Hunter & Gatherer Challenge: Winter in Shasta
Hunter & Gatherer Challenge: The Winterfire Gathering
December 20–22, 2025 | Shasta National Forest or Private Land TBD
3 Days • 20 People • $800
Survive the cold. Feast like ancestors. Burn the fire that never goes out.
The Experience:
As the longest night of the year arrives, we gather in the winter wild to honor the return of the sun. This is a time of sacred survival — fire, food, shelter, and the skills our ancestors once used to endure the cold and call back the light.
In this 3-day challenge, you will:
Hunt wild turkey on public land (fall season closes Dec 22 — we hunt with purpose)
Craft your own bow & arrows — and possibly use them, if legally allowed
Master ancient fire-building to survive and cook in winter conditions
Build primitive winter shelters for warmth, concealment, and rest
Fish if the waters allow — then roast your catch on the coals
Forage Mount Shasta sage, pine resin, and winter herbs to create smudge bundles and fire medicine
Craft with turkey feathers — fans, fletching, or sacred ornaments
Cook and bake ancestral Yule recipes using stone and flame
Brew wild wines, sun teas, and healing winter elixirs from forest finds
Learn chainsaw wood carving (pending location) — create totems or ritual carvings from fallen logs
Create natural ornaments and tools — wood, bone, feather, fiber
Feast together under the stars on the longest night — fire-roasted meat, wild herbs, winter breads, and warm drinks
Seasonal Focus
This challenge honors the Winter Solstice, the ancient turning point from darkness to light. You’ll be taught ancestral winter survival skills, while crafting, hunting, cooking, and gathering in sacred rhythm with nature — without any specific religion. Just fire, earth, and soul.
Family Note:
All ages welcome. Children under the age of 12 attend for free.
Children must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian at all times and are not the responsibility of our staff or other adults.
Who This Is For
Those ready to face the cold, live by the fire, and return home changed. This is not a retreat — it’s a challenge. Come prepared to hunt, craft, cook, and endure with strength and ceremony.
Hunter & Gatherer Challenge: The Winterfire Gathering
December 20–22, 2025 | Shasta National Forest or Private Land TBD
3 Days • 20 People • $800
Survive the cold. Feast like ancestors. Burn the fire that never goes out.
The Experience:
As the longest night of the year arrives, we gather in the winter wild to honor the return of the sun. This is a time of sacred survival — fire, food, shelter, and the skills our ancestors once used to endure the cold and call back the light.
In this 3-day challenge, you will:
Hunt wild turkey on public land (fall season closes Dec 22 — we hunt with purpose)
Craft your own bow & arrows — and possibly use them, if legally allowed
Master ancient fire-building to survive and cook in winter conditions
Build primitive winter shelters for warmth, concealment, and rest
Fish if the waters allow — then roast your catch on the coals
Forage Mount Shasta sage, pine resin, and winter herbs to create smudge bundles and fire medicine
Craft with turkey feathers — fans, fletching, or sacred ornaments
Cook and bake ancestral Yule recipes using stone and flame
Brew wild wines, sun teas, and healing winter elixirs from forest finds
Learn chainsaw wood carving (pending location) — create totems or ritual carvings from fallen logs
Create natural ornaments and tools — wood, bone, feather, fiber
Feast together under the stars on the longest night — fire-roasted meat, wild herbs, winter breads, and warm drinks
Seasonal Focus
This challenge honors the Winter Solstice, the ancient turning point from darkness to light. You’ll be taught ancestral winter survival skills, while crafting, hunting, cooking, and gathering in sacred rhythm with nature — without any specific religion. Just fire, earth, and soul.
Family Note:
All ages welcome. Children under the age of 12 attend for free.
Children must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian at all times and are not the responsibility of our staff or other adults.
Who This Is For
Those ready to face the cold, live by the fire, and return home changed. This is not a retreat — it’s a challenge. Come prepared to hunt, craft, cook, and endure with strength and ceremony.
Hunter & Gatherer Challenge: The Winterfire Gathering
December 20–22, 2025 | Shasta National Forest or Private Land TBD
3 Days • 20 People • $800
Survive the cold. Feast like ancestors. Burn the fire that never goes out.
The Experience:
As the longest night of the year arrives, we gather in the winter wild to honor the return of the sun. This is a time of sacred survival — fire, food, shelter, and the skills our ancestors once used to endure the cold and call back the light.
In this 3-day challenge, you will:
Hunt wild turkey on public land (fall season closes Dec 22 — we hunt with purpose)
Craft your own bow & arrows — and possibly use them, if legally allowed
Master ancient fire-building to survive and cook in winter conditions
Build primitive winter shelters for warmth, concealment, and rest
Fish if the waters allow — then roast your catch on the coals
Forage Mount Shasta sage, pine resin, and winter herbs to create smudge bundles and fire medicine
Craft with turkey feathers — fans, fletching, or sacred ornaments
Cook and bake ancestral Yule recipes using stone and flame
Brew wild wines, sun teas, and healing winter elixirs from forest finds
Learn chainsaw wood carving (pending location) — create totems or ritual carvings from fallen logs
Create natural ornaments and tools — wood, bone, feather, fiber
Feast together under the stars on the longest night — fire-roasted meat, wild herbs, winter breads, and warm drinks
Seasonal Focus
This challenge honors the Winter Solstice, the ancient turning point from darkness to light. You’ll be taught ancestral winter survival skills, while crafting, hunting, cooking, and gathering in sacred rhythm with nature — without any specific religion. Just fire, earth, and soul.
Family Note:
All ages welcome. Children under the age of 12 attend for free.
Children must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian at all times and are not the responsibility of our staff or other adults.
Who This Is For
Those ready to face the cold, live by the fire, and return home changed. This is not a retreat — it’s a challenge. Come prepared to hunt, craft, cook, and endure with strength and ceremony.