Bushcraft & Mindfulness Weekend

Event Details:

We are thrilled to announce yet another year of partnership with Devon and Cornwall Bushcraft! Following the tremendous success of our 2023 event, we are eager to collaborate with Jono on his exciting new site near Bovey Tracey in Devon this year.

Over the weekend, we'll shape our days with a mix of hands on activities and skills, all at a comfortable pace that encourages interaction, laughter, and learning. As a new addition to last year's itinerary, Abbie will guide us through mindfulness exercises and forest bathing, deepening our connection to nature and ourselves.

On Sunday, we'll conclude by 1pm with a shared lunch, reflecting on our time together and expressing gratitude.

This weekend is designed to be a rejuvenating experience for your mind, soul, and body, and offer a great overview of many of the key skills that can then be refined at home or on more advance courses.

The weekend begins on Friday afternoon with introductions and necessary arrangements, setting the stage for an exciting weekend ahead. A leisurely stroll around the campsite will help us unwind from our travels and get accustomed to our surroundings. Weather permitting, we will engage in various skill-based activities in the afternoon (see list below), culminating in a relaxed evening of bonding by the campfire.

As night descends, we will stay on-site, with the option to choose between hammocks, tents, bivvies, or sleeping in a vehicle. The decision is entirely yours!

The next morning, we will start the day with a warm fire and a communal breakfast of baked bread, then ease into the new day with some mindfulness and breath-work strategies, led by Abbie. Following this, the day will again evolve around the weather, seeing us tackle additional bushcraft techniques.

Skills we hope to cover over the duration of the event:

• pit pottery

• safe tool use: knives,. axes and saws

• fire lighting

• bread-making

• tarp shelter building

• knots: what to use and when

• hygiene in the wild

• introduction to wilderness first aid

• forest bathing

• breath-work

• gentle stretching to promote focus

Please remember to bring your own food, although snacks and drinks will be provided throughout the day.

Please see below for a kit list and feel free to get in touch with any questions!

Why Bushcraft?

Bushcraft involves developing survival skills for living in the wilderness using basic tools and techniques. The objective of our WILD weekend is to achieve the following:

1. Independence: Acquiring bushcraft skills enables self-reliance in the wild, enabling survival without modern amenities.

2. Nature connection: Engaging in bushcraft necessitates outdoor time, fostering a stronger bond with nature and enhancing appreciation for the environment.

3. Physical activity: Many bushcraft activities involve physical effort, providing a great workout and enhancing overall fitness.

4. Problem-solving: Bushcraft demands improvisation and creative problem-solving, skills that can be applied in various areas of life to enhance critical thinking.

5. Mental well-being: Time spent in nature and practicing bushcraft can positively impact mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.

6. Sustainability: Bushcraft promotes sustainable living and responsible use of natural resources, advocating for environmental conservation and protection.

7. Enjoyment: Bushcraft is an enjoyable way to develop self-reliance through learning new skills and having fun.

In summary, engaging in bushcraft can offer a variety of benefits for physical and mental well-being, while also fostering a deeper connection with nature and encouraging sustainable living practices.

Kit list:

• Camping equipment suitable for two nights, e.g tent/tarp/hammock, sleeping bag, sleeping pad/mat etc. 

• Torch/head torch (bring a few if you've got them)

• Personal hygiene kit inc toilet roll, toothbrush & toothpaste, wash kit

• ⁠Mug, bowl/plate, cutlery

• Water/Drinks bottle

• Lots of warm layers

• Breakfast for Sunday morning

• Any tools you'd like to bring (knives, saws etc)

• Chair: our benches/logs aren't too comfy for a whole evening 

• Waterproof jacket & trousers

• Wooly hat and gloves, and a buff if you have one

• Any other kit you would like to bring along to test! 

  
  

As with all WILD events, this event needs a minimum of 7 bookings to take place. 

Date and time: Friday 8th November 2024 at 2pm (14:00) - Sunday 10th November 2024 at 1pm (13:00)

Start/finish location: Full address to be shared nearer to time of event. But essentially it is just outside of Bovey Tracey, Devon.

Getting to  car park: 

Best to use GoogleMaps for access.

Toilets: 

If you attended last year's event you will have enjoyed the use of fully sheltered composting toilets. Until Jono has upgraded his site to similar standards, for now we have a simple tent-toilet. Essentially this is a toilet tent with a toilet over a hole then sawdust. It is private and sheltered and will add to the wild experience of the weekend! We appreciate that this is not for everyone; please do not be embarrassed to get in touch if you need to talk about toileting to take part in this event. We all have to go and want to make sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible.

Weather:

Our events are weather dependent. The weather can play a major role in our enjoyment of a day and in some cases can present a real danger. We always review the weather forecast in detail the day before and will send you an email and text if we have to change any plans. This is however only likely if we feel heading out will put us at real risk. Please check the forecast for yourself and come prepared for whatever the weather! You should come fully kitted out for a full day and overnight in whatever weather is forecast.

Food and Drink:

Please ensure you make us aware of any allergies for this event. Bring a bottle for water. If you have any questions or need any help/advice with what food to bring, please feel able to get in touch. More info on food will be released soon.

No Drug and Alcohol Policy:

Spend More Time In The WILD has been set up in order to inspire and motivate followers to head outside for the benefit of mental and physical health. We are committed to providing a safe, healthy and secure space for anyone walking out a journey of freedom from addiction and substance abuse and as such have a strict no drug or alcohol policy on our walks and camping events.

Cancellations:

By Us: In the rare case that we have to cancel an event, you will be notified by email and offered a full refund. We may cancel up to 12 hours ahead of an event due to personal injury or safety concerns re the weather and will notify you by email.

By You: We require a 60 days cancellation notice prior to your scheduled arrival, otherwise we will charge you cancellation fee as below.

- 75% of your total amount will be charged if you notify us about your cancellation or any changes by 60 days to 7 days before your scheduled arrival.

- 100% of your total amount will be charged if you do not notify us about your cancellation or any changes within 7 days.

If you have any questions regarding the walk or booking, please get in touch via admin@spendmoretimeinthewild.co.uk. You will be supplied with a contact number for emergency use on the day of the walk in your booking package.