Hi Folks,
Hope you had great time at the gathering. It was the biggest yet- we had 168 people sign the register. I wish to thank all the instructors and the volunteers for their hard work. They make it happen. Next year we will again hold it the weekend after Labor Day, so please put it on your calendar.
I'm hoping to build a website this winter- I'll keep you posted- so if you have any ideas for it, please let me know. Also, if you have any pictures of the gathering, I would love to have them. Please put them on a disc and snail mail them to me. My computer does not like downloading email pics.
Someone mentioned that they had lost a knife, and I did find a Mora, so please just remind me who you are.
As always many thanks to John and Randy for letting us use their land.
Mal
10/04/2010
8/30/2010
2010 August Newsletter
Hi Folks,
The Maine Primitive Gathering is less than 3 weeks away (Sept 10,11,12), so it’s time to let you know what’s going on. First of all, this year the Gathering is a full three-day event, so if your schedule can accommodate it, please come on Thursday evening and stay through Sunday. It seems that folks who immerse themselves in the entire weekend leave with a community experience that goes far beyond attending a few workshops. Friendships made here are long lasting and highly valued.
We are very lucky to have an incredible line-up of instructors teaching a wide variety of classes. Please note that this year Jeff Gottlieb will be running his ever popular Trade Blanket both Friday and Saturday afternoons (4pm), so bring your haggling skills and something to barter. Saturday evening (6pm) is the annual Primitive Potluck, so bring a healthy dish to share- preferably road kill. Afterwards (8pm) we will start the Abo Orchestra, so if you are a musician please bring your instrument because you are the band.
We are in need of volunteers for the registration (&parking) table. I’m lowering the time requirement to 2, 2hour blocks for which you will receive free admission for the weekend.
Looking forward to seeing you,
Mal Stephens
Organizer
What to Bring: Camping is available on site with easy access to your vehicle. Modern camping will be in the wooded area off the trail from the parking area. If you have a period tent or teepee, you are welcome to camp in the open area around the main fire. Potable water and porta-johns will be provided. You will need camping gear (tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, etc.), food for the weekend, cooking equipment, cold/foul weather clothing, folding chairs (for sitting around the fire), and anything you feel you need to be comfortable. Fires will be limited to the main fire pit, and the cooking fire pit (reserved for workshops and Saturday’s potluck.) We recommend bringing a backpacking stove for personal cooking. We try to promote sustainability, self-reliance, and a caretaking attitude, so this is a carry in/carry out event- there will be no garbage cans.
Hazards: Please be aware that there are man made hazards on the property such as the projectile range, sump pit, tent ropes and stakes, etc., as well as, natural hazards such as poison ivy, yellow jackets, ticks, etc. Primitive skills are inherently dangerous as axes, saws, knives, pointy sticks, sharp rocks, etc. are utilized. We are especially concerned for the children’s safety, so we are adamant that children not be left unattended. Please brief your family on appropriate behavior and safety in a public place.
Absolutely No Alcohol, Drugs, or Pets Allowed
Registration: $40 for the weekend and $20 for the day. Children 16 and under are free. If you cannot afford the cost of registration, we still want you to come, but you must be willing to volunteer.
Directions: If you are coming from the North or South, take Exit 19 off Interstate 95. At end of turnpike ramp take a right onto Rt 109. Go 2.4 miles. Take a left on to Bragdon Rd. Go .8 miles. Take a right on to Bald Hill Rd. Go .8 miles. Take a right on to AER Lane (dirt).
