Welcome to Mountainsong Expeditions! Read on for information on our programs in Archery, Survival Skills, The Sacred Hunt, and More.
Looking for Sean Donahue's Workshop? Click here!
2017 Schedule
- Opening Weekend of the Way of the Huntress 8-month training (Feb 25-26 2017, Women Only) More Details Here
- Wildlife Tracking Class (Feb 26, 2017, All Genders)
- Running With Artemis: Archery and Trail Running for Mind, Body, and Spirit (Monday afternoons, April 17-May 29, 2017, Women Only)
- Wayfinder: Tools & Skills for Navigating the Forest (April 8, 2017, All Genders)
- Five Flames: Starting a Fire in the Wilderness (April 9, 2017, All Genders)
- Mounted Archery Clinic in Martha's Vineyard (May 6-7, 2017, All Genders)
- Evening Archery Lessons (Thursdays 5:30-7pm, May 4-25 and Sept 14-Oct 12, 2017, All Genders)
- Archery Intensive Weekend in Pelham, MA (May 13-14, 2017)
- Doomsday Survival Weekend (May 27-29, 2017, All Genders)
- Mounted Archery Clinic in East Calais, VT (June 24-25, 2017)
- Bowmaking: From Tree to Bow in Worcester, VT (Oct 20-22, 2017)
- Running With Artemis: Archery and Trail Running for Mind, Body, and Spirit (Mondays, Sept 11-Oct 30, 2017, Women Only)
- The Huntress Intensive for Women (Sept 30-Oct 1, 2017, Women Only)
- Hide Tanning Workshop (Oct 7-8, 2017, All Genders)
- The Huntress Intensive for All Genders (Oct 21-22, 2017, All Genders)
- Mounted Archery Clinic in East Calais, VT (Oct 14-15, 2017)
- Tiny House Building Skills Class in Worcester, VT (Oct 14-15, 2017)
- Woodswoman Ax Skills (Nov 5, 2017, Women Only)
- Huntress Expedition to North Carolina (Dec 1-7, 2017, Women Only)
Trip & Class Descriptions:
The Way of the Huntress
Eight monthly trainings, culminating in a guided deer hunt
Begins Feb 25, 2017
Held at Good Heart Farmstead in Worcester, VT
Taught by Murphy Robinson
Are you ready to learn to hunt in a supportive community of women? To learn the technical skills of the hunt while exploring your own spiritual connection to the land? Explore this 8-month program HERE.
Note: Like all of our classes, this program is eligible for VSAC non-degree grant funding (a grant for low-income Vermonters).
Eight monthly trainings, culminating in a guided deer hunt
Begins Feb 25, 2017
Held at Good Heart Farmstead in Worcester, VT
Taught by Murphy Robinson
Are you ready to learn to hunt in a supportive community of women? To learn the technical skills of the hunt while exploring your own spiritual connection to the land? Explore this 8-month program HERE.
Note: Like all of our classes, this program is eligible for VSAC non-degree grant funding (a grant for low-income Vermonters).
Wildlife Tracking Class
Feb 26, 2017, 10am-4pm
Good Heart Farmstead
Taught by Gary Johnson
Learn the secrets to tracking wildlife through the snow! Advanced tracker Gary Johnson will teach us about animal track patterns, measuring and analyzing tracks, and much more. After learning all the principles, we'll head into the forest to try our new skills. The class includes a hot lunch. Tuition is $85 per person and the class is open to all genders.
Feb 26, 2017, 10am-4pm
Good Heart Farmstead
Taught by Gary Johnson
Learn the secrets to tracking wildlife through the snow! Advanced tracker Gary Johnson will teach us about animal track patterns, measuring and analyzing tracks, and much more. After learning all the principles, we'll head into the forest to try our new skills. The class includes a hot lunch. Tuition is $85 per person and the class is open to all genders.
Running With Artemis: Archery & Trail Running for Mind, Body, and Spirit
Spring Session for adults: April 17-May 29th, 2017
Fall Session for adults: Sept 11-Oct 30, 2017
Every Monday, 3:30-6pm, in Worcester, VT
Fall Session for girls and their mothers or female mentors: Every Tuesday from 4-6pm, 7-week series from Sept 13 to Oct 24 in Worcester VT
Taught by Murphy Robinson and Colleen Kutin
Read all the details HERE.
