Introduction to Friction Fire: Bow Drill Workshop & PNW Winter Firecraft

Join us on Saturday, February 1, for a hands-on journey into the ancient art of friction fire-making! This beginner-friendly workshop will focus on building community, starting a fire in any weather, practicing 8 essential bow drill skills, and guiding you to ignite your first ember. Learn from expert instructors in a supportive, small-group setting as you connect with nature, build confidence, and spark a deeper understanding of wilderness living. Whether you're new to outdoor skills or looking to deepen your knowledge, this empowering experience will leave you with lasting skills and memories.

Dates: Saturday, February 1, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Tyee Arts & Education Center, Mount Vernon, WA

10:00 AM – Welcome & Firecraft Foundations

• Meet the instructors and participants.
• Overview of the day’s goals, safety guidelines, and schedule.
• Fire ethics and safety: principles for responsible fire-making.

10:30 AM – Gathering Fire Structure Materials

• Learn how to identify and gather wild materials for fire-making.
• Explore the surrounding area to collect tinder, kindling, and fuel wood.
• Tips for finding materials in winter conditions.

11:15 AM – Building Your Fire Structure

• Hands-on activity: Construct a reliable fire structure using gathered materials.
• Learn techniques for airflow, stability, and proper layering for ignition success.

12:00 PM – Knife Skills & Bow Drill Kit Crafting

• Learn safe and effective knife-handling techniques.
• Hands-on activity: Carve and assemble your own bow drill set (spindle, hearth, bow).
• Discuss tips for sourcing and preparing materials in the wild.

1:00 PM – Lunch Break (Bring Your Own or Enjoy Communal Snacks)

• Rest, connect with fellow participants, and reflect on the morning’s activities.

1:30 PM – Core Skills & Fundamentals of Bow Drill

• Practice 8 essential techniques for bow drill success

2:30 PM – Bow Drill Practice

• Individual practice with personalized guidance.
• Refine your technique and aim to create an ember.

3:15 PM – Lighting Your Fire

• Transfer your ember to your pre-built fire structure.
• Practice blowing your tinder bundle to flame and igniting your fire.

3:45 PM – Fire Safety, Reflection, & Closing

• Discuss winter-specific fire safety and leave-no-trace principles.
• Reflect on the day’s successes and challenges as a group.
• Celebrate your accomplishments with a fire-lit closing circle.

4:00 PM – Farewells

• Wrap up with final tips and takeaways.
• Group photo and farewells.

Prepare for an immersive and hands-on experience that will guide you through the ancient and empowering skill of friction fire-making. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this workshop is designed to meet you where you are. Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Guidance from Expert Instructors: Learn step-by-step from seasoned wilderness skills educators who will support and encourage you throughout the process.
• Skill-Building & Practice: You’ll focus on mastering 8 essential bow drill techniques, from preparing materials to creating an ember and bringing it to flame.
• Connection to Nature: Explore the wild surroundings as you gather natural materials for fire-making, deepening your connection to the land.
• A Supportive Community: Work alongside a small group of like-minded individuals, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared accomplishment.
• Your First Ember to Flame: With practice, patience, and coaching, you’ll ignite your first ember and coax it into a flame to light your fire.

This workshop is more than a class—it’s an opportunity to connect with nature, challenge yourself, and walk away with a transformative new skill. Dress warmly, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to spark something extraordinary!

This workshop is perfect for beginners! No prior experience is necessary—our instructors will guide you step-by-step to ensure a successful and empowering learning experience.

• Sturdy, weather-appropriate clothing and footwear
• Warm layers, gloves, and a hat (we’ll be outdoors)
• A water bottle to stay hydrated
• Notebook and pen (optional, for taking notes)
• A curious and adventurous spirit!

We’ll supply everything you need to succeed, including:

• Bow drill sets for practice (hearth, spindle, and bow)
• High-quality tinder bundles for ember practice
• Tools and resources for fire structure building
• Expert instruction and personalized coaching

Feel free to bring any materials or tools you’d like to practice with, but we’ve got you covered for the day. Come ready to learn, connect, and ignite your inner fire-maker!

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Tyee, 21301 Tyee Road, Mount Vernon, United States