If you are coming from another direction, please, Map Quest or Google Map: AER Lane, Wells, Maine, 04090
2010 Workshop Schedule
Friday Sept 10
0800-0900 Opening Circle
0900-1200 Morning Instruction Block
Understanding the Primitive Bow- Robert Brooks
Basic Brain tanning Principles ($10)- Kfir Mendel (twowolves.org)
Mammalogy for Abos- Jeff Gottlieb
Natural Dyeing- Laura Hacker & Stephens DeFlorio
Building a Rope Bridge- Bill Thomas (ongoing)
Storytelling for Kids- Jeff Moore
Debris Hut Frame Construction- Nick Spadaro (MPSS)
1200-1300 Lunch Block
1300-1600 Afternoon Instruction Block
Basic Brain tanning Principles continued- Kfir Mendel (twowolves.org)
Atlatl Making w/stone tools ($10 if you want to make an atlatl)- Bob Berg (Thunderbird Atlatl)
Fast and Easy Ceramic Ornaments- Charley Paquin
Survival Knives- Matt Cayer (Freeport Knife Company)
Braided Coiled Cornhusk Baskets($2 material fee)(8 person limit)- Wendy Nufer
Basic Primitive Trapping- Nick Spadaro (MPSS)
1600-1800 Trade Blanket- Jeff Gottlieb
1800-2000 Dinner Block
1915- Intro to Shamanism (ages 11-adult)(12 person limit)- Wendy Nufer & Jeff Moore
2000- Stories around the campfire (bring some tall tales)
Saturday Sept 11
0830-0900 Morning Announcements
0900-1200 Morning Instruction Block
Basic Brain tanning Principles continued- Kfir Mendel (twowolves.org)
Friction Fire- Andy Dobos (Three Red Trees)
Basics of Building Wood Bows for all Ages- Tom Dussault
Gourd Craft- Jeff Gottlieb
Bird Language- Dan Gardoqui (White Pine Programs)
Knife Making- Adriaan Gerber (Adriaan Gerber Knives)
Heating & Straightening Atlatl Darts ($10 if you want to make a dart)- Bob Berg (Thunderbird Atlatl)
Making Useful Flake Tools- Charley Paquin
1200-1300 Lunch Block
1300-1600 Afternoon Instruction Block
Basic Brain tanning Principles continued- Kfir Mendel (twowolves.org)
Tracking Games for Kids- Deneen Bernier (Three Red Trees)
Tracking Walk- Dan Gardoqui (White Pine Programs)
Butchering- David Weare
Fletching & Cordage for Atlatl Darts ($10 if you want to make a dart)- Bob Berg (Thunderberg Atlatl)
Simple Hafts for Stone Tools- Charley Paquin
Blacksmithing- Will Sampson
Poetry Read/Write Session- Robin Sampson
Camouflage Basics & Games for Kids & Adults- Lou Falank (MPSS)
1600-1800 Trade Blanket- Jeff Gottlieb
1800-2000 Primitive Potluck- Huber-Young Family (bring a healthy dish to share)
1915- Astronomy Walk- Jeff Moore
2000- Abo orchestra (bring your instruments)
Sunday, Sept 12
0830-0900 Morning Announcements
0900-1200 Morning Instruction Block
Making Bone Needles w/Stone Tools- Deneen Bernier (Three Red Trees)
Intro to Archery for all ages- Tom Dussault
Children’s Weaving & Felting- Laura Hacker & Stephen Deflorio
Plant Walk- Frank Pfisterer
Small Scale Primitive Firings- Charley Paquin
Tomahawk Throwing- Matt Smith
Coal Burning & Carving Spoon & Containers (ages 11-adult)($2 materials fee)(12 person limit)- Wendy Nufer
Water in the Wilderness- Jeff Moore
Camouflage Basics & Games for Kids & Adults- Lou Falank (MPSS) Starting & Finishing Ash Baskets- Mark Young (MPSS)
1200-1300 Lunch Block
1300-1600 Afternoon Instruction Block
Blackpowder Muzzleloading- Brian Brick
What’s in Your Bug-out Bag?- Jeff Gottlieb
Timber Framing Demo- Will Sampson
Strings and Beads- Charley Paquin
Non-Firearm Survival Weapons- Matt Cayer
Making Axe Handles- Mark Young (MPSS)
Cordage- Nick Spadaro (MPSS)
1600-1700 Closing Circle
The Maine Primitive Gathering is less than 3 weeks away (Sept 10,11,12), so it’s time to let you know what’s going on. First of all, this year the Gathering is a full three-day event, so if your schedule can accommodate it, please come on Thursday evening and stay through Sunday. It seems that folks who immerse themselves in the entire weekend leave with a community experience that goes far beyond attending a few workshops. Friendships made here are long lasting and highly valued.
