Pickering Museum Village has introduced a new outdoor experience in a 3-day workshop called Pioneer Bushcraft. It has opened registration for participation.
The workshop relives the period beginning in 1799, when Pickering saw the arrival of the first wave of European settlers. They were United Empire Loyalists, seeking refuge – and free land – after fleeing their homes during and after the American Revolution. Surviving in the forests of Upper Canada required that settlers made food, fire, and shelter from the plants and animals of the forest, said a release.
It is not a survival course. Each day will challenge participants to consider the hardships as well as the knowledge and skills needed to survive the pioneer experience in Upper Canada, at the turn of the 18th century.
On May 2 from 10 am – 1 pm, participants will join the costumed Museum Interpreter in the forest to scavenge for the supplies needed to build three types of historic shelters. Participants will enjoy tea brewed from plants foraged from the bush.
On May 23 from 10 am – 1 pm, participants will build a fire using materials only available to the Loyalists. With the guidance of the costumed Museum Interpreter, participants will make a cedar bowl with a hot coal and enjoy some tea brewed from plants foraged from the bush. Participants will also learn how to cook bannock (a type of bread) over the fire.
On June 13 from 10 am – 1 pm, participants will join the costumed Museum Interpreter to forage the forest for their meal. Participants will cook and construct a full 1800s themed bush meal with items found in the forest.
Registration for all three days costs $235, or per day fort $80. Registration can be done online through ActiveNet with the City of Pickering. Details can also be found on the event line up on the museum’s Facebook page.