Adult Classes
Our adult classes include:
-Day Workshops
-Week-long intensive courses
-Day Workshops
-Week-long intensive courses
Please see our Course Schedule for dates of our upcoming courses.
Workshops
These classes are ideal for people who are looking for a craft to take home, or who only have time to just get started with one skill. Workshops are full-day or half-day classes designed to give beginners an introduction to a particular skill, and to give advanced students more in-depth techniques, or even completely new styles of a skill. Although we fit as much information as possible into each class, the subjects are inexhaustible, so the classes are different each time.
Arrowhead Knapping
Knapping is the ancient art of stone tool manufacture. It can be learned on a basic level of simply knowing how to create a sharp edge to use as a cutting implement, or it can be pushed on a more advanced level, to the point of making fine arrowheads, knives, and spear points. Arrowheads, being small, are a good place to start to learn this fine art. You will learn the physics involved in removing flakes from rock or glass, as well as proper form and correct use of tools. You will also be instructed on the stages of production and the strategic methods for removing flakes in order to end up with a functioning arrowhead. Students will be provided with all necessary tools and materials.
Knapping is the ancient art of stone tool manufacture. It can be learned on a basic level of simply knowing how to create a sharp edge to use as a cutting implement, or it can be pushed on a more advanced level, to the point of making fine arrowheads, knives, and spear points. Arrowheads, being small, are a good place to start to learn this fine art. You will learn the physics involved in removing flakes from rock or glass, as well as proper form and correct use of tools. You will also be instructed on the stages of production and the strategic methods for removing flakes in order to end up with a functioning arrowhead. Students will be provided with all necessary tools and materials.
Bamboo Bows
Create your own functioning bow out of a versatile and fast-growing plant you can find around the world: bamboo. Bows can be customized to your own size and strength. On top of learning this ancient craft, you will also learn the use of several different hand tools, as well as how to make a proper bow string. These bows will last for many years with proper care. Students will be provided with all necessary tools.
Create your own functioning bow out of a versatile and fast-growing plant you can find around the world: bamboo. Bows can be customized to your own size and strength. On top of learning this ancient craft, you will also learn the use of several different hand tools, as well as how to make a proper bow string. These bows will last for many years with proper care. Students will be provided with all necessary tools.
Bowmaking
While the bamboo bows can be made in a day, hardwood bows generally take a few days to make. The benefit of the hardwood bow is that it can last you longer than your whole life, being something you could pass down to your grandchildren. These bows take time and care to make, but you will be guided through each step so that even the beginning wood-worker can successfully complete their own bow. We use bunchberry in this class because it is a locally abundant tree, and it's wood is very conducive to bow-making, like hickory is up north. The principles of bow-making can be applied to many different types of wood, so even if you are traveling from the States to take this course, you will then be able to return home and use woods that grow in your area to create more bows if desired. This class takes place over 5 days. A flexible schedule of 9am-5pm each day. Contact us for rates.
While the bamboo bows can be made in a day, hardwood bows generally take a few days to make. The benefit of the hardwood bow is that it can last you longer than your whole life, being something you could pass down to your grandchildren. These bows take time and care to make, but you will be guided through each step so that even the beginning wood-worker can successfully complete their own bow. We use bunchberry in this class because it is a locally abundant tree, and it's wood is very conducive to bow-making, like hickory is up north. The principles of bow-making can be applied to many different types of wood, so even if you are traveling from the States to take this course, you will then be able to return home and use woods that grow in your area to create more bows if desired. This class takes place over 5 days. A flexible schedule of 9am-5pm each day. Contact us for rates.
Basketry Workshops
In our basketry workshops, we show you how to harvest your own materials from the wild, but we also have an ample supply of materials already collected for you to save time during the workshop. We teach different styles of basketry, listed below, on a rotating basis.
In our basketry workshops, we show you how to harvest your own materials from the wild, but we also have an ample supply of materials already collected for you to save time during the workshop. We teach different styles of basketry, listed below, on a rotating basis.
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Melon Baskets
This style of basketry was once widely used on St. Croix. You can sometimes see them in old black and white photos where people are using them as market baskets to carry home their purchases from the day or to carry their produce to sell. They can be made with very strong handles, making them especially good for harvesting lots of heavy mangos! In this class, we use vines and branches as our materials. |
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Warp and Weft Baskets
In this workshop, we use vines to weave a style of basketry that is very basic and is found all over the world. These baskets are begun at the base and are worked upwards to finish at the rim. There are many ways to vary this type of basket, such as flat bottom or rounded bottom, different styles of rims, and different styles of handles.
