Welcome to Mountainsong Expeditions!
Offering programs in Archery, Survival Skills, The Sacred Hunt, and more!
2020 Schedule
- Street Medic Training (Feb 8-9, 2020 in East Montpelier, Vt. All Genders, $95)
- Traditional Ax Skills (Feb 23, 2020 in Worcester, Vt. Women, Queer, and Trans only, $85)
- Way of the Huntress: an 8-month hunting apprenticeship. (Begins March 7, 2020 in Worcester, VT. Women, Queer, and Trans only, $2,500)
- Winter Tracking Class (March 8, 2020 in Worcester, VT. All Genders, $85)
- Running With Artemis: Archery and Trail Running for Mind, Body, and Spirit (Monday afternoons, Apr 20-Jun 8, 2020 in Worcester, VT. Women & Trans Only. $275 or pay with health insurance.)
- Ireland: Hiking the Burren Coast (May 9-16 in County Clare, Ireland. Women, Queer & Trans only. $1850.)
- Archery Intensive Weekend (May 23-24, 2020 in Western Massachusetts. All Genders, $295.)
- Mounted Archery Clinic (June 13-14, 2020 in East Calais, VT. All Genders, $350.)
- Running With Artemis: Archery and Trail Running for Mind, Body, and Spirit (Monday afternoons, Aug 31-Oct 19, 2020 in Worcester, VT. Women & Trans Only. $275 or pay with health insurance.)
- Evening Archery Lessons (Wednesdays 5:30-7pm, Sept 2-Oct 21, All Genders, $30 per lesson)
- Wayfinder: Tools & Skills for Navigating the Forest (Sept 6, 2020 in Worcester, VT. All Genders, $85)
- The Huntress Intensive: Taking Aim in the Sacred Hunt (Sept 26-27, 2020, in Worcester, VT. Women, Queer, and Trans Only, $295)
- Hide Tanning Weekend (Oct 10-11, 2020 in Worcester, VT. All Genders, $295.)
- Mounted Archery Clinic (Oct 17-18, 2020 in East Calais, VT. All Genders, $350.)
- Huntress Intensive for All Genders (Oct 24-25, 2020, in Worcester, VT. All Genders, $295.)
- The Way of the Weaver 9-month spiritual skills training (Starts Oct 30, 2020 in Worcester, VT. All Genders, sliding scale tuition.)
- Huntress Expedition (Dec 6-12, 2020 guided hunt in Northern Virginia. Women, Queer, and Trans only, $995.)
Trip & Class Descriptions:
Street Medic Training
Feb 8-9, 2020, 9am-5pm, in East Montpelier, VT
Open to all genders, ages 16 & up (minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian)
Instructor: Murphy Robinson, Street Medic, Wilderness EMT, and former Wilderness EMT.
Do you feel capable, knowledgeable, and empowered to medically care for your family & friends in times of need? Do you have the skills to respond to civil unrest, police violence, and natural disasters? In this comprehensive 16-hour Street Medic training we will learn to confidently assess and address injuries and illnesses from minor cuts & scrapes to major accidents and acute symptoms. We will learn to make a splint from improvised materials, prevent infection in an open wound, recognize when to seek advanced medical care, and build a first aid kit you can use to address common conditions. We will also learn about supporting civil protest as part of a Street Medic team, addressing injuries from tear gas, rubber bullets, and tasers. This training is based on the Street Medic values of radical consent culture, equal access to care, and grassroots community empowerment.
Please bring a paper and pencil to take notes, and a bag lunch & snacks for each day. This is an intensive class with lots of material to cover, so try to arrive well rested. Instruction will include lots of hands-on scenarios and role-plays (the best way to learn!), some of which may take place outside, so bring warm clothes. The cost of the class is $95 (a huge discount from our normal weekend class price, because we really want everyone to learn these skills!). Register Here.
Feb 8-9, 2020, 9am-5pm, in East Montpelier, VT
Open to all genders, ages 16 & up (minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian)
Instructor: Murphy Robinson, Street Medic, Wilderness EMT, and former Wilderness EMT.
Do you feel capable, knowledgeable, and empowered to medically care for your family & friends in times of need? Do you have the skills to respond to civil unrest, police violence, and natural disasters? In this comprehensive 16-hour Street Medic training we will learn to confidently assess and address injuries and illnesses from minor cuts & scrapes to major accidents and acute symptoms. We will learn to make a splint from improvised materials, prevent infection in an open wound, recognize when to seek advanced medical care, and build a first aid kit you can use to address common conditions. We will also learn about supporting civil protest as part of a Street Medic team, addressing injuries from tear gas, rubber bullets, and tasers. This training is based on the Street Medic values of radical consent culture, equal access to care, and grassroots community empowerment.
Please bring a paper and pencil to take notes, and a bag lunch & snacks for each day. This is an intensive class with lots of material to cover, so try to arrive well rested. Instruction will include lots of hands-on scenarios and role-plays (the best way to learn!), some of which may take place outside, so bring warm clothes. The cost of the class is $95 (a huge discount from our normal weekend class price, because we really want everyone to learn these skills!). Register Here.
