Registration Update

Thanks so much for kicking it into gear and getting your registrations in. We still have space available, but we have been working overtime the past few days trying to get confirmations and registration packets out to all the first-timers who are coming this year. 

If you are returning and haven't signed in yet, you'd better get to it. We're considering limiting the size of future gatherings. With all of the growth that has happened over the past few years, we want to keep Backtracks events at a manageable size. 

There are nearly 30 events nationwide right now and more coming. Help us keep Rabbistick and Winter Count the national events we have come to know. It's great to get so many people from so many regions of the country who come and learn skills they can take back home to their local events. Come find out what a Backtracks gathering is all about and help us keep traditions alive!

Spread the word. 'Like' us on Facebook, and share our blog with your friends.

Bob and Gayle Kitch teach Great Basin Atlatls and Beadwork.

Scenes from Rabbitstick 2012

Photos by Joshua Sage

 Opening Circle

Larry and Big Bertha

Kids Kamp Leaders

Norm is open for business

The Ryans

Digger and Dave

Jerry's sharpening up 

Note- That hat's made from dogbane cordage

Rabbitstick Update

Fires - Idaho fires are still going, but not as severe as the media tells it. Most smoke is going to the north of us. There is still some haze in the area, but for the most part skies are clear. We're finally getting our afternoon monsoons after about 3+ weeks of +90˚ weather - that's unusual for us. 

Reservations - If anyone is planning on staying in town, you had better make motel reservations now. The university is starting a week later than normal - Monday the 16th - so that week and the weekend before should be pretty crazy with frantic parents dropping kids off. This goes double for crowds at Wal Mart and the grocery store. 

Camp Site - Garth has been busy watering our campsite, and it looks great. This will make you think things are safe, but we are not allowing any fire inside tree line. Fires other than our main fires need to be in pans only.

Staff - We've had a great response from staff so far - Yes Cody Groupies, he will be here. All of our regular classes will be offered as well as a few new ones. The Kids Kamp will need help from instructors as usual, so Rachel and Valley will getting a hold of everyone. 

Weather - Here's the forecast. It looks like we'll have a great week.

Last Chance to Get Early Registration Prices.

September 1st is the end for early registration. We have increased the late registration rate to "encourage" everyone to register early. The on-line registration link is up and running and will be changed to the late fee -$375 - on Sunday morning, so don't wait.

Staff Checking-In

Winter Count 2013  is shaping up as another great winter event. Make a point to add a week at Winter Count to your "Things-to-do" list for this coming February. We currently have over 40 instructors confirmed for this year, and will probably be well over 80 on staff by the time the gates open. Backtracks events have the largest available staff pool of any similar events in the country, and their expertise and teaching skills are second to none.   Join Us!
 

Classes currently on the schedule:

Basketry

Brain Tanning

Tracking

Primitive Packs

Felting

Bow Making

Gourdcraft

Friction Fire making

Cordage from Natural Fibers

Flintknapping

Atlatls and Darts

and much more.

Winter Count 2012 staff photo.

Here's a slide show from Chris Noble from Rabbitstick 2011. Enjoy.

Let's Get Ready

Winter Count 2013

Is Just Around the Corner

February 10-16, 2013

To help get you jazzed about joining us for this New Year, here are 2 posts that feature scenes from last year's event. Make plans now to sign up early and save $50 on you registration fee. You can do it on-line at backtracks.net. You can also stay up-to-date with us on Facebook at Backtracks, LLC. Be a part of helping to spread the word by visiting the Facebook page and clicking the "Like" button. 

Photography compilation by Scott Wright Photography

Music by Daniel Dahl-Bredine   

or look for him on Facebook he emanates light and goodness in all his work. He has a deep love and connection to Mother Earth. 

These photos were taken at two outdoor wilderness survival camps, Winter Count in Arizona, and Rabbitstick in Idaho. Information on these events can be found at backtracks.net . I met Andrew there and this video compilation is the result of his singer/songwriting talents combined with the activities and natural beauty I saw while attending. I found the people involved to be from varying backgrounds but all with a deep love and respect for Nature, and the Earth, in a very positive and encouraging way. It is a well run and organized event, and I hope that some of that feeling might come through in these photos, and especially in Andrews music and lyrics. Enjoy!!!   Scott Wright

Another little clip from Chasing a Different Carrot - " Karen and I attended Winter Count in February. We camped out for five nights (just west of the town of Maricopa) with hundreds of folks who were highly interested in learning and teaching a durable set of skills". One of the classes they took was on how to utilize an entire animal for food and projects. 

Here is the address of a website that contains some great photos compiled by Joshua Sage at Winter Count 2011 -

 www.joshuasage.com

We haven't had this address before, so take a look. There are some great new views that are sure to get you excited about coming to Winter Count again this year.

Take a minute and get to know what this great event is all about. If you've been before, here's a chance to rekindle that flame that was ignited at your last event, and help you start making plans to join us again this year in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona to once again learn the old ways. 

Join Us !

Keeping Traditions Alive !