SkyEarth Family Outdoor Skills Gathering 2024

Teachers and artisans in primitive technology and homesteading/self-reliance skills are invited to attend these gatherings to share ideas and methods as well as spread the arts through hands-on workshops. You can expect skills instruction from some of the nation's top primitive technologists and artisans.

The Gathering is seven days beginning the afternoon of Day 1, classes running days 2-6, and camp clean-up/departure on Day 7.  Classes are held from roughly 9am to 4pm and special activities occur in the evenings after a meal break. Lecture/Discussion Sessions are information-oriented and each covers a broad subject. Demonstrations are how-to presentations with some practical instruction. Hands-On classes provide you with the instruction needed to actually complete a project or practice a new skill.  The entire camp experience is outdoors so be prepared and flexible for Texas weather!

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SkyEarth prides itself on being family friendly. Each year we have the wonderful instructors from Natureversity Outdoor School in Austin running our Kids Camp activities during the day so that parents can get a break if needed.  Kids Camp is for children ages 5 - 12 years.

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Please refer to our event schedule for a list and description of classes and activities for our current gathering - the schedule is updated periodically as new instructors and classes are planned.

We look forward to seeing you at SkyEarth!

How the gathering starts...We encourage attendees to arrive by 12pm on Sunday for camp setup, orientation of the site, and to be ready for opening circle. Check-in will take place at the gate when you arrive. The gate opens at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, and 8:00 a.m. on Sunday. Check-in closes at 5:00 p.m. on both days. Morning announcements occur around the fire pit every morning at 8:30am.  Classes will begin Monday morning at 9am and run through Friday afternoon at 4pm.

Next will be the Opening Circle Sunday at 7pm. We will begin our Opening Circle with instructor and staff introductions and the courses they will be teaching throughout the week. Some classes may have size limits so this will be where you sign up for those.  Some classes may have materials fees. Many classes you will just be able to show up for on the day of the class.  Opening Circle will also include the lighting of our family fire during the telling of the story of the First Fire.  This is a great time to get to know the instructors and other campers around our SkyEarth fire pit.

​And of course, the weather may change at any point so flexibility is the name of the game wOhen we're outdoors.  ​Class schedules will be posted on kiosks around main camp with dates, times, size limits, materials fees, etc. 

Every morning we will start with Morning Announcements around the fire pit. We will remind you of the classes that are being taught and of any changes to the scheduling or class openings.

Materials Fees

You may be asked to pay a materials fee for the materials used in your class. Some instructors may simply ask for a donation to cover their costs. The materials fee should be just that and should not include any expense for teaching the class, however, instructors may charge for the time that it took to collect the materials.

​How much can you expect to pay?

A bow stave could cost over $100. A willow basket might cost between $15 and $50 in materials, depending on the size of the basket. Felt for a hat might cost $35. A hide for tanning, $15-$35. It is impossible to say how much you should bring for materials fees but $150 should be sufficient and you may not spend even a third of that. Materials fees will be updated on the online schedule so you know what to expect in advance.

Bring cash as there will be no ATM's on site. There are ATMs at gas stations and stores in Graham. Instructors don't take credit cards or checks.

Additional Costs

Instructors and attendees may have handcrafted items or swag for sale.

We also have SkyEarth t-shirts for sale prior to the event.  Order them online and pick them up at the gathering.

What tools should I bring?

A knife is an essential tool to almost all classes!

A good, sharp knife and sharpener are a must. Instructors and other campers will be on hand for instructions on tool use, care and maintenance. For flintknapping, tools will be available for use and for sale. If you have your own flintknapping kit be sure to bring it. Many types of knives will be available for sale at the gathering.

Some tools will be made available by the instructors; please take care of their tools and follow directions. Please make sure that they have all of their tools back before leaving a class.

See our Gathering Experience page for a list of camping and other items to bring with you.