Ancestral Skills Mobile Program

Ancestral Skills Program



Michael will come to your school, camp, or group, and lead hands-on, interactive, live demonstrations of ancestral skills. Don't just watch "survival" shows on tv, try out some of these skills in real life.

Friction Fire Class

In this class, students will learn about the element of fire, through ancient stories, and hands on experience. Students will have the opportunity to create a small friction fire, from simple tools.


SAFETY: Safety always comes first, and respect for fire and its safe handling will be discussed with students. Fires will be small and temporary, unless a proper barbecue or fireplace is available. I will bring a fire extinguisher with me to the class (but this has never been necessary to be used).

Students will receive coloring sheets to take home the reinforce what was learned.


1 1/2 hour class: $200 (plus travel expenses if location is over 50 miles from Concord California)

Book Service

Spear Throwing

Since ancient times, human ancestors used this simple lever technology to launch a spear-like dart much further than can be thrown by hand. This greatly increased their ability to hunt wild game.


ACTIVATION: In this class students will learn about ancient spear throwers (often known by their Nauhatl/Aztec name: atlatl). They will have the opportunity to throw a spear dart as far as they can, as well as at a targets in a hunting game.


DISCUSSION: Students will learn about the science of levers, and receive a coloring sheet to take home.


SPACE REQUIREMENTS: A large open field (any soccer field will work).

1 1/2 hour class: $200 (plus travel expenses if location is over 50 miles from Concord California)

Book Service

Combinations Skills Class

Want to have a full day of Forest School style education? I can come to you, or we can meet at a local wild park to have a full day to explore various skills and interact with local wildlife.


ACTIVITIES: To include combinations of, but not limited to he following:

Fire-making: (see above)

Foraging for Wild Foods (depending on locale & what is in season).

Spear-Throwing (see above)

Crafts: salve making, candle making, bird feeders, owl pellet dissection, rattle making, bead making.

Games: Various "forest school games that are relevant to the lessons learned in the class.

Story Time: (cultural stories, and stories relevant to the lessons learned in class).


4 1/2 hour class: $550 (plus travel expenses if location is over 50 miles from Concord California)


Book Service
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