We are very lucky to have an incredible line-up of instructors teaching a wide variety of classes. Please note that this year Jeff Gottlieb will be running his ever popular Trade Blanket both Friday and Saturday afternoons (4pm), so bring your haggling skills and something to barter. Saturday evening (6pm) is the annual Primitive Potluck, so bring a healthy dish to share- preferably road kill. Afterwards (8pm) we will start the Abo Orchestra, so if you are a musician please bring your instrument because you are the band.
We are in need of volunteers for the registration (&parking) table. I’m lowering the time requirement to 2, 2hour blocks for which you will receive free admission for the weekend.
Looking forward to seeing you,
Mal Stephens
Organizer
What to Bring: Camping is available on site with easy access to your vehicle. Modern camping will be in the wooded area off the trail from the parking area. If you have a period tent or teepee, you are welcome to camp in the open area around the main fire. Potable water and porta-johns will be provided. You will need camping gear (tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, etc.), food for the weekend, cooking equipment, cold/foul weather clothing, folding chairs (for sitting around the fire), and anything you feel you need to be comfortable. Fires will be limited to the main fire pit, and the cooking fire pit (reserved for workshops and Saturday’s potluck.) We recommend bringing a backpacking stove for personal cooking. We try to promote sustainability, self-reliance, and a caretaking attitude, so this is a carry in/carry out event- there will be no garbage cans.
Hazards: Please be aware that there are man made hazards on the property such as the projectile range, sump pit, tent ropes and stakes, etc., as well as, natural hazards such as poison ivy, yellow jackets, ticks, etc. Primitive skills are inherently dangerous as axes, saws, knives, pointy sticks, sharp rocks, etc. are utilized. We are especially concerned for the children’s safety, so we are adamant that children not be left unattended. Please brief your family on appropriate behavior and safety in a public place.
Absolutely No Alcohol, Drugs, or Pets Allowed
Registration: $40 for the weekend and $20 for the day. Children 16 and under are free. If you cannot afford the cost of registration, we still want you to come, but you must be willing to volunteer.
Directions: If you are coming from the North or South, take Exit 19 off Interstate 95. At end of turnpike ramp take a right onto Rt 109. Go 2.4 miles. Take a left on to Bragdon Rd. Go .8 miles. Take a right on to Bald Hill Rd. Go .8 miles. Take a right on to AER Lane (dirt).
If you are coming from another direction, please, Map Quest or Google Map: AER Lane, Wells, Maine, 04090
2010 Workshop Schedule
Friday Sept 10
0800-0900 Opening Circle
0900-1200 Morning Instruction Block
Understanding the Primitive Bow- Robert Brooks
Basic Brain tanning Principles ($10)- Kfir Mendel (twowolves.org)
Mammalogy for Abos- Jeff Gottlieb
Natural Dyeing- Laura Hacker & Stephens DeFlorio
Building a Rope Bridge- Bill Thomas (ongoing)
Storytelling for Kids- Jeff Moore
Debris Hut Frame Construction- Nick Spadaro (MPSS)
1200-1300 Lunch Block
1300-1600 Afternoon Instruction Block
Basic Brain tanning Principles continued- Kfir Mendel (twowolves.org)
Atlatl Making w/stone tools ($10 if you want to make an atlatl)- Bob Berg (Thunderbird Atlatl)
Fast and Easy Ceramic Ornaments- Charley Paquin
Survival Knives- Matt Cayer (Freeport Knife Company)
Braided Coiled Cornhusk Baskets($2 material fee)(8 person limit)- Wendy Nufer
Basic Primitive Trapping- Nick Spadaro (MPSS)
1600-1800 Trade Blanket- Jeff Gottlieb
1800-2000 Dinner Block
1915- Intro to Shamanism (ages 11-adult)(12 person limit)- Wendy Nufer & Jeff Moore
2000- Stories around the campfire (bring some tall tales)
Saturday Sept 11
0830-0900 Morning Announcements
0900-1200 Morning Instruction Block
