Our past gives direction to our future. To
the degree that we lose awareness and knowledge
of our past, our heritage, we risk losing
the Wisdom to choose daily the best path
into the future, and thereby compromise our
legacy to the generations to follow.
Wilderness Way School began in 1993 as part
of the founder's vision to use his love and
experience of living close to nature to bring
others to an awareness of their true heritage,
their eternal connection to the natural world,
and role as caretakers of the Earth.
The ancient people looked upon Earth as their
Mother, and like any mother she provided
for all their physical needs. She was to
them the physical manifestation of the Creator’s
love. This Earth is still our provider. Yet
in our modern fast-paced society it is easy
to lose sight of this connection, and no
longer show the respect that we should for
this gift. Without an awareness of the interconnection
of all things in creation we fail to grow
in the wisdom needed to choose the best path
into the future.
At the school we teach the skills that were
used by the ancient peoples to provide for
their daily needs. Through countless generations
they acquired knowledge of these skills,
along with a unique awareness of the balance
between all things. This knowledge when forged
with experience became Wisdom.
The Wilderness Way learning experience is
a journey to wisdom for all types of students
interested in primitive skills and wilderness
living.
Here the outdoor
enthusiast can independently learn and master
skills for self-sufficiency in survival situations,
while enjoying outdoor activities in a group
environment.
The traditionalist can become immersed in
the ancient arts and aboriginal life skills,
retrieving knowledge that may be lost if
itis not passed on to the next generation.
The environmentally-minded will find deep
emphasis on restoring and respecting our
world, since the survival of mankind depends
on the survival of all things in nature that
sustain life.
From a philosophical perspective,
there are many layers of history, spirituality,
and sociology woven through all course subjects,
that will deepen sensory awareness and expand
thoughtful perception.
For the purist, each class is an interpretive
adventure into how and why these skills are
scientifically sound, and work the
same today as they did through eons of history.
Earth Children of all ages benefit from this
experiential approach to learning, as each
class complements lecture time with hands-on
projects. Come join us as we all learn together.
The school owns and caretakes forty acres,
comprised of woods, meadows, footpaths, a
small lake, and stream that becomes one of
the many classrooms for practicing the skills
taught here.
Michael J. Head is the founder and chief
instructor of Wilderness Way School. His
training and practice at wilderness living
and primitive skills began at a young age
and has spanned over five decades, and continues
as a part of his lifestyle. Michael and the
other instructors are dedicated to his vision,
and make every effort to assure that the
experience for each student is rich and rewarding,
resulting in a heightened awareness of the
relationship among all things of Creation.