Now, we’re visiting Dave at his Earth Native Wilderness School in Austin, Texas. The weather is hot and sunny as we take a tour around the beautiful 80 – acre wooded campus. The beauty of the camp, with a creek bed, trails, numerous trees, wild animals, and plenty of other impressions, is breathtaking. And that’s just the surroundings, Dave explains that they have built different facilities in some areas to enable different kinds of classes. There are 7 large fireplaces to gather around, as well as huts and an open barn. Everything to maximize the purpose of it all. To help people build lifelong connections to the outdoors.

Dave tells us that he founded the school back in 2011, after some years of studying wilderness skills full time at schools across the US. He eventually began teaching both youth and adults at several schools in Washington State. After years of teaching at other organizations, he decided to open his own wilderness school in his home state of Texas and teach a new generation of explorers in his own community.

“I feel most at home and at peace in the outdoors. I particularly love the raw feeling of wild places where one must utilize a combination of skill, ability, and an understanding of natural systems to meet our basic needs and stay safe. I also love how I feel after a good day’s work outside. So much of our lives these days are co-opted by electronics, cramped indoor spaces, and stress. But there is a whole other world waiting for us outside, one full of mystery, wonder, healing, and connection. So many studies have revealed how much people need nature and that regular time spent outdoors leads us to healthier, happier, less stressful, and more fulfilled lives.”

No wonder, his school is popular in all ages. When Dave happily speaks, we listen. And it feels like we have joined a class, learning about how to live life.

Dave means that the nature connection leads to so many incredible opportunities for social and emotional development in both children and adults.

“I am always inspired when I see just how happy and alive people are at Earth Native programs and the impact that deep connections to nature have on their lives.”

Despite his efforts in his local community, it appears that the general understanding and embracement of the wildlife and especially outdoor skills including a knife have been declining in America over the last 30 years. A trend that worries Dave.

“I believe this to be directly related to the fact that electronics take up more of children’s spare time. In my experience, this translates into an adult population in the United States that is not generally well versed in outdoor knife use. I think most people are no longer aware of the qualities of a good knife, leading people to choose a knife by how fancy it looks, or by how big it is, rather than considering practical use. Partially serrated knives are very popular in the United States, even though in my opinion, serration on a knife blade reduces the usefulness of a knife by at least 70%. Education programs like those at Earth Native Wilderness School are critical to helping people become more self-reliant and relearn old school skills like how to use a knife.” 

Dave means that a fixed blade knife is one of the most important and useful hand tools available. Having a durable, well-designed sharp knife in the woods presents an incredible advantage and wielded with a skilled hand.

“I feel proud to represent an organization that is continuing to pass this important information on to the current generation and those yet to come.”

Now, where do we sign up for a class?

Learn more about the wonderful Earth Native Wilderness School and its instructors at www.earthnativeschool.com.