Living by Nature: Teaching Method; How We Work
Theory and Practice
Our lessons contain a combination of theory and practical experience, with high standards. We explain a theory, and then you go to work on it yourself. We encourage all our participants to practice as much as possible. Only then can you truly internalize techniques. A few attempts won’t make you master a technique.
Long-Term Focus
Our activities are aimed at the long term. The skills you need for an extended stay in nature. We pay attention to making clothing from buckskin, creating a primitive carrying system, and, for example, drying meat so that you can use it at later moments.
Psychological Aspects
We focus on the psychological aspects people may encounter. Imagine suddenly changing your diet; that has consequences for how you feel and respond. We monitor how everyone is doing and are always available for a personal story.
Within the lessons, all the principles are covered in detail.
Principles
There are a number of fundamental principles that are woven into the basis of our philosophy.
A Part is the Whole
If you want to learn about one subject, you also need to be willing to dive into other subjects. If you want to learn about making fire, you need to understand wood, tinder, but also the influence of wind or the ground you’re going to use for your fire. Everything is a cycle, and there is really no beginning of one subject or end of another. In this way, a part is the whole.
Everything Has a Function
When we take something from nature, we use as much as possible. If you pick a plant, what can you do with all its parts? Or, when you kill an animal, you use its skin, feathers, bones, tendons, and nails.
Sustainable Use
Everything we need is used sustainably. We take no more than necessary and spread it out over an area to minimize harm to the environment. Furthermore, we know that we can return to that place later because something is growing or living there that we can use.
Peace
Outside, in the forest, in nature, we are part of the environment. This means that we preserve and guard peace. If you want to ask something, you don’t shout through the forest but walk over to the person. In this way, you also learn to observe and listen more to nature. If you become a part of nature, then nature becomes a part of you.
Respect
We believe it’s important to treat everything with respect, especially when working with animal materials. An animal has given its life, and we eat from it. We enjoy humor but treat the important parts seriously.
Thinking Ahead
If you want to live in nature for a long time, you need to think ahead. Drying food for the winter. Taking into account environmental changes, supplies, materials you need to dry, preserve, or prepare.
Observation
Good observation is essential. Maybe you’re going for a walk and searching for edible plants. But if you come across perfect tinder material, you take it with you! Don’t wait until you suddenly need tinder and have to go out separately. Use as much of your energy efficiently as possible.
Teamwork
This is perhaps one of the most important elements. Humans are social creatures. Cooperation is necessary for survival. A great example is fire watch. When you sleep together in a shelter with a fire burning, one person takes turns keeping watch. This way, the fire stays lit, you stay warm, and you’ll have fire the next day. A responsible and beautiful task. Teamwork also means communicating and speaking up. If you have pain in your knee or a headache, another person can only account for you if there is good and clear communication.
Our Offer
We pass on our Living by Nature philosophy, method, and knowledge in various ways.
You can take individual courses for one or more days. With a collection of courses and modules, you can gradually expand your knowledge and experience to the point where Living by Nature becomes second nature to you. We offer a year-long program where you gain in-depth knowledge and experience in all areas. We also have activities for parents with children.
Courses
Where we teach you the basics of Living by Nature or help you deepen them.
You will learn practical skills and knowledge about a specific subject.
Year-Long Program
You will learn all the subjects step-by-step in a fixed group of students, allowing you to learn quickly and practice extensively.
Parent-Child Activities
Children are welcome, and we offer various activities focused on joint activities. It’s a special experience for both children and parents, providing a great opportunity to deepen your relationship with your son or daughter. You’ll find these activities under both courses and programs.