IOL Annual Conference and AGM

24th March 2007 at East Barnby Centre, N. Yorkshire

Dave Watson writes on his presentation:

Dave Watson APIOL and Ian Creswell of Woodland Survival Crafts Ltd
Bushcraft or Survival - The original Development Training

We started the program with a few thoughts about the term Bushcraft, why it has become the In word at the moment and how it can capture the key elements of adventure, creativity and inspiration.
We took a look at some key differences between the ethos of Bushcraft and Survival which was quite an eye opener to many discovering why a good Bushcraft session can have a very different outcome to a Survival based program although making it clear that it is possible to amalgamate the 2 successfully.

We then went on to do what everyone wanted to do which was to make fire by friction which all did with relative ease.

Whilst half the group did this Ian had the other group making a length of string which captured the groups imagination more than you may think possible.

To finish we looked at the possible ways we can provide training/help to support you in developing a good program.

Whilst half the group did this Ian had the other group making a length of string which captured the groups imagination more than you
 

Dave Watson & Ian Creswell

A report by an attendee of the workshop by Dave Watson APIOL of Woodland Survival Crafts Ltd

Bushcraft or Survival – the Original Development Training?

A presentation as to the differences between Bushcraft and Survival stimulated thought as to the reasoning behind presenting these skills. This was added to by the examples of how the teaching of these skills can fit into a range of learning programmes in the outdoors.

Two practical sessions followed. One had the delegates leaning how to make chord out of nettles (and making enough to connect a nut to a karabiner) but the more realistic use was to make sufficient to make the string of a „drill bow‰ to enable fire to be practically started by the „two sticks‰ technique. The making of fire was the topic of the second practical. The delegates worked in teams to show how achievable this was ˆ if you had, primarily, the right technique and secondly the right (dry) materials.

The workshop left delegates with a sense of achievement and wonder, thinking about how they could include this learning along with the other experiences that traditionally comprise their sessions.

A full version of the Powerpoint presentations that were presented can be obtained from IOL on CD for an administrative charge of £5. They can also be sent free of charge by email, but at up to 5mb it might be too large for many PC’s.

Please contact Fiona (T : 01768 885800) at IOL to request an email version or to buy the CD. 

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