Beginner's Bushcraft

Beginner’s Bushcraft

April 18–19, 2026 | Pittsfield, Illinois

Looking for a hands-on outdoor experience the whole family can enjoy together?

Beginner’s Bushcraft is a relaxed, family-friendly introduction to essential outdoor skills. This course is designed for parents and kids to learn together, build confidence outdoors, and enjoy a shared adventure — no experience required.

All skills are taught at a basic, approachable level, with an emphasis on safety, teamwork, and having fun outside.

Course Overview

• 1.5 days / 1 night

• Designed specifically for families and beginners

• Camping is optional

• Low to moderate physical activity

• Flexible pace with breaks for kids

This is an introduction — not a test, and not a race.

Core Subjects Covered

(All activities are beginner-friendly and family appropriate)

• Safety
  Camp awareness, tool safety, fire safety, and situational awareness

• Fire
  Safe campfire building, simple fire lays, lighters, matches, and ferro rods

• Water
  Finding, carrying, and treating water; basic hygiene in camp

• Shelter
  Simple tarp shelters, campsite setup, and staying comfortable

• Food
  Basic camp cooking, fire-based meals, and food safety outdoors

Camping & Facilities

• On-site primitive camping

• Camp latrine available at camp

• Working showers and toilets located:

  • ~2-minute drive

  • ~10-minute walk

Camping overnight is optional.

Nearby Conveniences

For families who prefer a little comfort close by, the following are all within 20 miles of Lake Pittsfield, Illinois:

• Casey’s General Store

• Walmart

• Dollar General

• McDonald’s

• Multiple hotels and motels

• Airbnb and short-term rentals

This makes it easy to participate even if you don’t want to camp overnight.

What’s Included

• Instruction and guided activities

• Camping access

• Lunch on Saturday

• Access to facilities

Please bring additional food, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks as needed for your family.

Logistics

• Short, easy hikes

• Water access on site

• Large community campfire

• Individual fires allowed at campsites

• Dress for the weather and expect to get a little dirty

Exact class location details will be provided in the student packet upon purchase.

Schedule

• Saturday, April 18, 2026
  Class begins 9:00 AM
  Ends around 4:00–5:00 PM

• Sunday, April 19, 2026
  Resume at 9:00 AM
  Concludes around 12:00–1:00 PM

Cost

$75 per family
(Up to 5 family members)

Parents or guardians must remain present and responsible for their children throughout the event.

Recommended Gear

• Family camping gear (if staying overnight)

• Food, snacks, drinks, medications

• Closed-toe footwear

• Weather-appropriate clothing

• Simple fire kit (lighter or matches)

• Pocket knife or small fixed blade (adults / supervised youth)

• Tarp or shelter system (if you have one)

Don’t stress about gear — this class is about learning and enjoying time outdoors together.