Winter in Florida
Gather for Skills
Florida Outdoor Learning Festival
WHEN It's always the President weekend.
WHERE Florida Outdoor Learning Collective known as the FOLC farm, in Gainesville Florida. It's wooded acreage right next to Paynes Prairie State Park (21,000 acre wetlands preserve) and Gainesville-Hawthorne bike trail (16 miles) Map
WHAT Similar experience to Florida Earthskills but much smaller and laid back. We have only 20 spots for camping on the 6 acres. The workshops spread from Friday through Monday at a relaxed pace, mixed with outings such as paddle/hike and touring a local farm. Including a fabulous VALIDATION Party for Valentine's day! The week is designed for you to soak in the sun, the skills, friendship, and have a base to explore Florida, such as the world class springs around Gainesville.
WHO This is a small and intimate gathering, you are either invited or signup here. All instructors are seasoned woods wo/men and change makers. Your host and organizers are: Catherine Jean, Wilderness and Activist medical trainer and owner of The FOLC Farm. Paikea Cheng Liu, acupuncturist, forager and earthskills organizer. Both are dedicated to reconnecting people to nature, community and grassroot empowerment.
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
Saturday
8-9 Wim Hof / Guided breathwork with Paikea
9-9:30 Opening circle
9:30-12:30 Morning Workshop A: Foraging Edible Plants with Paikea
Morning Workshop B: Starting Fire with Paul Deis
12:30-2 Lunch
2-5 pm Afternoon Workshop A: Crafting with Grapevines with Evan Strouse
Afternoon Workshop B: First Aid Herbalism with Elise Athena
5-7 Dinner
7-10 Evening Activity: Storytelling with Deborah Thompson, Music with Teresa and Alec, and then Open Mike
Sunday
8-9 Breathwork/Yoga
9-9:30 Morning circle
9:30-12:30 Morning Workshop A: Chainsaw 101 or How to Fell a Tree and troubleshoot saw with Evan Strouse
Morning Workshop B: Thai Massage with Eric Blevins
12:30-2 Lunch
2-5 pm Afternoon Workshop A: Tiny home school bus tour with Stephen Lieto
Afternoon Workshop B: Herbal Medicine Making with Elise Athena
5-7 Dinner
7-10 Evening Activity: Validation Party - Better than Valentine's party: new and old friends will give you cards and dance! Singles and couples welcome. (Campfire socializing also available.)
Monday
8:00-10:30 Field Trip! Visit Mosswood Store and Permaculture Farm in Micanopy with Joe Pierce
10:30-12:30 Field Trip! Paynes Prairie walk in Micanopy with ranger Evan Strouse
12:30-2 Lunch
2-5 pm Afternoon Workshop A: Rope skill - Knots with Eric Blevins
Afternoon Workshop B: Tiny home school bus tour with Stephen Leito
5-7 Dinner
7-10 Evening Activity: Discussion on sexuality, intimacy and our body (open to all genders). (Campfire socializing also available.)
Tuesday
Campers departure...See you next year!
REGISTRATION and ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
~$60 Day pass (includes camping on site one night for out of town guests). $150 for the entire week (includes camping on site). Limited work trade positions available.
We provide clean amenities for comfortable camping: New outdoor shower, composting toilet, cooking area (kitchenette with fridge, microwave, burner plates), a screened porch with electricity, first aid supplies. No WIFI, but adequate cell data coverage from all major carriers.
We'll have communal food/coffee and organize grocery rides, but you should plan to handle your own food storage and prep. The farm is 10 minutes away from downtown Gainesville and many grocery stores. We'll also have a vending area where instructors may sell their crafts and goods.
Register here on the FOLC farm website
Facebook event and discussion.
email Catherine or text 352-278-0725
email Paikea or text 774-257-8308