks! We follow them silently and are rewarded by a glimpse of her slipping into the water. We wait patiently and her smooth head breaks the calm surface of the beaver pond a few yards from the bank. She watches us for a few moments before diving under. Laughing, we race back to camp where the smoke in the air tells of supper and time for the telling of stories around the fire. Welcome to the headwaters of the Ashuelot River hidden deep in the forest. Here we will make our camp and spend our days exploring the surrounding woods, ponds, streams, and mountains by foot and canoe. We will learn from all the plants and animals we meet, for they are, many times, the best teachers. Together, we will hone our tracking and identification skills, build shelters and learn the magic of making fire by friction. There will be lots of time for archery, fishing, tree climbing, and swimming. Our crafts will include spoon-making and medicine pouches, with the possibility of making a nature journal as well. The animals and trees are calling. Shall we go?

JOURNEY OF A BIRCH BARK CANOE: CRAFTING A TRADITION
Two Weeks, Ages 13 – 18 • July 18 – 31
Sliding Scale Tuition: $1890 - $1110
Skill Level: Strong interest in traditional handwork and some experience with hand tools.

In a time not so long ago, people of the Earth could walk into the forest and with nothing but skilled hands create a beautiful life for themselves. A depth of knowledge, skill, and tradition guided their hands as they made paddles, bows, beautiful shelters, and even canoes made from cedar wood and birch bark. In this spirit of self-reliance Kroka is offering its second Birch Bark Canoe building program. We will create this canoe under the guidance of a master craftsman using traditional ways of native people with the exception of a limited number of metal hand tools. We will spend our days cutting, shaping, planing and steaming canoe ribs, preparing bark and gathering roots and pitch in the forest. As our community of craftspeople grows strong we will celebrate our shared vision with stories, and explorations in the surrounding forest. In the afternoons, we will have many adventure opportunities including diving into the cool lake, rock climbing, exploring our vast beaver country by canoe and sharing meals, games and special celebrations with the Kroka Community. Building a Birch Bark Canoe from materials we find in the woods will give us a unique appreciation for the forest and how we share the world with all beings. At the end of the program, we will share a special overnight trip on a river with our beloved creation and celebrate the community we have become.

APPRENTICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Two Weeks, Ages 14 and up • July 11 – 24
Sliding Scale Tuition: $1890 - $1110
Pre-requisite: At least two Kroka programs or a semester at Kroka

Did you know that the majority of Kroka’s amazing summer staff first came to Kroka as summer or semester students just like you? Working at Kroka is an awesome summer opportunity to study side by side with experienced guides and teachers while working with younger campers and adding your talent to their Kroka experience. Starting in 2010, past summer students wishing to become apprentices at Kroka will be required to participate in this new program, prior to applying for an apprenticeship. Master teachers will lead the group through essential Kroka teaching skills: Fire starting and keeping in all weather conditions Cooking and baking over a wood stove and an open fire Expedition planning, gear and food packing Plants and animals of the Northern Forest Navigation and orienteering Rope work: lashing, knots, tying and coiling Fundamentals of canoeing and climbing Games, singing, storytelling and community building wilderness ethics, and working with different age groups. The program will culminate with a 24-hour adventure race where small groups of students will travel through the wilderness testing their skills, courage and teamwork.

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