Basic Brain tanning Principles continued- Kfir Mendel (twowolves.org)
Friction Fire- Andy Dobos (Three Red Trees)
Basics of Building Wood Bows for all Ages- Tom Dussault
Gourd Craft- Jeff Gottlieb
Bird Language- Dan Gardoqui (White Pine Programs)
Knife Making- Adriaan Gerber (Adriaan Gerber Knives)
Heating & Straightening Atlatl Darts ($10 if you want to make a dart)- Bob Berg (Thunderbird Atlatl)
Making Useful Flake Tools- Charley Paquin
1200-1300 Lunch Block
1300-1600 Afternoon Instruction Block
Basic Brain tanning Principles continued- Kfir Mendel (twowolves.org)
Tracking Games for Kids- Deneen Bernier (Three Red Trees)
Tracking Walk- Dan Gardoqui (White Pine Programs)
Butchering- David Weare
Fletching & Cordage for Atlatl Darts ($10 if you want to make a dart)- Bob Berg (Thunderberg Atlatl)
Simple Hafts for Stone Tools- Charley Paquin
Blacksmithing- Will Sampson
Poetry Read/Write Session- Robin Sampson
Camouflage Basics & Games for Kids & Adults- Lou Falank (MPSS)
1600-1800 Trade Blanket- Jeff Gottlieb
1800-2000 Primitive Potluck- Huber-Young Family (bring a healthy dish to share)
1915- Astronomy Walk- Jeff Moore
2000- Abo orchestra (bring your instruments)
Sunday, Sept 12
0830-0900 Morning Announcements
0900-1200 Morning Instruction Block
Making Bone Needles w/Stone Tools- Deneen Bernier (Three Red Trees)
Intro to Archery for all ages- Tom Dussault
Children’s Weaving & Felting- Laura Hacker & Stephen Deflorio
Plant Walk- Frank Pfisterer
Small Scale Primitive Firings- Charley Paquin
Tomahawk Throwing- Matt Smith
Coal Burning & Carving Spoon & Containers (ages 11-adult)($2 materials fee)(12 person limit)- Wendy Nufer
Water in the Wilderness- Jeff Moore
Camouflage Basics & Games for Kids & Adults- Lou Falank (MPSS) Starting & Finishing Ash Baskets- Mark Young (MPSS)
1200-1300 Lunch Block
1300-1600 Afternoon Instruction Block
Blackpowder Muzzleloading- Brian Brick
What’s in Your Bug-out Bag?- Jeff Gottlieb
Timber Framing Demo- Will Sampson
Strings and Beads- Charley Paquin
Non-Firearm Survival Weapons- Matt Cayer
Making Axe Handles- Mark Young (MPSS)
Cordage- Nick Spadaro (MPSS)
1600-1700 Closing Circle
6/18/2010
MPG June 2010 Newsletter
Hi Folks,
It's time for to start ramping up for the MPG, so I'm sending out the annual open call for instructors and volunteers. Anyone is welcome to teach if you have a passion or skill you want to share. Instructors receive free admission and are paid $25 per 3 hour session and must teach 3 sessions over the course of the weekend. If you only want to teach only one or two sessions you will just receive free admission. Volunteers will receive free weekend admission for 6 hours of volunteer time. Volunteer slots are limited and will be filled on a first come first serve basis. Volunteers are especially needed for children's programs and as musicians for evening entertainment. Due to expenses we will be increasing the price of admission to $40 for the weekend (3 days) and $20 per day. Please email me at mallorystephens@yahoo.com if you are interested in instructing or volunteering.
Have a great summer!
Mal Stephens
It's time for to start ramping up for the MPG, so I'm sending out the annual open call for instructors and volunteers. Anyone is welcome to teach if you have a passion or skill you want to share. Instructors receive free admission and are paid $25 per 3 hour session and must teach 3 sessions over the course of the weekend. If you only want to teach only one or two sessions you will just receive free admission. Volunteers will receive free weekend admission for 6 hours of volunteer time. Volunteer slots are limited and will be filled on a first come first serve basis. Volunteers are especially needed for children's programs and as musicians for evening entertainment. Due to expenses we will be increasing the price of admission to $40 for the weekend (3 days) and $20 per day. Please email me at mallorystephens@yahoo.com if you are interested in instructing or volunteering.