Spring Session for adults: April 17-May 29th, 2017
Fall Session for adults: Sept 11-Oct 30, 2017
Every Monday, 3:30-6pm, in Worcester, VT
Fall Session for girls and their mothers or female mentors: Every Tuesday from 4-6pm, 7-week series from Sept 13 to Oct 24 in Worcester VT
Taught by Murphy Robinson and Colleen Kutin
Read all the details HERE.
Wayfinder: Tools & Skills for Navigating the Forest
April 8, 2017
Location: Good Heart Farmsteat in Worcester, VT
Taught by Murphy Robinson
Do you hesitate to explore the forest because of fear you'll get lost? Come learn essential tips and tricks of navigating off-trail through the forest and mountains of New England. We'll cover landforms, songlines, ways of finding North without a compass, map and compass navigation, and briefly discuss affordable GPS apps for your smartphone and the most effective ways to use them. These are essential skills for any hiker, wildcrafter, hunter, and lover of the landscape. This class is open to all genders, costs $85 per person, and includes a yummy lunch.
April 8, 2017
Location: Good Heart Farmsteat in Worcester, VT
Taught by Murphy Robinson
Do you hesitate to explore the forest because of fear you'll get lost? Come learn essential tips and tricks of navigating off-trail through the forest and mountains of New England. We'll cover landforms, songlines, ways of finding North without a compass, map and compass navigation, and briefly discuss affordable GPS apps for your smartphone and the most effective ways to use them. These are essential skills for any hiker, wildcrafter, hunter, and lover of the landscape. This class is open to all genders, costs $85 per person, and includes a yummy lunch.
Five Flames: Starting a Fire in the Wilderness
April 9, 2017
Location: Good Heart Farmstead in Worcester, VT
Taught by Murphy Robinson
The ability to kindle fire is a big part of what defines the human species, but how many of us feel at ease with this essential survival skill in the modern world? In this class we will cover how to pick a safe location for a fire in the woods, how to find dry kindling for your fire in any conditions, the best tinder materials in the North Woods, and five different methods for starting your fire:
* Lighter
* Matches
* Ferro-Steel Fire Starter ("Metalmatch" and similar)
* Flint and Steel
* Bow drill friction fire
You will leave this class feeling empowered to build a safe, warm fire in the woods, no matter the conditions. The class is open to all genders, costs $85, and includes a hot lunch.
April 9, 2017
Location: Good Heart Farmstead in Worcester, VT
Taught by Murphy Robinson
The ability to kindle fire is a big part of what defines the human species, but how many of us feel at ease with this essential survival skill in the modern world? In this class we will cover how to pick a safe location for a fire in the woods, how to find dry kindling for your fire in any conditions, the best tinder materials in the North Woods, and five different methods for starting your fire:
* Lighter
* Matches
* Ferro-Steel Fire Starter ("Metalmatch" and similar)
* Flint and Steel
* Bow drill friction fire
You will leave this class feeling empowered to build a safe, warm fire in the woods, no matter the conditions. The class is open to all genders, costs $85, and includes a hot lunch.
Evening Archery Lessons
Every Thursday from 5:30-7pm, Sept 7, 14, 28, and Oct 12, 19, 26, 2017, 2017
Worcester, VT
Taught by Murphy Robinson
More Information Here.
Every Thursday from 5:30-7pm, Sept 7, 14, 28, and Oct 12, 19, 26, 2017, 2017
Worcester, VT
Taught by Murphy Robinson
More Information Here.
Doomsday Survival Weekend
May 27-29, 2017 in Worcester, VT
Taught by Murphy Robinson
Learn survival skills in an environment that is focused on empowerment rather than paranoia. What would you do to survive if you found yourself alone in the wilderness? We will learn the basic skills for providing shelter, water, fire, and food, with or without a modern survival pack. Learn what to put in your survival pack, how to create shelter from a simple tarp or from wild materials, evaluating wild water sources and purifying water, survival fires, and how to find food in the forest if your rations run out. One core question of our weekend will be how can we survive alone versus how can we survive as a group. During this weekend you will spend two nights in the woods, one in a shelter you create for yourself, and one in a group survival scenario. You will leave this weekend feeling prepared to provide yourself no matter where you find yourself, and that knowledge will help you walk with strength in uncertain times.
This class is held at Good Heart Farm in Worcester, Vermont. The tuition of $395 covers all your meals for the course (hot lunches of farm fresh food, evening rations you will use to practice cooking over a fire, and simple breakfasts). You will also be asked to bring a simple survival pack containing items from a list we will provide for you after registration. Please register here.