In this workshop, we use vines to weave a style of basketry that is very basic and is found all over the world. These baskets are begun at the base and are worked upwards to finish at the rim. There are many ways to vary this type of basket, such as flat bottom or rounded bottom, different styles of rims, and different styles of handles.
Coconut Palm Leaf Weaving
Coconut palm weaving originated in the South Pacific, but has spread all over the world where coconut palms are found. Learn how to properly harvest ideal leaves, as well as how to prepare them for weaving. Then choose between a basket or a hat! Both methods have similarities, so once you learn one style, you will be set up to learn the other.
Coconut palm weaving originated in the South Pacific, but has spread all over the world where coconut palms are found. Learn how to properly harvest ideal leaves, as well as how to prepare them for weaving. Then choose between a basket or a hat! Both methods have similarities, so once you learn one style, you will be set up to learn the other.
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Coil Basketry
This form of basketry can be seen in various cultures around the world. It is especially common in areas with prairies or savannas, or places where grains are grown and straw is available. However, the variety of materials that can be used is endless. In this workshop, we use leaves and bark collected here on St. Croix. |
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Royal Palm Plaited Basketry
The royal palm is a native tree of the Caribbean which can be found in both urban areas and in forests. In this workshop you will first learn how to cut royal palm leaf sheaths into even strips. Then choose between learning how to make a plaited mat or basket. |
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Calabash Containers
The calabash tree, Crescentia cujete, is native to Central and South America and has been used by people since prehistoric times. It's fruit can be made into a variety of vessels that are durable and long-lasting when properly cared for. It may become your bowl of choice in your own kitchen! In this class, you will make your own bowl, cup, or other container and then have the option of adding decorations to the outside by etching with a sharp tool. |
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Cordage
Cordage can be string or rope, depending on how thick you make it. It can be used for as many things as the imagination can come up with, from bow strings to basket straps, from fishing line to necklaces. That is why it is such an integral skill to wilderness living. Learn many of the local plants that yield strong fibers, as well as how to harvest them, process their fibers, and weave them into strong cordage.
Cordage can be string or rope, depending on how thick you make it. It can be used for as many things as the imagination can come up with, from bow strings to basket straps, from fishing line to necklaces. That is why it is such an integral skill to wilderness living. Learn many of the local plants that yield strong fibers, as well as how to harvest them, process their fibers, and weave them into strong cordage.
Fire-By-Friction
Our ancestors around the world once used friction as their source of starting a fire. Perhaps it is because it is so embedded in our genes that it is such an exhilarating skill to learn. From a practical standpoint, it gives you a different kind of fire insurance policy- one that gives you a better chance of getting a fire if you don't have a working lighter or matches. In this workshop, students will learn the basics of fire-by-friction and which woods work best, both on the island and elsewhere. Students will carve their own bow-drill kits and learn proper technique and form. We will also introduce the hand drill and bamboo fire saw.
Our ancestors around the world once used friction as their source of starting a fire. Perhaps it is because it is so embedded in our genes that it is such an exhilarating skill to learn. From a practical standpoint, it gives you a different kind of fire insurance policy- one that gives you a better chance of getting a fire if you don't have a working lighter or matches. In this workshop, students will learn the basics of fire-by-friction and which woods work best, both on the island and elsewhere. Students will carve their own bow-drill kits and learn proper technique and form. We will also introduce the hand drill and bamboo fire saw.
Fish Spears
Spend a day out in the rainforest making your own fish spear out of materials harvested entirely from the landscape. Choose from a few different styles of spear, depending on where and how you want to use it. The spears we make will be simple but effective, as we've successfully used each type of spear. We highly encourage only hunting lionfish to best support our reefs.
