In this class, we will turn raw deer hides into beautiful, soft, and versatile buckskin. You will learn a method called combo-tanning which involves aspects of both brain-tanning and bark-tanning. Buckskin is a great material for garments, bags, shoes, and more.

This class will be physically strenuous at times, but almost anyone can do it if committed enough. In the beginning, the process can also be stinky and gross, but any effort and discomfort is made worthwhile by the feeling of satisfaction when you hold your soft, finished buckskin.

Slow down and escape the fast pace of our busy scheduled lives, while Turtle Island's Family Camp provides a unique and special opportunity for parents and their children to enjoy each others uninterrupted company while experiencing the joys and wonders of the natural world.

Daily activities are designed to acquaint participants with their new surroundings, to understand, enjoy and appreciate the natural world. There's no age or experience limit. Family camp is a time for growing and learning. We work on fundamental lifestyle crafts and activities of the "back to basics" simple living that has so much to teach us regarding universal truths and values.

Father and Son Camp is held annually at Turtle Island. It is an unusual opportunity in a profoundly unique place. It is a long weekend for father, sons, brothers, grandfathers, uncles, cousins and friends to stop the rapid pace of life for a few days to camp out on the only Appalachian Heritage farm of its kind.  Together in the time-tested tradition of our ancestors, men and their young boys take time to reconnect together with their natural roots. 

Click the link below to learn more!

Calling Mothers & Daughters, grandmothers & granddaughters, aunts & nieces, cousins, or friends to a Girls Getaway in the autumn splendor and rustic appeal of the Appalachian Mountains on picturesque Turtle Island Preserve. Enjoy quality time together as you discover new skills through a variety of natural arts, seasonal studies, and woodland adventures. Moderate hikes, evening campfires and morning sunrises whet the appetite and fuel your creative spirit. Mother-Daughter Weekend is THE perfect opportunity to relax, reconnect, and renew your relationship with one another and with Mother Earth.

Forged in Fire fan-favorite, Robby Bowman, will be leading a group of 10 adults in making a useful knife out of repurposed railroad spikes and horseshoes. For this two-day weekend workshop, students will have access to Turtle Island's outdoor blacksmith's classroom - all tools and materials are provided. The event is open to a small group of adults only. (Special exceptions can sometimes be made for mature minors accompanied by an adult chaperone.) Students are strongly encouraged to have already taken a basic blacksmith class. Please check out our Blacksmiths Basics Class especially designed for beginners.

Click HERE for more info

In this class, we will learn to process the lower leg of the whitetail deer to gather the materials to make our own tool kit! The lower legs of deer do not have meat and therefore are often discarded by hunters. Let's honor the life of the deer people and learn to utilize all of the gifts they provide. If you are a hunter that wants to make use of the entire deer, a person interested in self reliance and natural materials or a craftsperson interested in making use of an often wasted resource, this class is for you! 

Forged in Fire fan-favorite, Robby Bowman, will be leading a group of 10 adults in making a useful knife out of repurposed railroad spikes and horseshoes. For this two-day weekend workshop, students will have access to Turtle Island's outdoor blacksmith's classroom - all tools and materials are provided. The event is open to a small group of adults only. (Special exceptions can sometimes be made for mature minors accompanied by an adult chaperone.) Students are strongly encouraged to have already taken a basic blacksmith class. Please check out our Blacksmiths Basics Class especially designed for beginners.

Click HERE for more info

Slow down and escape the fast pace of our busy scheduled lives, while Turtle Island's Family Camp provides a unique and special opportunity for parents and their children to enjoy each others uninterrupted company while experiencing the joys and wonders of the natural world.

Daily activities are designed to acquaint participants with their new surroundings, to understand, enjoy and appreciate the natural world. There's no age or experience limit. Family camp is a time for growing and learning. We work on fundamental lifestyle crafts and activities of the "back to basics" simple living that has so much to teach us regarding universal truths and values.