Unlock survival prowess and connect with nature at this earth skills gathering in Boulder

Written by Jessi Bang
July 23, 2024

ST. GEORGE — Ready to master survival skills and deepen your connection to nature? Gear up for this immersive event, where you’ll gain the knowledge to craft primitive tools, learn sustainable living techniques and elevate your outdoor expertise.

Attendees of last year's Elkhorn Earth Skills Gathering learn a variety of skills that allow them to live off the land, Boulder, Utah, circa August 2023 | Photo courtesy of Kelly Magleby
Attendees of last year’s Elkhorn Earth Skills Gathering learn a variety of skills that allow them to live off the land, Boulder, Utah, circa August 2023 | Photo courtesy of Kelly Magleby

“I really believe in wilderness therapy,” Elkhorn Earth Skills Gathering Organizer Kelly Magleby said. “I just love seeing how people can thrive in that environment. When we’re out on the land with these skills that just intrinsically connect us to nature and what is real, it also allows us to connect to each other. And I think that’s something that we’re missing in our modern society and something we’re all kind of craving.”

The Elkhorn Earth Skills Gathering is a week-long, family-friendly event dedicated to nature skills education. Participants will explore a range of topics including primitive skills, sustainability, homesteading and nature connection. Over the week, 30 expert instructors will lead a diverse array of classes, offering in-depth insights and hands-on learning opportunities. Many of these instructors have taught at Rabbitstick, one of the pioneering primitive earth gatherings.

Magleby brings extensive experience from her work in wilderness programs for troubled youth. She later specialized in primitive pottery and has been an active participant in primitive skills gatherings for over 15 years. In addition to teaching at these events, she travels to conduct her own workshops independently.

The 2024 Elkhorn Earth Skills Gathering will take place August 11-18 in Boulder, Utah. Attendees can immerse themselves in nature by camping on the land, with options for RVs or vehicle camping. This event is family-friendly and features a dedicated children’s program for ages 5 to 12, running each morning. This will allow parents to fully engage in individual classes and activities while their kids enjoy a tailored experience.

Children attend last year's Elkhorn Earth Skills Gathering where they learned a variety of primitive skills, Boulder, Utah, circa August 2023 | Photo courtesy of Kelly Magleby, St. George News
Children attend last year’s Elkhorn Earth Skills Gathering where they learned a variety of primitive skills, Boulder, Utah, circa August 2023 | Photo courtesy of Kelly Magleby, St. George News

This marks the second annual Elkhorn Earth Skills Gathering. According to Magleby, last year’s event was a tremendous success, with attendees thoroughly enjoying a diverse range of classes and the stunning Boulder area, renowned for its wide variety of activities and captivating landscape.

“It was amazing,” she said. “We were smaller than a typical Earth Skills Gathering with about 70 attendees, but we received so much positive feedback. And almost everybody who came last year is coming again this year, so I think that says a lot.”

This year, a trade blanket event, a tradition rooted in the era of mountain men, will take place. Attendees are invited to bring homemade items to trade, continuing this time-honored practice. Magleby explained that since mountain men and natives often spoke different languages, they used a trade blanket to facilitate exchanges. Participants would place their items in the center of the blanket, and others could place their own trade offers on the edge. The owner of the original item would then decide whether to accept any of the offers. This method encourages interaction, showcases various crafts and skills and adds a fun, inspiring element to the event.

The venue for the event can accommodate up to 300 people, and this year, there is no registration cutoff. Registration includes breakfast, dinner and most classes. Some classes may have a material fee for specific items, such as hides for drum-making. Each instructor decides whether to impose this fee, but the majority of classes remain free.

Attendees of last year's Elkhorn Earth Skills Gathering learn how to make primitive tools for survival, Boulder, Utah, circa August 2023 | Photo courtesy of Kelly Magleby, St. George News
Attendees of last year’s Elkhorn Earth Skills Gathering learn how to make primitive tools for survival, Boulder, Utah, circa August 2023 | Photo courtesy of Kelly Magleby, St. George News

Additionally, registration costs cover water, camping, nightly live music and a range of interactive activities, including stargazing astronomy classes and field trips. Magleby is committed to making the event accessible to everyone. If the registration fee poses a concern, please reach out to her directly at [email protected] to discuss options.

“This gathering is connected to and inspired by the roots of the primitive skills movement,” Magleby said. “It’s a tight-knit community, and Boulder has been a huge influence in the primitive skills community since it began, so that’s kind of a neat idea that there’s a gathering here now. We hope to have as many people attend as possible.”

For more information on the Elkhorn Earth Skills Gathering, visit their website.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2024, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessi Bang was born and raised in Utah and has a passion for nature and the great outdoors. She graduated from Kaplan University in California with a degree in criminal justice. She has extensive experience in marketing, content creation, photography and copywriting. You can find her showcasing outdoor adventures through her blog, “The Rambling Raccoon.” In her free time, she enjoys climbing mountains, trail running, working out and cuddling her two lovable pups.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews

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