Eve River Youth Wilderness Camp

After another incredibly successful trip last summer (see our photo gallery below), we are so excited to be offering our wilderness overnight again. This camp will be a chance for Fianna kids, and their friends, to test some of the skills they’ve been cultivating throughout the year. We will go deeper into firemaking, tracking and stalking, shelter-building, plant knowledge, hand crafts and bird language. We’ll also be learning some new skills, including how to set up a camp and how to cook together.

We’ll be a mini village for 5 days and 4 nights on the banks of the beautiful Eve river, in Ma'amtagila territory just north of the Sayward valley. Guided by the beauty of the salmon-bearing river, the old growth trees, and the stories in the land, we will immerse ourselves in core routines of play, gratitude, circle sharing, singing, storytelling, connecting with each other and the natural world. There will be epic games, wild explorations, quiet sit spots, and a few challenges to remind us of all that we learn from the woods. 

Last year we heard an ancient story of the Siberian Nivkh people, exploring their sense of reciprocity with the Amur river from which they get their staple food: fish. Over the week the group sought out and harvested materials to craft miniature canoes, rafts and yachts as offerings to the river, and its fish - the salmon. The watercraft were completed with tiny paddles, rawhide sails, and  designs painted on with natural rock dyes.

For our final night we made our offerings to the river and slept out on an island between its two streams, amongst the old cedars and firs, beneath the stars.

This camp is about having fun, but we also guide kids into a sense of autonomy and reciprocity on the land – being able to take care of themselves, feeling confident, aware, and connected to the ecology of their home.  

No previous camping experience is necessary for this camp, but personal camping gear is required, as well as snacks and lunches. Cooked breakfasts and dinners will be provided. 

This camp will be led by Fianna Director, Kes and other experienced Fianna guides.