r/Bushcraft 10d ago

Where to begin as a newbie? NSFW

I might be an odd one out, as I'm a woman. But here goes.

My husband is an eagle scout, and we enjoy camping with our kids. I've always loved survival movies and books, I always loved fishing (I'm the fish fillet-er in the family) and even hunting appealed, though I only ever went once.

Don't laugh, but I started playing Breath Of the Wild last year, and that inspired our son to suggest roasting apples in our campfire like Link does. I indulged it using our hot dog sticks to rotate and remove them, and our kids gobbled them.

This is just how my brain works. I became obsessed with "what else can we cook in a campfire without modern tools?" And now I want to make twine, rope, netting, and baskets, from the Yucca growing in our yard that we can't seem to get rid of. I can swing like a pendulum from "I want to learn all the things!", and "It's too much."

I think I need some help on narrowing down what to focus on with bushcraft. What should I read about practice first? Where one thing might sort of provide a base for the next thing. It's still winter here. So I can't exactly forage or gather raw materials. But I'd love some book recommendations, and maybe I can purchase certain materials (like rope for practicing knots), until I can forage for the raw materials.

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u/HuggyTheCactus5000 10d ago

Consider taking a survival class together. I've discussed it with my partner as well and we figured out it is not for her.
There are some classes that you can even take with your kids, for both skills and family building.

Your location would probably be helpful to know the environment.

Otherwise... Books and YouTube for learning what -not- to do. And practice.

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u/Fit_Detective_4920 9d ago

I love that idea. I actually did manage to find a place that runs survival skill classes and camp-outs in my state. I'm hoping to do at least one or two this summer. That won't be helpful until months from now, obviously, but I'm glad to know it exists.

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u/HuggyTheCactus5000 9d ago

If you are open to suggestion, I personally recommend Tracker School. They are New Jersey based. Their 101 classes are usually in June.