Have a great summer!
Mal Stephens
2/09/2010
Maine Primitive Gathering DATE CHANGE!!!!!
We've made the decision to move the gathering to September 10-12 to take advantage of warmer weather. Our falls have been much more variable in the last couple of years, so with the realization that we always have to be prepared for a rain event, warmer and wet is better than colder and wet. The annual date calculation will be the first weekend after Labor Day. This year for the first time it will be a full three day event, so if you can, plan for a long weekend. Also, it's never too early to let us know if you would like to instruct or volunteer.
mallorystephens@yahoo.com
mallorystephens@yahoo.com
10/09/2009
October Newsletter
The Maine Primitive Gathering was a raging success last weekend despite the weather. Thank you all who showed up (we had over 100 adults.) Everyone seemed thoroughly engaged and entertained the whole weekend despite the rain. We would like to sincerely thank the instructors and volunteers who were so dedicated to putting on a great weekend and without whom the MPG would not be possible. We are already planning for next year's event given the enthusiasm that was evident this year. Is there any interest in a spring gathering? It would be the second half of May. If you have any feedback about this year's Gathering please let us know- it will only make next years event better. Thanks.
As always the Gathering will be the first weekend in October- please save the date on your new 2010 calendar. Next year we will make it a full three day event, so if you don't want to miss anything plan on arriving on Thursday. It's worth taking a day or two off for it. If you would like to instruct or volunteer it's never too early to get on the list.
As always the Gathering will be the first weekend in October- please save the date on your new 2010 calendar. Next year we will make it a full three day event, so if you don't want to miss anything plan on arriving on Thursday. It's worth taking a day or two off for it. If you would like to instruct or volunteer it's never too early to get on the list.
8/26/2009
August Newsletter
Time to start thinking about fall!
Why? Because it's just around the corner, and the Maine Primitive Gathering is almost here. Start looking forward to crisp mornings with food cooking over an open campfire, the sight of dew rising from canvas tents and teepees, and the smell of freshly tanned buckskin. We will be at the same great sight as last year on the Oliver West Farm thanks to my fantastic neighbors John & Randy. Due to the hard work of Jen Bourne, Bill Thomas, the Huber-Young's, and Bill Tardiff the site is in great shape. We've got firewood cut and drying, the camping area cleared of blowdowns, a new path cut, and the cemetery restored. We've got a great lineup of instructors coming from as far away as Arizona and Oklahoma- take a gander below to see who is teaching. Looking forward to seeing you all in October!
- Mal Stephens
Organizer & Chief Bottle Washer
Maine Primitive Gathering
PS- I am still in need of volunteers, especially to help out with kids programs, so if you would like a free pass for the weekend in exchange for 6 hours of volunteering, please contact me at mallorystephens@yahoo.com.
Maine Primitive Gathering Workshop Schedule
Friday Oct 2
12noon Opening Circle
1-4pm Afternoon Instruction Block
Introduction to Basic Blacksmithing- Will Sampson
Gourdcraft- Jeff Gottlieb
Inuit Strap Drill- Al Cornell
4-6pm Archery Tournament
6pm Dinner Block
Saturday Oct 3
7:30am Instructor & Volunteer Meeting
8:30am Morning Announcements
9-12 Morning Instruction Block
Language of the Birds- Dan Gardoqui (White Pine Programs)
Hide in a Day: Wet Scrap Method- Kfir Mendel (Two Wolves)
Primitive Knife Making- Adriaan Gerber
Campfire Cooking for Kids- Rudy Bourget
Atlatl Theory and Use- Bob Berg (Thunderbird Atlatl)
Lacto-Fermentation- Candi Huber
12noon Lunch Block
1-4pm Afternoon Instruction Block
Hide in a Day: continued- Kfir Mendel (Two Wolves)
Aleutian Style Kayak Paddle- Andy Dobos (Three Red Trees)
One Piece Knife Sheath- Robin Sampson
Wild Basketry- Jeff Gottlieb
