JOHN YOST
Ever since John Yost was a kid running around in the fields, woods and rivers, he practiced outdoor skills staying out in the woods for days at a time. He's had a life-long fascination with nature and that led him to learning workshops and a biology degree from the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point. But most of what he learned about nature and primitive survival came from 1000’s of hours out in the wilds practicing the survival skills he now teaches.
John has been to over 15 countries practicing skills, learning and teaching. He's become a well-rounded primitive skills instructor. His focus isn't on one particular skill, but about how to use your time and resources in your given environment to create a sustainable long-term living situation. That includes the basics like building a shelter, making fire, harvesting food, and disinfecting water as well as more advanced skills like basket making and building self-bows.
BASKET MAKING
John has made hundreds of baskets of many styles, some traditional, some modern, and some his own creations. People have joked that you can give him a handful of rocks and he'll figure out how to make a basket with them. At Elements we will be using pine needles native to the area to make coiled baskets. These beautiful baskets are easy to make and one you have the technique down, you can make this style of basket with a huge variety of materials. That fact alone makes them one of the most useful kinds of baskets to know how to make. Since simplicity is the key, you go a step further and learn to make your basket with only a needle and knife (or stone blade or scissors). Depending on the time allotted for each class, you may get to work on your basket outside of class around the campfire, while relaxing with friends, or spending time alone.
PRIMITIVE FIRE MAKING
In this class you will learn in a day what took John 1 1/2 years to do... get a coal with a bow drill. You will also have the opportunity to practice both solo and group hand drill techniques. This is an especially exciting class because there will be a wide variety of material and woods from all over the United States to work with. You can test combinations that would take you months, if not years, to acquire if you were not taking this class. You will also discover the secrets to making a tinder bundle, and what to do if you can't find good tinder material. This class is suitable for beginners and those who can get a coal in seconds with a hand drill.
John has been to over 15 countries practicing skills, learning and teaching. He's become a well-rounded primitive skills instructor. His focus isn't on one particular skill, but about how to use your time and resources in your given environment to create a sustainable long-term living situation. That includes the basics like building a shelter, making fire, harvesting food, and disinfecting water as well as more advanced skills like basket making and building self-bows.
BASKET MAKING
John has made hundreds of baskets of many styles, some traditional, some modern, and some his own creations. People have joked that you can give him a handful of rocks and he'll figure out how to make a basket with them. At Elements we will be using pine needles native to the area to make coiled baskets. These beautiful baskets are easy to make and one you have the technique down, you can make this style of basket with a huge variety of materials. That fact alone makes them one of the most useful kinds of baskets to know how to make. Since simplicity is the key, you go a step further and learn to make your basket with only a needle and knife (or stone blade or scissors). Depending on the time allotted for each class, you may get to work on your basket outside of class around the campfire, while relaxing with friends, or spending time alone.
PRIMITIVE FIRE MAKING
In this class you will learn in a day what took John 1 1/2 years to do... get a coal with a bow drill. You will also have the opportunity to practice both solo and group hand drill techniques. This is an especially exciting class because there will be a wide variety of material and woods from all over the United States to work with. You can test combinations that would take you months, if not years, to acquire if you were not taking this class. You will also discover the secrets to making a tinder bundle, and what to do if you can't find good tinder material. This class is suitable for beginners and those who can get a coal in seconds with a hand drill.