Boulder, Utah
August 2 - August 8, 2026
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Join usā¦
If you appreciate learning and sharing nature based skills while connecting with like minded people, all while enjoying breath taking landscapes, desert canyons, fresh air , unique geology, wilderness education, handmade items, wild foraging, walking barefoot, connecting to your roots, the smell of campfire, sustainability, campfire cooking and lots of quality time with friends and family ā¦ Then come join us at Elkhorn!
Support the vision
Hi my name is Kelly aka āKayenta Fireā
Iām the organizer of the Elkhorn gathering. Iāve been practicing and teaching earth and nature based skills like friction fire since 2001 and more specifically primitive pottery since 2011. I feel passionate about preserving earth skills and building community and connection through the natural world.
Our experience of life and what reality is, is slowly and alarmingly being hi-jacked by the digital world, screens, and algorithms (yes, I see the irony of typing this through a screen!). Now more than ever we need to gather together and prioritize face to face interactions, promote healthy lifestyles for ourselves and the environment, with our human voices, human expression and human hearts. I feel strongly that a āprimitive skills gatheringā is a perfect vessel for this.
To help keep this gathering going please consider donating through the link belowā¦
Other ways of supporting us are; sharing this site on your social media, telling all your friends and family about us, and/or purchasing an Elkhorn tshirt, bandana or sticker.
ā¦ and of course join us for the next Elkhorn gathering!
Workshops & Classes
One of the focuses of Elkhorn is education. At this gathering you can expect to find a variety of classes to choose from including basketry, wild clay pottery, tanning, animal processing, plant identification and wild edibles, friction fire, navigation, primal movement, spinning, weaving, felting, buckskin sewing, leather crafts, sandals, moccasins, stone tools, earth pigments and more.
Connection and music. We are all connected through the rhythm of our hearts.
Gather, connect, learn and share. Natural music is always appreciated and encouraged!
Classes
Learn a new nature based skill, in person, from an expert. Many of the skills taught at Elkhorn have been practiced, tested, honed and shared for decades along with the nuance and details that can only be learned and shared in person and with practice. Yes, you can watch a you tube video about many skills, but learning in person offers a more complete and rich learning experience. Elkhorn brings together over 30 experts from all over the country for students to take classes from throughout the week.
Kids Program!!!
For kids ages 4-10 our kids program offers kids oriented activities, games and classes. This is truly kid heaven, and we strive to offer a balance between education, structure, and nature guided free-play.
Return to the earth
As a society we have become cut off from nature, our roots, and what sustains us in a healthy life, the earth and all that she provides. Our goal is to facilitate education and a family/friend network that allows individuals to become community and a beautiful, sustainable way of living.
Friction fire
A foundational skill, making fire from materials found in the landscape is an extremely empowering and an unforgettable experience.
Located in Boulder, Utah.
Located just off Highway 12, the Elkhorn ancestral skills gathering experience is worth the effort to get there.
Mile marker 88 Hwy-12
Boulder, Utah, 84716
Register
Register here for Elkhorn ancestral skills gathering
