Cottonwood
The Way of the Gatherer

July 20-26, 2008

Coed Ages 13-16
Cost: $675

Cottonwood is unlike any camp I know or have heard of in the last 18 years of teaching summer camps.   We did run this camp once before, and it was excellent. So we are bringing it back.

In most camps, we learn about survival skills, wilderness living, nature awareness and so much more. We have so much to learn it is hard to focus on everything.   This camp fills the gaps that many of you have missed, with skills, stories, crafts and connection to the earth that is amazing and essential to living close to nature.

Cottonwood teaches about plant and tree identification, in a very detailed way that will help you really know a tree in a positive way.   We will be digging plants, getting roots and finding berries. Yeah, that's right. I said it! Berry season is usually about peaking at this time of the summer.   We will also learn herbal first aid stuff you can do if you are injured in the woods far from help.  We will learn about fibers and weaving, make baskets from bark and ash splints.   We will learn about plant dyes and gardening and seed saving and wild teas that are delicious and soothing and sweet.  We might make cattail jerky, or black birch soda or nettle lasagna!   Good times.

Woven between these crafts and skills is the usual games, campfires, fun and excitement you all love about Hawk Circle. Tomahawks. Stalking games.   Wandering.   Exploring.   Hikes and Adventures.    You won't be disappointed!

We won't be running this camp every year, so if this sounds good to you, don't wait!     We will see you soon!

Some of the skills and activities listed below form the core of the Cottonwood curriculum:

• Plant and tree identification
• Weaving with natural fibers
• Exploring hikes and journeys
• Baskets of bark and ash splints
• Herbal first aid
• Waterbottle nets
• Seed saving and gardening
• Tree planting
• Natural fiber ropes & string
• Plant dyes & pigment paints

Application for Enrollment

"As a parent myself, I know that I want my son to be in the company of warm, approachable and awake staff, who will be sensitive to his needs, his desire for challenge and adventure and to feel at home in the group.   I want to know that they will be there, watchful, caring, steering the group in a way that leads to a positive growth, a powerful connection to nature and that doesn't happen by accident.  It takes careful selection and training of staff, who have the right personality profile to work with kids in this 'intensive mentoring' approach.

I am happy to say that we wouldn't have it any other way, and our staff is incredible with youth of all types, ages, sizes and ability.   Our goal is a positive experience that exceeds expectations, and no one falls through the cracks.

If this sort of camp is what you are looking for your son or daughter, we could be a good fit.   I like to say that Hawk Circle Camp is a personal growth and leadership program hidden in a wilderness adventure, and it really is. "

Ricardo Sierra

Hawk Circle Creator, Founder and Executive Director