Friction Fire
Creating and tending fire is one of the most uniquely human things there is. Connecting with fire through this ancient skill reconnects us to nature, our ancestors, our bodies, community, and ourselves. In a fast-paced world, friction fire is an opportunity to slow down, breathe, and appreciate all the work that goes into one simple spark.
In this class, you will learn to identify some important Michigan friction fire trees, learn basic carving skills, make the essential parts of your bow drill kit, learn how to use it, and walk away with your very own bow drill kit.
Feel the joy of spinning a fire into life with just a few sticks and a stone, as humans have been doing for many, many, years.
Meet Your Instructor:
Asher McLaughlin
Asher McLaughlin is devoted to reconnecting people of all ages to the earth, community, and the ancestral skills that once shaped our lives. He specializes in teaching friction fire, butchering animals with reverence, and crafting drums that carry the rhythm of the earth. Asher’s work is about bringing people back to their senses—to the land beneath their feet, the skills in their hands, and the wisdom in their bones.
Asher has practiced earth skills most of his life. In childhood, he learned at skills gatherings and from mentors, and in adulthood, he has studied at the Deep Remembering Wilderness Immersion program in NC, and the Lindera Herbal Intensive with Jim McDonald. He is an instructor at the Earthcraft Skillshare and the Vital Hive in Lowell, MI. He has been a youth nature connection mentor at Strong Roots Nature School for seven years, guiding kids through the wild to remember their place within it. His teachings are rooted in lived experience, blending traditional skills with a deep respect for the earth and the cycles of life and death.
Class Details:
Location: Green Door Folk School – 2312 E Kasson Rd, Cedar, MI
Date/Time: July 18th @ 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Prerequisites/Skill Level/Age Requirements:
- No prior experience required.
- Ages 18+
Booking Information:
What happens after I book the class? After you book, we will send you a confirmation email that you are IN! A week out from the class, we will send you an email with more details about our meeting locations and some housekeeping items.
Where can I stay if I’m coming from out of town? If you’re traveling for a class, we highly recommend a stay at Cedar North, a cozy farm-stay just steps from the Green Door Schoolhouse. Nestled on a permaculture farm in Leelanau County, Cedar North offers peaceful garden views, the charm of a working goat farm, and room to roam and reflect. NOTE: Indicate you are a Green Door student at checkout for a discounted rate.
Policies:
Go for it! If you are curious about primitive skills or have many beach bonfires planned for the summer, this is the class for you!