Making Simple Clay Smoking Pipes- Charlie Paquin
Wild Edible Walk- Frank Pfisterer
4-6pm Trade Blanket (bring stuff to trade)- Jeff Gottlieb
6pm Primitive Potluck- everyone bring a healthy dish to share
7pm Music with Anya Rose (bring your instruments)
Sunday Oct 4
8:30am Morning Announcements
9-12 Morning Instruction Block
Language of the Birds- Dan Gardoqui (White Pine Programs)
Drilling Slate Pendants- Jeff Gottlieb
A Shower of Sparks- Rudy Bourget
Intro to Permaculture- Jesse Watson
Cordage: principles & techniques- Bob Berg (Thunderbird Atlatl)
12noon Lunch Block
1-4pm Afternoon Instruction Block
Primitive Trapping- Dany Hamel & Chris Sommers
Lost Proofing- Rudy Bourget
Fire Saw- Al Cornell
Permaculture Patterns- Jesse Watson
Useful Stone Tools: flakes & unifaces- Charlie Paquin
4pm Closing Circle
Ongoing
Flintknapping Pit- w/resident knapper Bob Doyle
Stone Sales & Flintknapping Discussion- Craig Ratzat (Neolithics)
Projectile Range
Kids Games & Classes
You are welcome to come just for the day or camp for the whole weekend. Firewood, potable water, and composting toilets will be provided on site. If you plan on camping you will need to bring food (and cooking gear) for the weekend (including a dish for Saturday night's potluck), camping equipment (we will supply a semi flat piece of ground for your tent), cold/foul weather gear, and anything you feel you need to be comfortable. We are trying to promote sustainablility, self-reliance, and a caretaking attitude, so this is a carry in/carry out event- there will be no garbage cans. Fires will be limited to the main fire pit that may be used for cooking and the headquarters fire pit. You are welcome to bring a cook stove if you wish to cook by your tent. As we did last year, the modern camping area will be off the trail leading from the parking area. If you have a period tent or teepee, you are welcome to camp in the open area around the main fire.
Please be aware that there are hazards on the property such as the projectile range and flintknapping pit, as well as, natural ones such as poison ivy, yellow jackets, and biting insects. Primitive skills are inherently dangerous as axes, saws, knives, pointy sticks, sharp rocks, etc. are being utilized. We are especially concerned for children, so we are adament that children not be left unattended. Please brief your family on appropriate behavior and safety in a public place. Thank you.
Absolutely No Alcohol, Drugs, or Pets Allowed
Registration is $25 for the weekend and $15 for the day. Children 16 and under are free. If you cannot afford the cost of registration, we still want you to come, but plan on volunteering.
Directions
If you are coming from the North or South, take Exit 19 off Interstate 95. At end of turnpike ramp take a right onto Rt 109. Go 2.4 miles. Take a left on to Bragdon Rd. Go .8 miles. Take a right on to Bald Hill Rd. Go .8 miles. Take a right on to AER Lane (dirt).
If you are coming from another direction, please, Map Quest or Google Map: AER Lane, Wells, Maine, 04090
Why? Because it's just around the corner, and the Maine Primitive Gathering is almost here. Start looking forward to crisp mornings with food cooking over an open campfire, the sight of dew rising from canvas tents and teepees, and the smell of freshly tanned buckskin. We will be at the same great sight as last year on the Oliver West Farm thanks to my fantastic neighbors John & Randy. Due to the hard work of Jen Bourne, Bill Thomas, the Huber-Young's, and Bill Tardiff the site is in great shape. We've got firewood cut and drying, the camping area cleared of blowdowns, a new path cut, and the cemetery restored. We've got a great lineup of instructors coming from as far away as Arizona and Oklahoma- take a gander below to see who is teaching. Looking forward to seeing you all in October!
- Mal Stephens
Organizer & Chief Bottle Washer
Maine Primitive Gathering
PS- I am still in need of volunteers, especially to help out with kids programs, so if you would like a free pass for the weekend in exchange for 6 hours of volunteering, please contact me at mallorystephens@yahoo.com.
