14-Day Montana Earthskills Intensive: Primitive Skills and Ancestral Living

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Green University®
2 McKeown Lane
Cardwell, MT 59721
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Green University® LLC Presents...
An Ancestral Living Immersion

Blowing a tinder bundle into flame.

Montana Earthskills Intensive
A 14-day hands-on immersion into primitive skills and ancestral living
Cardwell, Montana. September 22 - October 5, 2025

Join us in Southwest Montana for the Montana Earthskills Intensive, a comprehensive 14-day immersive training in primitive living skills with Backcounrty Runaway Sam Smith. This course is not a survival ordeal-it's about real learning and skill-building in a supportive, hands-on environment.

What You'll Learn:
- Fire-making (hand drill & bow drill)
- Primitive cutting tools & stone tool crafting
- Cordage & natural fiber processing
- Shelter & primitive architecture (wikiups & natural materials)
- Primitive hunting tools (bows, atlatls, throwing sticks)
- Whole animal processing & hide tanning (brain tanning & bark tanning)
- Buckskin sewing & leatherworking

Lodging:
Camp in a traditional wikiup or bring your own tent.

Earthskills crafts.

Location:
- River Camp: Green University LLC's riverfront learning community at the base of the Tobacco Root Mountains in Cardwell, Montana

Meals:
- Dinners provided, communal kitchen with electricity, breakfast and lunch self-provided

Tools & Materials:
- Knives, Saws, and materials needed for the course are provided.

STUDENT GEAR LIST (MUST BRING): Water bottle, sleeping bag rated no higher than 30 degrees.(lower is better), appropriate clothing for hot and cold temps (contact us for suggestions), Food for their own daytime meals.

Enrollment is limited to 12 participants. To register, please fill out and mail in the Medical History (PDF) and Liability Waiver and Release (PDF) forms, along with a check for $600 to reserve your spot. The balance can be paid upon arrival. Or register online through the shopping cart system and send the paperwork separately.

No Drugs, Alcohol, or Tobacco
Green University®: LLC is a drug, alcohol and tobacco-free learning establishment. Our staff maintains a sober environment for individuals who are excited about nurturing a deeper nature connection. Anyone distracted with alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, or other drugs is not focused on learning or optimizing their experience at Green University® LLC. Therefore, we have a zero tolerance policy for drugs, alcohol, and tobacco in any form. Anyone violating this rule will be asked to leave. This is not a joke. Please read this paragraph again before signing up. Thank you.

Bowdrill coal: A burning ember from friction fire.