Day 1 – Arrival & Orientation

The first day begins at our boreal basecamp. After settling into camp and organizing personal gear, we gather as a team to orient ourselves to the landscape, the rhythm of camp life, and the principles that guide our time together.

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The afternoon introduces the foundations of living well outdoors: camp systems, fire, tools, and the practical workflows that allow us to spend more time comfortably in the forest. We’ll explore the surrounding ecosystem, begin identifying key boreal species, and share a wild mixology session before preparing our first forest-to-table dinner together.

Evening conversations around the fire provide a chance to settle in, connect as a group, and prepare for the days ahead.

 

Day 2 – Boreal Foraging & Field Cookery

We begin the morning exploring the boreal forest, learning to recognize and harvest key edible species including plants, berries, mushrooms, and trees. The focus is not simply identification, but understanding how these ingredients become part of daily life through preparation, preservation, and cooking.

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Back at camp, discoveries from the forest transition into the field kitchen. Participants work together to prepare meals, experiment with wild flavours, and build confidence turning harvested ingredients into memorable food and beverages.

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As always: evening wild mixology followed by a shared team dinner around the fire.

 

Day 3 – Forest Expedition, Applied Harvesting & Camp Cookery

We leave camp for a full day in the boreal landscape, putting our skills into practice.

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Moving through the forest, we’ll read the landscape, harvest seasonal ingredients, and explore the relationship between hunting, fishing, foraging, and place. Depending on conditions and opportunity, the day may include demonstrations of ethical hunting practices, field dressing, and processing wild game.

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We’ll prepare a simple field lunch over a small fire, practicing the skills that allow us to cook and eat well away from basecamp. After returning to camp, we’ll celebrate the day’s discoveries with wild beverages, shared stories, and a collaborative dinner.

 

Day 4 – Integration, Cookery & Closing the Loop

A slower morning follows the previous day’s forest expedition. The focus is on bringing everything together: preparing harvested ingredients, reflecting on camp systems, and exploring how these skills can become part of everyday outdoor life.

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Together we’ll share a final forest-to-table meal, review the lessons learned throughout the program, and close with a group reflection before departing in the afternoon.

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Skills & Knowledge Gained

• Boreal foraging skills: Gain a practical understanding of key edible plants, berries, mushrooms, and trees, and learn how to incorporate them into meals and beverages.

• Camp systems & outdoor living skills: Build confidence with the practical systems that allow you to live comfortably outdoors, including fire management, wood processing, tools, and efficient camp workflows.

• Field cookery skills: Learn how to prepare thoughtful meals outdoors using simple tools, fire, and wild ingredients.

• Wild harvesting skills: Explore the relationship between hunting, fishing, foraging, and responsible harvest practices.

• Wild mixology skills: Learn to create beverages inspired by flavours from the boreal forest.

• Ecological awareness: Develop a deeper understanding of the boreal ecosystem and the relationships between plants, animals, people, and place.

• Teamwork & self-sufficiency: Gain experience working together in a small expedition environment, building confidence and capability for future outdoor adventures.