Maine Primitive Gathering Workshop Schedule
Friday Oct 2
12noon Opening Circle
1-4pm Afternoon Instruction Block
Introduction to Basic Blacksmithing- Will Sampson
Gourdcraft- Jeff Gottlieb
Inuit Strap Drill- Al Cornell
4-6pm Archery Tournament
6pm Dinner Block
Saturday Oct 3
7:30am Instructor & Volunteer Meeting
8:30am Morning Announcements
9-12 Morning Instruction Block
Language of the Birds- Dan Gardoqui (White Pine Programs)
Hide in a Day: Wet Scrap Method- Kfir Mendel (Two Wolves)
Primitive Knife Making- Adriaan Gerber
Campfire Cooking for Kids- Rudy Bourget
Atlatl Theory and Use- Bob Berg (Thunderbird Atlatl)
Lacto-Fermentation- Candi Huber
12noon Lunch Block
1-4pm Afternoon Instruction Block
Hide in a Day: continued- Kfir Mendel (Two Wolves)
Aleutian Style Kayak Paddle- Andy Dobos (Three Red Trees)
One Piece Knife Sheath- Robin Sampson
Wild Basketry- Jeff Gottlieb
Making Simple Clay Smoking Pipes- Charlie Paquin
Wild Edible Walk- Frank Pfisterer
4-6pm Trade Blanket (bring stuff to trade)- Jeff Gottlieb
6pm Primitive Potluck- everyone bring a healthy dish to share
7pm Music with Anya Rose (bring your instruments)
Sunday Oct 4
8:30am Morning Announcements
9-12 Morning Instruction Block
Language of the Birds- Dan Gardoqui (White Pine Programs)
Drilling Slate Pendants- Jeff Gottlieb
A Shower of Sparks- Rudy Bourget
Intro to Permaculture- Jesse Watson
Cordage: principles & techniques- Bob Berg (Thunderbird Atlatl)
12noon Lunch Block
1-4pm Afternoon Instruction Block
Primitive Trapping- Dany Hamel & Chris Sommers
Lost Proofing- Rudy Bourget
Fire Saw- Al Cornell
Permaculture Patterns- Jesse Watson
Useful Stone Tools: flakes & unifaces- Charlie Paquin
4pm Closing Circle
Ongoing
Flintknapping Pit- w/resident knapper Bob Doyle
Stone Sales & Flintknapping Discussion- Craig Ratzat (Neolithics)
Projectile Range
Kids Games & Classes
You are welcome to come just for the day or camp for the whole weekend. Firewood, potable water, and composting toilets will be provided on site. If you plan on camping you will need to bring food (and cooking gear) for the weekend (including a dish for Saturday night's potluck), camping equipment (we will supply a semi flat piece of ground for your tent), cold/foul weather gear, and anything you feel you need to be comfortable. We are trying to promote sustainablility, self-reliance, and a caretaking attitude, so this is a carry in/carry out event- there will be no garbage cans. Fires will be limited to the main fire pit that may be used for cooking and the headquarters fire pit. You are welcome to bring a cook stove if you wish to cook by your tent. As we did last year, the modern camping area will be off the trail leading from the parking area. If you have a period tent or teepee, you are welcome to camp in the open area around the main fire.
Please be aware that there are hazards on the property such as the projectile range and flintknapping pit, as well as, natural ones such as poison ivy, yellow jackets, and biting insects. Primitive skills are inherently dangerous as axes, saws, knives, pointy sticks, sharp rocks, etc. are being utilized. We are especially concerned for children, so we are adament that children not be left unattended. Please brief your family on appropriate behavior and safety in a public place. Thank you.
Absolutely No Alcohol, Drugs, or Pets Allowed
Registration is $25 for the weekend and $15 for the day. Children 16 and under are free. If you cannot afford the cost of registration, we still want you to come, but plan on volunteering.
Directions
If you are coming from the North or South, take Exit 19 off Interstate 95. At end of turnpike ramp take a right onto Rt 109. Go 2.4 miles. Take a left on to Bragdon Rd. Go .8 miles. Take a right on to Bald Hill Rd. Go .8 miles. Take a right on to AER Lane (dirt).