Plant Workshops
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Edible Trees
There are some local trees you may know, but parts of them you didn't know were edible. We will be going around to the different trees we will be collecting from, learning about them, their different edible parts and nutritional values, and how to harvest from them. Then we bring our harvest into our outdoor kitchen and make things such as baobab "coffee" and west indian locust chocolate pudding! Local, organic, and FREE food at your fingertips. We will end up with a delicious, nutritious snack for all to enjoy! |
Edible Weeds
A weed is an unwanted plant. So if we start eating them, are they still weeds? In the first part of this class, students will learn to confidently identify some of the most common and also nutritious "weeds" that usually get pulled from peoples' gardens. Then we will take our harvest to our outdoor kitchen and students will learn how to prepare each plant into a tasty dish, at the same time learning about the nutritional values of each plant. Finally, we will enjoy them in an exceptionally nutritious snack.
A weed is an unwanted plant. So if we start eating them, are they still weeds? In the first part of this class, students will learn to confidently identify some of the most common and also nutritious "weeds" that usually get pulled from peoples' gardens. Then we will take our harvest to our outdoor kitchen and students will learn how to prepare each plant into a tasty dish, at the same time learning about the nutritional values of each plant. Finally, we will enjoy them in an exceptionally nutritious snack.
Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants
This workshop is designed to give students a good comfort level with identifying plants in the wild and to teach some of the common edible and medicinal plants that you can find on St. Croix. We will also cover how to make simple herbal medicines, such as an infusion, tincture, and salve. Students will go home with medicines that they made. Since this class is jam-packed with information, we recommend bringing a notebook or recording device.
This workshop is designed to give students a good comfort level with identifying plants in the wild and to teach some of the common edible and medicinal plants that you can find on St. Croix. We will also cover how to make simple herbal medicines, such as an infusion, tincture, and salve. Students will go home with medicines that they made. Since this class is jam-packed with information, we recommend bringing a notebook or recording device.
Wild Plant Intensives Series
These workshops are an off-shoot off the popular wild edible and medicinal plant workshop. They are designed to give you a full dose of information on just one or two plants. They are not just informational, but also hands-on workshops. You will learn how to create culinary delights, medicine, and other useful things out of the plant we are focusing on. It is a great way to experience a plant on many levels and make the experience your own.
These workshops are an off-shoot off the popular wild edible and medicinal plant workshop. They are designed to give you a full dose of information on just one or two plants. They are not just informational, but also hands-on workshops. You will learn how to create culinary delights, medicine, and other useful things out of the plant we are focusing on. It is a great way to experience a plant on many levels and make the experience your own.
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Post-Storm Preparedness
This workshop was inspired by the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. There is a lot of information out there on how to prepare for a storm, but not as much about how to care for yourself, family, and neighbors in the conditions you might face afterwards. By learning some simple skills, you can dramatically change your comfort and confidence level when you are faced with no electricity, running water, gas, lack of access to the grocery store, and a compromised shelter. This workshop will cover basic fire-making and efficient coal-cooking, wild edible plants that are abundant after a severe storm, food preservation without refrigeration or ice, water purification techniques and smart water-usage, sanitary bathroom "facilities" when there is no running water, simple shelter improvisation, as well as "survival mind" and maintaining your mental and emotional edge. |
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Pottery from the Land
St. Croix is rich with different types of clay deposits all over the island, and the Tainos were master artisans with this abundant resource. Learn how to find naturally-occurring clay in your area and how to purify and process it to make a good quality clay for ceramics. Make your own piece to be fired in an open wood-firing. We will teach several different methods for creating your own pottery, such as the pinch pot, coiling, and interior and exterior molds. We will then describe the steps to firing pottery without a kiln. Your pottery will be fired the following weekend, giving it time to sufficiently dry out. You are welcome to return to observe the firing.
St. Croix is rich with different types of clay deposits all over the island, and the Tainos were master artisans with this abundant resource. Learn how to find naturally-occurring clay in your area and how to purify and process it to make a good quality clay for ceramics. Make your own piece to be fired in an open wood-firing. We will teach several different methods for creating your own pottery, such as the pinch pot, coiling, and interior and exterior molds. We will then describe the steps to firing pottery without a kiln. Your pottery will be fired the following weekend, giving it time to sufficiently dry out. You are welcome to return to observe the firing.
The Many Uses Of Bones
Before modern tools, stone and bone were commonly used for a variety of purposes. Come and experience an aspect of life that our ancestors lived long ago. You will have the option of making your own fish hook, spear point, knife, buttons, jewelry, or needle.