May 27-29, 2017 in Worcester, VT
Taught by Murphy Robinson
Learn survival skills in an environment that is focused on empowerment rather than paranoia. What would you do to survive if you found yourself alone in the wilderness? We will learn the basic skills for providing shelter, water, fire, and food, with or without a modern survival pack. Learn what to put in your survival pack, how to create shelter from a simple tarp or from wild materials, evaluating wild water sources and purifying water, survival fires, and how to find food in the forest if your rations run out. One core question of our weekend will be how can we survive alone versus how can we survive as a group. During this weekend you will spend two nights in the woods, one in a shelter you create for yourself, and one in a group survival scenario. You will leave this weekend feeling prepared to provide yourself no matter where you find yourself, and that knowledge will help you walk with strength in uncertain times.
This class is held at Good Heart Farm in Worcester, Vermont. The tuition of $395 covers all your meals for the course (hot lunches of farm fresh food, evening rations you will use to practice cooking over a fire, and simple breakfasts). You will also be asked to bring a simple survival pack containing items from a list we will provide for you after registration. Please register here.
Mounted Archery Weekend
This class is offered four times this year:
This weekend is organized by Marcy Baer at Briar Hill Farm. Marcy is an expert horse trainer and a breeder of Norwegian Fjiord Ponies and English Dale Ponies. These strong and steady horses are hardy, intelligent, willing to please, and hard workers. For this clinic, you can bring your own horse or ride one of Marcy's ponies. Marcy's gentle, grounded teaching style and well-trained mounts will help you sink into a deep relationship with your horse, while Murphy's teachings on instinctive archery will let you come into alignment with your bow. By the end of the weekend we will put the two together and you will be shooting from horseback just like an Amazon.
This class is open to all genders, and registration is handled by Marcy at Briar Hill Farm. Here is the Registration Information.
This class is offered four times this year:
- May 6-7, 2017 in Vineyard Haven, MA (Martha's Vineyard)
- June 24-25, 2017 in East Calais, VT
- Oct 14-15, 2017 in East Calais, VT
This weekend is organized by Marcy Baer at Briar Hill Farm. Marcy is an expert horse trainer and a breeder of Norwegian Fjiord Ponies and English Dale Ponies. These strong and steady horses are hardy, intelligent, willing to please, and hard workers. For this clinic, you can bring your own horse or ride one of Marcy's ponies. Marcy's gentle, grounded teaching style and well-trained mounts will help you sink into a deep relationship with your horse, while Murphy's teachings on instinctive archery will let you come into alignment with your bow. By the end of the weekend we will put the two together and you will be shooting from horseback just like an Amazon.
This class is open to all genders, and registration is handled by Marcy at Briar Hill Farm. Here is the Registration Information.
Archery Intensive Weekend
Sept 9-10, 2017 in Worcester, VT
Taught by Murphy Robinson, Certified Level 2 Archery Instructor
Immerse yourself in the way of the bow: spend a weekend in the mountains exploring the powerful and focused state that archery creates in the human mind. Whether you want to learn archery for personal enjoyment, as a spiritual practice, or to work towards becoming a bow hunter, this two-day course will introduce you to the foundational skills of instinctive archery: Form, Range, and Focus. Read more here.
Sept 9-10, 2017 in Worcester, VT
Taught by Murphy Robinson, Certified Level 2 Archery Instructor
Immerse yourself in the way of the bow: spend a weekend in the mountains exploring the powerful and focused state that archery creates in the human mind. Whether you want to learn archery for personal enjoyment, as a spiritual practice, or to work towards becoming a bow hunter, this two-day course will introduce you to the foundational skills of instinctive archery: Form, Range, and Focus. Read more here.
Bowmaking Workshop: From Tree to Bow
Oct 20-22, 2017, in Worcester, VT
Taught by Eric Garza
Experience the empowerment of carving your own bow from a freshly felled maple tree. Read more details on This Page.
Oct 20-22, 2017, in Worcester, VT
Taught by Eric Garza
Experience the empowerment of carving your own bow from a freshly felled maple tree. Read more details on This Page.
Running With Artemis Weekend Intensive
July 8-9, 2017 in Worcester, VT
Taught by Colleen Kutin and Murphy Robinson
Finally, a weekend intensive version of our very popular Running With Artemis program! This makes our therapeutic running archery curriculum accessible to those who have incompatible schedules or live too far away to participate in the Monday afternoon series we offer twice a year. Read all the details here!
