In this workshop you'll learn a 6000+ year old technique ("bow drill") to create an ember, using local northern California materials, and blow that ember into flame!
Fire is the magic that's warmed, fed, and provided tools for humanity for thousands of years. Let's explore how to use simple materials to create it ourselves!
I'll never forget the magic of the first ember I created using a bow drill set I made myself, and blowing that ember to life, creating a lasting fire that kept me & my friends warm. I'd like to share that experience as best I can, while also paying respect to the ancient origins of the skill, and that our modern understanding of it comes from the indigenous peoples of north america, and is by no means a white-euro invention.
Hopes & Dreams I want everybody to be able to experience the magic that is bringing life to an ember, and blowing that tiny ember into flame! I want everybody to have fun, be safe, and learn some new things about the amazing natural world around them. I expect some folx to create an ember successfully, but usually the technique requires further practice. Don't be disheartened -- you'll get there! :)
Participation Anyone
Why Participate? Get a deeper understanding of how fire works, and its many uses.
Session Rundown We'll be covering the basics of starting a fire by friction, primarily using the bow drill technique. If there is time & interest, we could also play with the hand drill technique, and use of a ferrocenium rod. We'll.. - learn the mechanical & physical theory of how the bow drill works - [attempt to] demonstrate its use - talk about knife & fire safety - let people experiment & learn hands-on! I will supply some pre-made bow drill sets for people to play with, made of various materials, and also a few knives for folks who want to try making their own sets from local materials near the camp.
