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Have you ever wondered what it takes to start a fire without matches, a lighter, or even flint and steel?

If so, your family should join us for this fire by friction workshop, where you will learn how to light fires using one of the oldest firemaking techniques: the bowdrill. This method of starting fires has been around for at least 7,000 years and uses the friction created by rubbing pieces of wood together to create an ember. In this class, you will carve your own bowdrill kits, make basic fire structures, and blow your own tinder bundles into flame as you learn the techniques behind starting a matchless fire.

In this class, you will learn:

  • Knife safety

  • How to carve a bowdrill kit

  • Material selection

  • Fire by friction technique

  • Creating a natural tinder bundle

  • Fire structures

  • Handdrill

  • And more!

This is a program for families! Kids 10 and up are welcome and encouraged to attend. Friction fire is a difficult skill to master, but it’s a great activity to work on together, and who knows… it could be that your kids show you up and get a fire before you do!

Fire workshop

Details & Registration – Family Fire by Friction Workshop

  • Saturday, March 18, 2023

  • 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

  • Ages: 10+ with parent or guardian

  • North Rivanna Trail, Charlottesville

  • $50 per family (groups of 2)

  • Participants need to bring: Weather-appropriate clothing, notebook, knife, lunch.

    This class requires a non-serrated, fixed-blade knife. If you don’t have one, we will have them available for purchase at the beginning of the program.

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