Youth & Teen Programs

Through hands-on skills, nature immersion, and mentoring, our youth programs guide our participants through experiences that are powerful and dynamic. These experiences will provide memorable lessons that will help grow our children into natural leaders. These programs are for all genders between the ages of 8-11 & 12-17.

Read what people are saying about Ancestral Knowledge.

Wild Basketry

We will make splint baskets and spoke baskets from wild collected materials, especially invasive plant species including wisteria. Learn how to identify, collect and prepare basketry materials. Plan out a basket, practice techniques of plaiting, weaving and twining, and how to finish with two styles of strong rims. We'll discuss handle types, and how to install them. We'll see examples of important primitive implements made using basketry techniques, e.g., backpacks, fish traps and arrow quivers. Go home with two finished baskets and the knowledge of how to make more.

When: Saturday Nov 14th, 10am-4pm
Where: Lanham MD
Cost:$35-$75 (slinding scale, pay what you are comfortable)
Ages: 10 & up (Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult)

Price: $45.00

Date: November 14, 2026

Bottle Bottoms into Arrowheads - Flint Knapping (Parent and Teen Workshop)

While obsidian is some of the easiest materials to learn how to knap with, it isn't found locally and is expensive to have shipped. However, one of the most accessible materials we have around here is obsidian's man made cousin, the glass bottle bottom. The best thing about bottle bottoms is that they offer all the same lessons of obsidian but don't break the bank while you are learning. Not to mention, they are a renewable and recyclable resource that is readily available pretty much everywhere.

We will work with you through the process of turning a bottle bottom into a finished arrowhead.

Where: Lanham MD,
When: November 21, 10am -4pm
Price: $45-$80
Age: 13-18  (Adults can join but MUST be accompanied by a teen!)

Price: $55.00

Date: November 21, 2026

The Lore and Skill of the Drop Spindle

Gather together to learn the lore and traditional skill of the drop spindle. Spend the day practicing the ancient alchemy of turning wool into thread. Hear timeless tales and song surrounding this craft that will broaden your understanding of this method of spinning.
Feel free to bring your own natural or plant dyed wool roving and drop spindle. (Nothing synthetic please!) Everyone will have the opportunity to make a simple spindle to use out of forest material.

Age: 12 & up (anyone under 15 should have an adult with them)
When: April 17,  11 am - 2:30 pm.
Where: Lanham MD
Cost of workshop : $25-$65 (sliding scale pay what you are comfortable)
Materials Fee: Wool roving, $5 per bundle. Please indicate if you will want this material when you register. Please bring payment for materials in form of cash to the workshop.

Bring a bagged lunch with you!

Price: $25.00

Date: April 17, 2027