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Save the Date
July 23-26, 2026
Tickets Available January 1st

What is a Primitive and Ancestral Skills Gathering?

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There are many skills that our ancestors possessed, no matter where in the world they came from, that allowed us to be here today.  All of our ancestors made fire, hunted and prepared food, crafted tools and containers, clothed themselves, and built shelters from the elements.  They also made beautiful objects, sang songs together, listened to drums, played games, and sat around a fire telling stories or just reflecting on the day.

 

All of these things have been part of our human-ness for most of our time on Earth. 

 

 Once a year, we come together in a community to recall and relearn all of these skills, reconnect with the land and with each other, and remember how important sitting around a fire and sharing our experiences is to our well-being.

If you're human, you belong here!

We're excited you're here!

About Us

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Our Instructors

Skilled in their crafts

We have the best teachers.  The kind who have spent years or even decades honing their skills, and are excited to share their knowledge with others.

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Our Classes

Something for Everyone!

Each year our class offerings are a little different, and center around primitive and ancestral skills, connection to the Earth and to each other, self-sufficiency, and community...

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Our Land

Mountains and Balsams

The gathering takes place on a mostly-forested ridge that is home to birches and balsams, moose and grouse...

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Our Surroundings

The natural beauty of Western Maine

There is so much to see and do just a short distance away, from Lake Umbagog to Old Speck Mountain...

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Join Us

Do you have an Ancestral or Primitive skill to pass on to others?

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Apply For

Work Trade

We have many opportunities for work trade 

for both individuals and families.  Jobs may include kitchen help, parking attendants, set up and clean up, kid's camp helper, campsite porter, and more.

On average, work traders help out for 6-8 hours over the week for full registration and meals.

If you are interested in a work trade opportunity, apply early as there are a limited number of positions.

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Our Food

Fresh & Organic

We believe that good food makes good humans.

We prepare wholesome organic meals on-site in our camp kitchen and strive to support local farms and regenerative agriculture with our purchases.

2026 Ticket Prices

Registration
Adult $200 ($160 EB*)
Child 11-17 $150 ($120 EB*)
Child 5-10 $100 ($60 EB*)
Child under 5 FREE

Meals
Adult $100
Child 5-17 $75
Child under 5 FREE

Note: the cost of our meal plan has increased by $25 due to a large increase in food prices over the past year.

*Early Bird pricing ends April 1*

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"Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit"

Edward Abbey

2026 Schedule

Coming in the Spring!

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Proceeds from this event go directly to the preservation of wild lands in Western Maine for the future of all human and other-than-human beings

Learn more about Wilder Waters Non-Profit

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