If you are coming from another direction, please, Map Quest or Google Map: AER Lane, Wells, Maine, 04090
5/20/2009
MPG October 2-4, 2009 Wells, Maine
Hi Folks,
I'm already starting to put things together for this years MPG. Mainly I am soliciting instructors and volunteers (see below), but I also wanted to remind everyone of the dates (always the first weekend in October) and location- due to the kindness of John and Randy we will be staying here in Wells. We had a great turnout last year, and I expect it to continue. We have commitments this year already from Bob Berg (Thunderbird Atlatl) and Craig Ratzat (Neolithics.com.) Craig will be demonstrating, giving private classes during the Gathering, and running a two day flintknapping course after the Gathering. He will also be bringing lots of rock for sale. I'm holding a work day on June 28th and will appreciate any and all help I can get.
Thanks and see you in October,
Mal Stephens
Organizer
Maine Primitive Gathering
mallorystephens@yahoo.com
I'm already starting to put things together for this years MPG. Mainly I am soliciting instructors and volunteers (see below), but I also wanted to remind everyone of the dates (always the first weekend in October) and location- due to the kindness of John and Randy we will be staying here in Wells. We had a great turnout last year, and I expect it to continue. We have commitments this year already from Bob Berg (Thunderbird Atlatl) and Craig Ratzat (Neolithics.com.) Craig will be demonstrating, giving private classes during the Gathering, and running a two day flintknapping course after the Gathering. He will also be bringing lots of rock for sale. I'm holding a work day on June 28th and will appreciate any and all help I can get.
Thanks and see you in October,
Mal Stephens
Organizer
Maine Primitive Gathering
mallorystephens@yahoo.com
Open Call for Instructors & Volunteers
This is an open call for instructors and volunteers. Instructors will be paid a $50 stipend and the $25 weekend registration fee will be waived for 2 three hour blocks of instruction. Volunteers will have the weekend registration fee waived for 6 hours of volunteering. So you have an idea, this is generally what the weekend schedule will look like:
Friday
10am Instructor Meeting
11am Opening Circle
12noon Lunch Block
1-4pm Open Skills Share & Archery Tournament
4-6pm Open Time
6pm Dinner Block
7pm Evening Activities
Saturday
8am Morning Meeting
9-12 Morning Instruction Block
12noon Lunch Block
1-4pm Afternoon Instruction Block
4-6pm Grappling Tournament
6pm Primitive Potluck
7pm Evening Activities
Sunday
8am Morning Meeting
9-12 Morning Instruction Block
12noon Lunch Block
1-4pm Afternoon Instruction Block
4pm Closing Circle
You need not consider yourself a primitive skills instructor to teach at the MPG. I am looking for skilled practitioners not necessarily professionals- you just have to know your subject. This is a great opportunity to take your skill set(s) to the next level by sharing what you know with others. If you are interested, please email me with what you would like to teach and if you have preferred instruction blocks. Volunteers, just let me know what days you are committed to coming. Scheduling is up to the wims of the organizer. Please contact Mal Stephens at mallorystephens@yahoo.com or 207-646-1856
Friday
10am Instructor Meeting
11am Opening Circle
12noon Lunch Block
1-4pm Open Skills Share & Archery Tournament
4-6pm Open Time
6pm Dinner Block
7pm Evening Activities
Saturday
8am Morning Meeting
9-12 Morning Instruction Block
12noon Lunch Block
1-4pm Afternoon Instruction Block
4-6pm Grappling Tournament
6pm Primitive Potluck
7pm Evening Activities
Sunday
8am Morning Meeting
9-12 Morning Instruction Block
12noon Lunch Block
1-4pm Afternoon Instruction Block
4pm Closing Circle
You need not consider yourself a primitive skills instructor to teach at the MPG. I am looking for skilled practitioners not necessarily professionals- you just have to know your subject. This is a great opportunity to take your skill set(s) to the next level by sharing what you know with others. If you are interested, please email me with what you would like to teach and if you have preferred instruction blocks. Volunteers, just let me know what days you are committed to coming. Scheduling is up to the wims of the organizer. Please contact Mal Stephens at mallorystephens@yahoo.com or 207-646-1856
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