Traditional Ax Skills
February 23, 2020, 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, queer people, and trans folks. Murphy will teach the use and care of a traditional felling ax. We will learn to:
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! The cost of this workshop is $85, which includes a simple lunch. You can bring your own ax or use one of ours. Register Here.
February 23, 2020, 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, queer people, and trans folks. Murphy will teach the use and care of a traditional felling ax. We will learn to:
- 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! The cost of this workshop is $85, which includes a simple lunch. You can bring your own ax or use one of ours. Register Here.
The Way of the Huntress
Eight weekend trainings, culminating in a guided deer hunt
Begins March 7, 2020 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.
Eight weekend trainings, culminating in a guided deer hunt
Begins March 7, 2020 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.
Wildlife Tracking Class
March 8, 2020, 10am-5pm in Worcester, VT
Taught by Gary Johnson
Tracking is one of the most ancient arts of humankind and one which challenges us to weave together both our skills of perception and imagination to read the every-changing story of our place and time. When we track, we become explorers, detectives, and storytellers, following the thread of a mystery through fields and forests on a quest for its source. Together, we will learn:
- Names and behaviors of common VT mammals we are likely to track
- Track identification (foot morphology and substrate reading)
- Gaits and animal movement patterns (with mimicry exercises)
- Track aging (time and weather effects)
- Trailing (following a set of tracks for as long as possible)
- Mental aides for tracking (3 perspectives, 5 questions)
The class includes a hot lunch. Tuition is $85 per person and the class is open to all genders. Register Here.
March 8, 2020, 10am-5pm in Worcester, VT
Taught by Gary Johnson
Tracking is one of the most ancient arts of humankind and one which challenges us to weave together both our skills of perception and imagination to read the every-changing story of our place and time. When we track, we become explorers, detectives, and storytellers, following the thread of a mystery through fields and forests on a quest for its source. Together, we will learn:
- Names and behaviors of common VT mammals we are likely to track
- Track identification (foot morphology and substrate reading)
- Gaits and animal movement patterns (with mimicry exercises)
- Track aging (time and weather effects)
- Trailing (following a set of tracks for as long as possible)
- Mental aides for tracking (3 perspectives, 5 questions)
The class includes a hot lunch. Tuition is $85 per person and the class is open to all genders. Register Here.
Running With Artemis: Archery & Trail Running for Mind, Body, and Spirit
Spring Session: Apr 20-Jun 8, 2020
Fall Session: Aug 31-Oct 19, 2020
Every Monday, 3:30-6pm, in Worcester, VT
Taught by Murphy Robinson and Colleen Kutin
Read all the details HERE.
Spring Session: Apr 20-Jun 8, 2020
Fall Session: Aug 31-Oct 19, 2020
Every Monday, 3:30-6pm, in Worcester, VT
Taught by Murphy Robinson and Colleen Kutin
Read all the details HERE.
Ireland: Hiking the Burren Coast
May 9-16 in County Clare, Ireland. Women, Queer & Trans only.
Led by Murphy Robinson of Mountainsong Expeditions and Angie Nash of Panash Adventures
The Burren Coast in Ireland is home to one of the most diverse and prolific communities of wildflowers in the world. This May we will hike this haunting landscape, visiting the ancient barrows, fairy forts, and sacred wells that speak of Ireland's ancient past. We'll spend our evenings in a cozy cottage by a river, right on the Burren Way network of hiking trails. Each day we'll explore a different part of this breathtaking region. Angie Nash, a nature educator from Cornwall, will teach us about the wild and medicinal plants of the Irish landscape. Let the magic of peak wildflower season in the Burren soak into your bones as you trace the ancient paths with your feet and sit by the ancient stones, letting the ancestral wisdom in this land speak to your heart. We'll choose hiking routes from easeful to challenging based on the interests of the group. Your tuition of $1850 covers a shuttle from the Shannon airport, lodging and meals during the program, and guided hikes all week (your travel to Shannon Airport is not included). Group size is limited to 8 people. Register Here.
May 9-16 in County Clare, Ireland. Women, Queer & Trans only.
Led by Murphy Robinson of Mountainsong Expeditions and Angie Nash of Panash Adventures
The Burren Coast in Ireland is home to one of the most diverse and prolific communities of wildflowers in the world. This May we will hike this haunting landscape, visiting the ancient barrows, fairy forts, and sacred wells that speak of Ireland's ancient past. We'll spend our evenings in a cozy cottage by a river, right on the Burren Way network of hiking trails. Each day we'll explore a different part of this breathtaking region. Angie Nash, a nature educator from Cornwall, will teach us about the wild and medicinal plants of the Irish landscape. Let the magic of peak wildflower season in the Burren soak into your bones as you trace the ancient paths with your feet and sit by the ancient stones, letting the ancestral wisdom in this land speak to your heart. We'll choose hiking routes from easeful to challenging based on the interests of the group. Your tuition of $1850 covers a shuttle from the Shannon airport, lodging and meals during the program, and guided hikes all week (your travel to Shannon Airport is not included). Group size is limited to 8 people. Register Here.
