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.
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.
How to Make Your Own Ink
The Art of Ink-Making, From Past to Present
For centuries, ink has been a powerful medium for recording human history, storytelling, and artistic expression. Long before modern pens and synthetic dyes, ancient civilizations created their own inks using what was readily available in nature. These early methods of ink production, though simple in their ingredients, were anything but rudimentary in their significance. The inks crafted from plants, minerals, and even insects became the backbone of historical records, religious manuscripts, and timeless works of art.
Lessons from Hurricane Helene
Surviving & Supporting in Times of Crisis
As Hurricane Helene swept across the southern U.S., it left behind a trail of destruction—flooded towns, power outages, and lives turned upside down. For many, the pain is still raw. Families are displaced, homes destroyed, and in some cases, entire communities have been washed away. While some were fortunate enough to evacuate, many were not, underscoring the harsh realities of resource disparity during disasters.
Fruit Stuffed Fire-Roasted Pumpkin Recipe
Pumpkins and squash have been used for centuries by indigenous peoples throughout the Americas, long before European settlers arrived. Native American tribes, particularly those in what is now the northeastern United States, relied heavily on the “Three Sisters” — corn, beans, and squash — as staple crops. Squash and pumpkins were highly valued for their long shelf life and their ability to provide sustenance during the colder months. They would often roast pumpkins or squash whole in the coals of a fire, a practice that likely inspired modern versions of stuffed pumpkin dishes. While there is no specific “stuffed pumpkin recipe” documented from that era, the combination of roasting squash and mixing it with other seasonal ingredients like nuts, seeds, berries, or dried fruits would have been a natural extension of their culinary traditions.
Learn About Our 24-Hour Survival Challenge
Take on the 24-Hour Survival Challenge:
Build Skills, Confidence, & Camaraderie
Imagine this: A storm has knocked out power across the area for days, leaving you without access to heating, cooking, or clean water. Or perhaps you’ve wandered a little too far off the beaten path while hiking, only to realize you’re lost as the sun begins to set. These scenarios are daunting, yet they’re not so far-fetched. In fact, they highlight just how crucial basic survival skills can be in our modern world.
The good news is that these skills aren’t just for hardcore adventurers or doomsday preppers. They’re for all of us—ordinary people who want to be prepared for anything life throws our way. And what better way to learn and practice these skills than by taking part in our 24-Hour Survival Challenge, a unique opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and experience nature in a whole new way.
Illuminating the Past: Viking Oil Lamps
Imagine a Viking longhouse nestled amidst the rugged Scandinavian landscape. Inside, the warmth of a flickering flame casts dancing shadows on wooden beams, illuminating faces gathered around to share stories of gods, heroes, and distant lands. This scene, timeless and evocative, is brought to life through the humble oil lamps unearthed at archaeological sites like Birka and Hedeby. These artifacts not only shed light on the physical spaces of the Norse people but also illuminate the intricate tapestry of their daily lives.
How to Make Beef Jerky at Home
Beef jerky is more than just a modern snack you grab at a convenience store. It’s an ancient method of preserving meat, one that has provided long-lasting sustenance for travelers, soldiers, and hunters throughout history. From indigenous peoples in the Americas to Mongol horsemen on the steppes of Central Asia, dried meat has been a vital survival food for centuries. Today, while the stakes might be lower, learning how to make beef jerky at home gives you both a delicious snack and a connection to the past.
Apples in History: From Myth to American Cider
Few fruits have captured the imagination and played as significant a role in history as the apple. This seemingly humble fruit has been central to myths, legends, and traditions across many cultures for thousands of years. From its ancient origins in Central Asia to its establishment as a staple crop in colonial America, the apple has left an indelible mark on human civilization. The apple’s journey through history mirrors the journey of humanity itself—rooted in survival, exploration, and the pursuit of prosperity.