July 8-9, 2017 in Worcester, VT
Taught by Colleen Kutin and Murphy Robinson
Finally, a weekend intensive version of our very popular Running With Artemis program! This makes our therapeutic running archery curriculum accessible to those who have incompatible schedules or live too far away to participate in the Monday afternoon series we offer twice a year. Read all the details here!
The Huntress Intensive: Taking Aim In The Sacred Hunt
Women Only Weekend: Sept 30-Oct 1, 2017, in Worcester, VT
All Genders Weekend: Oct 21-22, 2017, in Worcester, VT
Do you hear the call of the Huntress? Whether you want to get healthy wild food for your family, understand the woodland landscape at a new level, or connect with the power of the ancient Huntress archetype, this weekend intensive will teach you what you need to know to become a safe, ethical deer hunter. Many of us weren’t lucky enough to grow up in a family that could teach us these ancestral skills, so this is your opportunity to come learn in a safe, positive, supportive environment. It will be a busy weekend! On Saturday we will review gun safety and practice shooting, learn about the gear you should take with you, and study the woodland landscape for deer sign. Saturday night we will hold a ceremony to honor our deer brothers and sisters, discuss and demonstrate the shamanic connection with the deer spirit, and learn about the respect, offerings, and prayers of the Sacred Hunt. On Sunday we will get up early and embark on a mock-hunt. In the afternoon, we will butcher a goat together, learning how to take an animal apart cleanly and dispose of the entrails. You will leave this workshop with new skills, confidence, and connection to the deer spirit.
Learn More & Register Here
Women Only Weekend: Sept 30-Oct 1, 2017, in Worcester, VT
All Genders Weekend: Oct 21-22, 2017, in Worcester, VT
Do you hear the call of the Huntress? Whether you want to get healthy wild food for your family, understand the woodland landscape at a new level, or connect with the power of the ancient Huntress archetype, this weekend intensive will teach you what you need to know to become a safe, ethical deer hunter. Many of us weren’t lucky enough to grow up in a family that could teach us these ancestral skills, so this is your opportunity to come learn in a safe, positive, supportive environment. It will be a busy weekend! On Saturday we will review gun safety and practice shooting, learn about the gear you should take with you, and study the woodland landscape for deer sign. Saturday night we will hold a ceremony to honor our deer brothers and sisters, discuss and demonstrate the shamanic connection with the deer spirit, and learn about the respect, offerings, and prayers of the Sacred Hunt. On Sunday we will get up early and embark on a mock-hunt. In the afternoon, we will butcher a goat together, learning how to take an animal apart cleanly and dispose of the entrails. You will leave this workshop with new skills, confidence, and connection to the deer spirit.
Learn More & Register Here
Hide Tanning Workshop
Oct 7-8, 2017, in Worcester, VT
Learn the ancient art of turning fresh animal hides into soft leather. This alchemical process teaches us deep gratitude for our animal allies and the skilled craftspeople who are our ancestors. We will take time throughout the day to give thanks to the animals who have surrendered their skins for our workshop (all wild or lovingly raised). Hannah Rhea is an expert tanner and skilled instructor who will make our learning collaborative and fun. This two-day workshop will give you the knowledge and skills to tan your own hides at home for years to come.
For more info, Click Here.
Oct 7-8, 2017, in Worcester, VT
Learn the ancient art of turning fresh animal hides into soft leather. This alchemical process teaches us deep gratitude for our animal allies and the skilled craftspeople who are our ancestors. We will take time throughout the day to give thanks to the animals who have surrendered their skins for our workshop (all wild or lovingly raised). Hannah Rhea is an expert tanner and skilled instructor who will make our learning collaborative and fun. This two-day workshop will give you the knowledge and skills to tan your own hides at home for years to come.
For more info, Click Here.
Tiny House Building Skills
Oct 14-15, 2017, in Worcester, VT
Taught by Miwa Oseki Robbins
Have you been dreaming of building your very own Tiny House? Come learn the skills you need to frame any simple structure, whether it's a tiny house on wheels, a garden shed, or a sauna. In this framing class we will learn the basics of stick framing, using 2x4 materials to build shed as our practice structure. We will also discuss things particularly relevant to tiny houses, such as small space design considerations, advantages and disadvantages of building on a trailer, and building codes and permits. The weekend will also include a tour of Murphy's simple off-grid Tiny House (designed and built for only $5,000). This class will use battery powered power tools, a great option for remote building sites. And if you've never used a circular saw before (or built anything!), don't worry, we will cover all the basics including measuring and marking and tool safety. Wear clothes you can work in comfortably and bring snacks. A hot lunch is provided, and space to camp on the land is available if you'd like to stay over on Saturday night. This workshop is open women and their allies (friends, partners, trans folks, etc). Tuition for the weekend is $295.