Archery Intensive Weekend
May 23-24, 2020 in Worcester, VT
Taught by Murphy Robinson
Immerse yourself in the way of the bow: spend a weekend 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.
May 23-24, 2020 in Worcester, VT
Taught by Murphy Robinson
Immerse yourself in the way of the bow: spend a weekend 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.
Mounted Archery Weekend
Spring Clinic: June 13-14, 2020 in East Calais, VT
Fall Clinic: October 17-18, 2020 in East Calais, VT
Taught by Marcy Baer and Murphy Robinson
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. Register on the New England Mounted Archery webpage.
Spring Clinic: June 13-14, 2020 in East Calais, VT
Fall Clinic: October 17-18, 2020 in East Calais, VT
Taught by Marcy Baer and Murphy Robinson
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. Register on the New England Mounted Archery webpage.
Evening Archery Lessons
Every Wednesday from 5:30-7pm, Sept 2-Oct 21, 2020 (no class Oct 7) in Worcester, VT
Taught by Murphy Robinson
More Information Here.
Every Wednesday from 5:30-7pm, Sept 2-Oct 21, 2020 (no class Oct 7) in Worcester, VT
Taught by Murphy Robinson
More Information Here.
Wayfinder: Tools & Skills for Navigating the Forest
Sept 6, 2020 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. 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. Register Here.
Sept 6, 2020 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. 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. Register Here.
The Huntress Intensive: Taking Aim In The Sacred Hunt
Women, Queer, and Trans class: Sept 26-27, 2020 in Worcester, VT
All Genders Class: Oct 24-25, 2020 in Worcester, VT
Taught by Murphy Robinson
Do you hear the call of the Sacred Hunt? 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 ritual 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 Here.
Women, Queer, and Trans class: Sept 26-27, 2020 in Worcester, VT
All Genders Class: Oct 24-25, 2020 in Worcester, VT
Taught by Murphy Robinson
Do you hear the call of the Sacred Hunt? 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 ritual 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 Here.
Hide Tanning Workshop
Oct 10-11, 2020 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). Maggie Ranen 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 10-11, 2020 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). Maggie Ranen 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.
The Way of the Weaver
9-month program starts Oct 30, 2020
Held in Worcester, VT
Taught by Murphy Robinson and Jamie Waggoner
The Way of the Weaver is a unique, nine-month journey of magical study and community building. Our circle embraces adults of all backgrounds and genders who are ready to learn a powerful skill set for spiritual transformation and growth. This training is rooted in the values of service, inclusive community, critical analysis of the oppressions that bewitch our society (capitalism, colonialism, racism, etc.), and deep respect for ancestral spiritual traditions from around the world. We believe that you are your own spiritual authority, and that by learning ritual skills and sacred technologies together in a space with clear boundaries and ethics, we can tap into our collective power for change. The Way of the Weaver dismisses secrecy, exclusion, and hierarchy. This is not a distinct magical tradition, but rather an open-source skill set with which to develop and/or deepen your own practice based on your background, callings, and ancestry. Learn More.
9-month program starts Oct 30, 2020
Held in Worcester, VT
Taught by Murphy Robinson and Jamie Waggoner
The Way of the Weaver is a unique, nine-month journey of magical study and community building. Our circle embraces adults of all backgrounds and genders who are ready to learn a powerful skill set for spiritual transformation and growth. This training is rooted in the values of service, inclusive community, critical analysis of the oppressions that bewitch our society (capitalism, colonialism, racism, etc.), and deep respect for ancestral spiritual traditions from around the world. We believe that you are your own spiritual authority, and that by learning ritual skills and sacred technologies together in a space with clear boundaries and ethics, we can tap into our collective power for change. The Way of the Weaver dismisses secrecy, exclusion, and hierarchy. This is not a distinct magical tradition, but rather an open-source skill set with which to develop and/or deepen your own practice based on your background, callings, and ancestry. Learn More.
Huntress Expedition
December 6-12, 2020
Held on an Organic Farm in Northern Virginia
Guided by Murphy Robinson and Friends
This is a guided week of the Sacred Hunt at an organic farm in Northern Virginia. All hunting tools are provided (tree stands, rifle, ammunition, butchering supplies, etc), as well as food and lodging for the week. The Northern Virginia 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). Learn more here.
December 6-12, 2020
Held on an Organic Farm in Northern Virginia
Guided by Murphy Robinson and Friends
This is a guided week of the Sacred Hunt at an organic farm in Northern Virginia. All hunting tools are provided (tree stands, rifle, ammunition, butchering supplies, etc), as well as food and lodging for the week. The Northern Virginia 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). Learn more here.
