In a world where we are more aware than ever of the environmental consequences of our actions, teaching children about sustainable living is one of the most important investments we can make in their future—and in the future of the planet. Sustainable living is not a buzzword or a fleeting trend. It is a comprehensive lifestyle choice that focuses on living within our means, both in terms of natural resources and personal consumption. It’s about reducing waste, using resources wisely, and building a relationship with the natural world that is based on respect, rather than exploitation.
Ancestral Skills for a Sustainable Modern Life
Cordage: Ancient Skills, Modern Survival Tools
The Art & Importance of Cordage
Lessons from the Past for Modern Survival
From the earliest days of human civilization, the art of making rope and twine, collectively known as cordage, has been a cornerstone of survival and progress. This skill provided the means to bind tools, secure food, and build shelters. Cordage has always been more than just a tool—it represents humanity’s ability to harness the natural world to meet both practical and creative needs. Today, understanding the history and techniques of cordage is as relevant as ever, offering survivalists essential knowledge while fostering a deeper connection to the environment. In this post, we’ll delve into the historical significance of cordage, trace its technological evolution, and explore how these ancient practices can inform and enhance modern survival techniques. Finally, we’ll introduce you to our upcoming Forgotten Skillz workshop, where you’ll learn to craft and use cordage firsthand. Read More
How To Salt Cure Meat
Salt Preservation: A Taste of History
Imagine you’re living in a time before refrigerators, freezers, or vacuum-sealed packaging. It’s late autumn, and your family has just completed a successful harvest. Fresh meat from the seasonal hunt hangs in abundance, but winter’s chill looms. How do you ensure that food lasts through the months ahead? For centuries, the answer was simple yet ingenious: salt. Let’s learn more about salt-curing history and how to salt-cure meat.
Medieval Skause Stew: A Recipe to Reconnect with the Past
Step back in time with a warm, hearty bowl of Skause, a traditional medieval stew that nourished the bellies of peasants and nobles alike. Simple yet profoundly flavorful, Skause is more than just a meal—it’s a glimpse into a bygone era when resourcefulness met culinary creativity. As we recreate this dish today, we celebrate the art of slow cooking and the connection to the land that defined medieval cuisine. Perfect for a chilly evening, this stew invites you to experience history one spoonful at a time.
Hidden Histories: 12 Ancient Cultures You’ve Likely Never Heard Of
In an age of rapid technological advancement and urbanization, it’s easy to forget the profound wisdom of our ancestors, many of whom lived in balance with nature. While modern societies often strive to dominate the natural world, ancient cultures innovated ways to thrive within it, creating systems that preserved resources for generations.
What’s the Difference Between Camping, Bushcraft, and Survival?
Exploring the outdoors draws people for a myriad of reasons: relaxation, adventure, the desire to connect with nature, or even the challenge of staying safe and resourceful when circumstances turn dire. Within this broad realm of outdoor experiences lie three main practices that, while distinct, intertwine in fascinating ways—camping, bushcraft, and survival. Each represents a different approach to interacting with nature, yet together, they form a coherent spectrum of knowledge, skill, and intent.
What Did People Do In The Winter: A Day with the Montaukett
For countless generations, winter was a season of both challenge and opportunity for indigenous and traditional cultures across the world. Unlike modern times, when people are insulated from nature’s cycles, these societies lived in close harmony with the changing seasons. Winter, with its cold and scarcity, demanded a specific set of skills, resilience, and community cooperation.
Learn From Nature: What Do Turkeys Eat in the Winter?
How Turkeys Teach Us to Survive the Winter
For generations, humans have looked to nature for guidance on how to survive and thrive. Our ancestors, particularly Native Americans and early American colonists, observed the habits of animals to learn essential survival skills. Among these animals, the wild turkey stood out as a remarkable teacher. By understanding what turkeys eat in the winter and where turkeys go in the winter, they gleaned invaluable insights into food sourcing, shelter, and finding safe water during the harshest months. This exploration not only reveals the depth of wisdom our ancestors gained but also highlights how each animal offers unique lessons interpreted differently across cultures.
Why Ancestral Skills Matter in Today’s World
Ancestral Skills: Rediscovering Self-Sufficiency and Sustainable Living in the Modern World
As the cost of food and essential products continues to rise, more people are turning to self-sufficiency to meet their needs. This shift has sparked renewed interest in ancestral skills—time-honored practices that enabled our ancestors to thrive in challenging environments and uncertain times. At Forgotten Skillz, we see ancestral skills as more than just survival tools. They are pathways to a deeper connection with nature, offering a way to live sustainably and confidently in today’s world. By learning and applying these skills, we can address modern challenges and reclaim a sense of self-reliance that has been largely lost in the age of convenience.
What Is Forgotten Skillz?
If Indiana Jones & Bear Grylls Created Scouts for Adults
Imagine if Indiana Jones and Bear Grylls got together for a weekend adventure and brainstormed their ultimate program—a mix of ancient skills, survival techniques, practical history, and a dash of self-sufficiency. Now, imagine they decided this program wasn’t just for hardened adventurers or seasoned scholars, but for anyone—modern-day adults and families alike—looking to rediscover the skills that have helped humanity survive and thrive for millennia. This is Forgotten Skillz, a place where we bridge the gap between old-world knowledge and modern living.