Learn more about the instructor and see Tiny House photos here.
Oct 14-15, 2017, in Worcester, VT
Taught by Miwa Oseki Robbins
Have you been dreaming of building your very own Tiny House? Come learn the skills you need to frame any simple structure, whether it's a tiny house on wheels, a garden shed, or a sauna. In this framing class we will learn the basics of stick framing, using 2x4 materials to build shed as our practice structure. We will also discuss things particularly relevant to tiny houses, such as small space design considerations, advantages and disadvantages of building on a trailer, and building codes and permits. The weekend will also include a tour of Murphy's simple off-grid Tiny House (designed and built for only $5,000). This class will use battery powered power tools, a great option for remote building sites. And if you've never used a circular saw before (or built anything!), don't worry, we will cover all the basics including measuring and marking and tool safety. Wear clothes you can work in comfortably and bring snacks. A hot lunch is provided, and space to camp on the land is available if you'd like to stay over on Saturday night. This workshop is open women and their allies (friends, partners, trans folks, etc). Tuition for the weekend is $295.
Learn more about the instructor and see Tiny House photos here.
Woodswoman Ax Skills
Nov 5, 2017, in Worcester, VT
Taught by Murphy Robinson
Get your "Lumber Jill" on at this skill-building class, where you will learn traditional ax skills with other adventurous women. Murphy will teach the use and care of a traditional woods(wo)man's ax. We will learn:
Using an ax is all about ergonomics, and we'll teach you how to use this tool so it works with your body, not against it!
This workshop is for women only. Teenage girls may attend with a parent or guardian present. The cost of this workshop is $85, which includes a simple lunch. You can bring your own ax or use one of ours.
Nov 5, 2017, in Worcester, VT
Taught by Murphy Robinson
Get your "Lumber Jill" on at this skill-building class, where you will learn traditional ax skills with other adventurous women. Murphy will teach the use and care of a traditional woods(wo)man's ax. We will learn:
- Split firewood
- Clear blow-down trees
- Basic principles of felling small trees with an ax
- How to de-limb a log and cut it to length
- How to sharpen your ax with a file and stone
- How to store your ax
- How to re-handle a broken ax
Using an ax is all about ergonomics, and we'll teach you how to use this tool so it works with your body, not against it!
This workshop is for women only. Teenage girls may attend with a parent or guardian present. The cost of this workshop is $85, which includes a simple lunch. You can bring your own ax or use one of ours.
Huntress Expedition
Dec 1-7, 2017
Held at Two Pigs Farm in Cleveland, NC
Guided by Murphy Robinson and Chase Reynolds
This is a guided week of the Sacred Hunt at a 70-acre organic farm in North Carolina. All hunting tools are provided (tree stands, rifle, ammunition, butchering supplies, etc), as well as food and lodging for the week. The North Carolina deer herd is badly overpopulated, so you'll have a good chance of shooting a deer (bucks, does, and young deer are all legal quarry there). This year the Expedition is for women only and the price for the week is $840 (transportation to and from North Carolina not included). Normally this program is only open to graduates of the Huntress Intensive weekend or the Way of the Huntress 8-month program. Please contact us if you have other hunting preparation and are interested in joining us for this weeklong hunt.
Dec 1-7, 2017
Held at Two Pigs Farm in Cleveland, NC
Guided by Murphy Robinson and Chase Reynolds
This is a guided week of the Sacred Hunt at a 70-acre organic farm in North Carolina. All hunting tools are provided (tree stands, rifle, ammunition, butchering supplies, etc), as well as food and lodging for the week. The North Carolina deer herd is badly overpopulated, so you'll have a good chance of shooting a deer (bucks, does, and young deer are all legal quarry there). This year the Expedition is for women only and the price for the week is $840 (transportation to and from North Carolina not included). Normally this program is only open to graduates of the Huntress Intensive weekend or the Way of the Huntress 8-month program. Please contact us if you have other hunting preparation and are interested in joining us for this weeklong hunt.