Before modern tools, stone and bone were commonly used for a variety of purposes. Come and experience an aspect of life that our ancestors lived long ago. You will have the option of making your own fish hook, spear point, knife, buttons, jewelry, or needle.
Wooden Utensils
Craft your own utensils for everyday use! The tropics has a great variety of beautiful woods from which to chose from, such as saman, mahogany, teak, fiddle wood, almond, and many others. This workshops focuses intensely on woodcarving. You will make your own spoon using coal-burning and carving. If time permits, you also have the option of moving on to a bamboo knife or a black palm fork.
Craft your own utensils for everyday use! The tropics has a great variety of beautiful woods from which to chose from, such as saman, mahogany, teak, fiddle wood, almond, and many others. This workshops focuses intensely on woodcarving. You will make your own spoon using coal-burning and carving. If time permits, you also have the option of moving on to a bamboo knife or a black palm fork.
Intensive Courses
These classes are for people who are looking to really dive into a particular skill or skill-set. They are anywhere from two-days to two-weeks and will give the students a chance to become really proficient in a particular skill. By the end of the course, students will have a good working knowledge of the skill that was taught and will easily be able to re-create any projects that are made during the course. If you see a course that interests you that is not on the schedule contact us about a time that it works for you and we'll see if we can schedule it for you or your group.
These classes are for people who are looking to really dive into a particular skill or skill-set. They are anywhere from two-days to two-weeks and will give the students a chance to become really proficient in a particular skill. By the end of the course, students will have a good working knowledge of the skill that was taught and will easily be able to re-create any projects that are made during the course. If you see a course that interests you that is not on the schedule contact us about a time that it works for you and we'll see if we can schedule it for you or your group.
Bow-making
In this 5-day course we will start with a section of a tree and finish with a bow that is made specifically for the student making it. We will be using locally sourced wood unless the student wishes to bring or order a specific type of wood. In addition to making the bow, we will be working on improving our archery skills with the help of Dr. William Coles, the local wildlife officer, who runs the St. Croix archery federation. For those interested, we can also add on a hunter's education course which is valid in all states and territories for those seeking to obtain a hunter's license. There will also be plenty of free time to spend at the beach or traipsing around the rainforest.
In this 5-day course we will start with a section of a tree and finish with a bow that is made specifically for the student making it. We will be using locally sourced wood unless the student wishes to bring or order a specific type of wood. In addition to making the bow, we will be working on improving our archery skills with the help of Dr. William Coles, the local wildlife officer, who runs the St. Croix archery federation. For those interested, we can also add on a hunter's education course which is valid in all states and territories for those seeking to obtain a hunter's license. There will also be plenty of free time to spend at the beach or traipsing around the rainforest.
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Spearfishing
No earth-based skill captures the essence of the tropics more than spearfishing in crystal clear waters. In this 5-day class we'll cover the construction of numerous types of spears from materials found in the natural environment, for use both in the water and from the shore. Since a large number of the spear types are made for use in the water, we'll cover the basics of how to feel more comfortable, and move fluidly in the water with a spear. We will also cover the basic ecology of the reefs where we'll be hunting. 
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In the interest of conservation we will mostly be chasing after lion fish, but we will cover the manners in which many types of fish are properly approached for the best results. All meals are included, regardless of student success rates!
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Tropical Skills and Survival Quest
This two-week class is for those who want to push their limits, and experience survival living with the guidance of experienced survivalists. The first half will be spent learning many of the native skills we have picked up during our journeys in the Caribbean, Central America, and Hawai’i. We will cover skills such as bone fish hooks, pottery, primitive spear-guns, bamboo bows, palm leaf hats, wild tropical plants for food and medicine, calabash bowls, cordage, and weaving. We will also dive into the cultural, historical and ecological aspects of these skills, as well as the island of St. Croix. In a quest to fully understand the experience of the ancient cultures of the island, we will spend the second half of the class in a survival immersion. This part of the class will take place in a remote and spectacularly beautiful corner of the island, where we will live off of the land, in a handmade shelter. This is truly a life changing experience for people, and upon re-integrating with the modern world, most people find that this class enhances their lives on a daily level. These classes can be taken separately as one week classes.
This class is for both beginners and advanced students alike. The first portion of the class, spent at Mount Victory Camp, is designed for beginners to learn the core skills needed for survival, while also giving ample projects for advanced students. The skills we make will become part of our lives through personal experience.
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