Learn about guns and safe firearm handling in this hands-on class. You will become comfortable handling a variety of shotguns, rifles, and pistols in an information-packed, upbeat session. This is a safe and empowering learning experience. No actual shooting occurs in this class. (This class is recommended if you sign up for the shotgun and/or rifle classes.)

Learn self-reliance tips and techniques through a variety of activities including making a fire without a match, identifying wild plant food sources, purifying water, knot tying, basic first aid, shelter building and more. You will also learn what to do – and what not to do – if you get lost!

You can do this! Really. Patient instructors will guide you in safely backing up a boat trailer, and they’ll give tips for safe loading and towing, too. You’ll gain confidence and skill for hauling kayaks, yard waste, a pop-up trailer, or anything you want to pull behind your vehicle.

Explore this time-honored and relaxing activity that gets you into the water, teaches you the basics, and lets you enjoy the poetry of fly fishing. You will learn casting techniques and which flies to use for your favorite fish.

(Participants must have a valid Wisconsin fishing license to participate in this session. A trout stamp is NOT needed.)

Discover the timeless craft of sourdough baking in this hands-on class designed for beginners. You will learn how to create and care for a wild-yeast starter, mix and knead dough using traditional techniques, and master the art of fermentation, shaping, scoring, and baking. All materials and ingredients are provided. Participants will take home a jar of 15-year-old starter!

Learn one of the most fundamental tools in bushcraft—the baton. Often called a “wooden striker,” a baton is used for controlled wood splitting, fire preparation, and carving support. Participants will create a durable baton from raw wood using safe knife and carving techniques. You will take home a functional tool and the skills to make and use one confidently in the field. Perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to build foundational outdoor skills. Tools and materials included.

Experience the calming practice of forest bathing—a mindful, sensory immersion in nature designed to reduce stress and enhance well-being. This class combines gentle forest walks, reflective journaling, and the creation of natural self-care products like sugar scrubs and essential oil blends. Ideal for those seeking relaxation, creativity, and a deeper connection with nature.

Two essential skills for outdoors folks – knot tying and knife sharpening! First, learn about ropes and knots used in survival situations, boating, camping, hunting, and everyday life. You will learn to tie several different knots. Next, bring your favorite hunting or culinary knife to class. This session will ensure you go into the field or kitchen with sharp tools that will make your tasks a pleasure. This is a very safe, hands-on class with various types of knives, sharpening tools and methods covered.

Learn the basic science of making yogurt, why it’s good for you, and how easy it is! In this class you will make yogurt from scratch, learn about fermentation, and mix up a custom homemade granola with different grains, fruits, nuts, and natural sweeteners. Participants will take home a sample of each.

Glide across a quiet lake in this learn-by-doing class. You will gain confidence by practicing basic paddle strokes to safely and comfortably move across the water. You will also learn how to “wet exit” and practice self-rescue techniques.

Step up and take aim at some pigeons – clay pigeons, that is! This is a fabulous opportunity for participants who are new to shooting or for those who want to polish their skills. Learn how to comfortably handle a shotgun and have fun with the shooting games of trap and skeet. (We recommend you take the Friday Firearm Safety class if you have no prior experience with guns).

You don’t have to be a poet or a painter to express your creativity. Treehaven is the perfect setting for inspiration to put your ideas in words and pictures. We’ll practice using all the senses to connect with nature, and use creative prompts to help you record your observations in a mini-journal to take home. Sketch pencils, pens, and watercolor pencils will also be provided for the class.

Create a unique fox fur hat to keep you warm in winter. You will be guided step by step in hand-sewing using a special needle and sinew thread. Bring your questions about fur bearer ecology and management. You will learn a lot and go home with a beautiful hat. There is an additional $100.00 fee for the materials used in this class.

This class is geared to first-time or beginning shooters. Learn to shoot safely, comfortably, and with confidence. You will have one-on-one coaching from a patient instructor at the shooting range in this safe and empowering class. (We recommend you take the Friday Firearm Safety class if you have no prior experience with guns).

Foraging for food in nature is addictive and fun! You will learn how to find, identify, and use wild edibles that are commonly found even in urban areas. Participants will go on a guided hike to gather a variety of plants to prepare. Samples of edibles from other seasons will also be shared. The class also includes a discussion of safety and ethics when harvesting.

You will learn how to safely use hand tools and power tools including drills, saws, and nail guns while building a woodworking project to take home. (There is an additional $15 fee for materials.)

Grab a paddle and a personal flotation device (PFD) and get ready to glide on the water. You will get a feel for boating the old-fashioned way while you learn basic paddle strokes, how to enter and exit a canoe, and how to canoe with a partner in the boat and remain friends!

Learn how to set up and cast a basic rod and reel combo while fishing on a nearby lake. Knot tying and lure selection, safety, and regulations will all be covered. Fish from shore for whatever species is biting that day! (A valid Wisconsin fishing license is required.)

Whether you take a day hike or plan on hiking the Appalachian Trail, this class has a lot to offer. Learn about and try out numerous styles of backpacks and see how they will apply to your style of hiking. Explore the essentials such as sleeping bags, pads, stoves, emergency supplies and sample some backpacker meals during class.

Learn about equipment selection, safety, ethics, distance judging, and have lots of time to practice shooting on the archery range too. Patient coaches will provide one-on-one instruction to get you hitting the target in no time.

Learn the basics of bees (queen, worker, and drone) and what you will need to start beekeeping. We will cover the importance of finding a mentor or joining a club as a new beekeeper, equipment, types of hives, and where to purchase bees. We’ll also talk about inspecting your hive, swarming, hive pests, harvesting honey, and preparing your bees for winter. We’ll finish the class by making beeswax lip balm to take home!

You can roast, bake, stew, steam, and simmer over coals with just one tool – the humble Dutch oven. Learn how to cook in and care for a Dutch oven in this hands-on class. Your culinary creations will be served for lunch on Sunday.

Learn essential techniques for cleaning and cooking fish. The class begins with an introduction to common Wisconsin fish, fish anatomy, and understanding how to best use different species in cooking. Explore a variety of cooking methods, including grilling, and pan-frying, to bring out the unique flavors and textures of different fish.

Learn how to step away from your camera’s auto settings to gain more creative control. Learn tips and tricks to take photos to the next level, whether shooting a DSLR, a point and shoot, or even a cell phone. A portion of the class will be held outdoors to put your new skills to work, and the course will conclude with a creative discussion of the images taken.

Finish up your BOW weekend with a relaxed wander to some of the special places on the Treehaven property. We will visit Dragonfly Pond, the “Labyrinth,” the “Listening Place,” the Beaver Meadow loop, Pickerel Creek, and the Old Growth Pines, for about 2 miles of guided hiking with lots of stops for nature appreciation!