Introducing...
SKILLS QUEST 2012!
The Skills Intensive Program for the Rest of Us!
(Both Skills Quest 2012 have already begun.
We hope you'll join us next time!)
» One 2-day weekend every OTHER month means you don't have to take vacation time from work.
» Two separate Skills Quest programs allow you to choose the skills you most want to learn!
» Each program teaches different skills so you can take either Skills Quest I, Skills Quest II or both!
» Develop your skills with up to 24 hours of one-on-one Mentoring time, included with your Skills Quest tuition.
» Discover the Quest for Skills, Knowledge and Perfection over a full four seasons.
» Learn from your fellow Questers as you work together each weekend gathering, then take what you've learned home with you to practice on your own, in your own environment!
"When I was able
to get fire with a
hand drill on my first day I know he had a gift as a teacher.
Eddie lays things out simply, is able to laugh with your struggles, and gets
you to a new level."
— David B.
About the SKILLS QUEST Programs
So many of you have expressed a real desire to participate in our World of the Hunter-Gatherer program, but simply can't take the necessary time off work or away from family to make it happen. So this year we are foregoing Hunter-Gatherer to bring you something that will provide the same types of skills, but in a format that will allow more of you to take part!
SKILLS QUEST is a whole new kind of Skills Intensive with no application form and a larger group of folks to learn with and learn from. Each SKILLS QUEST group will get together for one Saturday/Sunday weekend every other month for one full year, allowing you to work on your skills through all four seasons!
SKILLS QUEST I begins in January 2012, and the group will get together
in January, March, May, July, September & November.
SKILLS QUEST II begins
in February 2012 a nd will get together in February, April, June, August,
October & December.
You can sign up to be a part of SKILLS
QUEST I or SKILLS QUEST II or
BOTH!
There will be different skills taught in each program so if you wish to
participate in both SKILLS QUESTS you will not be repeating anything!
Our 3 Flexible Tuition Options allow you to choose the one to best suit your financial needs!
Wondering what you'll learn?
Wondering which SKILLS QUEST to choose?
Here's a look at the skills that will be covered in each program:
| Skills Quest I | Skills Quest II |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Shelters: Single-person & Emergency
Basketry & Containers
Pottery
Plants, Food & Cooking
Cordage & Natural Fibers
Clothing
Fire
Hunting & Fishing
Using the Whole Animal
Flintknapping
|
Shelters: Mulit-person shelter options
Basketry & Containers
Pottery
Plants, Food & Cooking
Cordage & Natural Fibers
Clothing
Fire
Hunting & Fishing
Using the Whole Animal
Flintknapping
|
"One of the most important things I learned was
that my approach & attitute towards skills matters! I had a tendency to kill a skill before trying it because I felt so lost. I learned how to approach new skills, that I can & should try new things, and that messing up is usually not a bad thing! Thank you both! " — Kati G. |
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||
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||
Sorry,
SKILLS QUEST I |
|
"My confidence grew as the program
went on. I realized I COULD learn this stuff, and that one did not
need to be special to figure it out! Eddie makes things so easy to understand
that even a cave man like myself can do it... The instruction was excellent.
The experence was awesome. I wish the class never ended."
— Eric S.
Yes, there are a lot of skills listed in each SKILLS QUEST program. If you're wondering how on earth we will get it all done, we will! A big part of the SKILLS QUEST experience is helping you learn how to learn; to learn how to practice and experiment with skills and projects on your own, at your own pace, in your own environment.
It is our goal through these programs to put the QUEST back into the pursuit of Primitive Skills! The Quest for Knowledge, the Quest for Skill and the Quest for Perfection in everything you attempt. During your SKILLS QUEST we will encourage you to push your limits and give everything a shot. And if it doesn't always work out perfectly the first time, that's okay! The watch-words for these programs are Instruction, Assistance, Advice and Encouragement. And as you learn to pursue the Quest of the Skills we will always be here to help you along the way.
Each weekend get-together will be packed full of new skills for you to learn and projects for you to work on. But don't worry, this isn't going to be a weekend of lectures and note-taking! You will get your hands in on every project and get to try and experiment and experience each skill. We will end on Sunday afternoon with a set of "homework assignments" for you to work on and projects for you to complete before we come together again. This way, when you arrive home you will have a road-map of exactly where to start and what to do to practice each skill and finish each project on your own.
By getting together every other month the SKILLS QUEST
programs allow you plenty of time to work on your projects, complete
your homework, and still have a life! (See the FAQs below
for more info on homework and projects.) Can't get all your homework
finished? Well, you will lose out on the experience of sharing both your
successes and your "less-than-successes" with your fellow Questers, but
we will all move on and encourage you to take the time to finish the projects
you missed. That's how we ALL learn from each other,
and what will make the SKILLS QUEST experience the greatest skills-learning
year for us all!
So if you want to learn, and are always ready to "give it a try" the we hope you'll join in the SKILLS QUEST experience for 2012.
"This is the smallest notebook on my shelf but
I don't know how many times I will actually even look at it because I
"own" the knowledge of these skills now, in my head and my hands and my
heart.
And for that I can never thank you enough."
— Tracy E.
Program FAQs
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Q. How do I register and when is the deadline?
A. You can sign
up for either of the SKILLS QUEST programs online, and choose one of
our 3 Flexible Tuition Options, or you can
download a Printable
Registration Form to mail in with your downpayment. We would prefer
if you registered at least a week before your SKILLS QUEST program begins
so that we can have all the supplies ready.
(For SKILLS QUEST I, please
register by January 14 and for SKILLS QUEST II please register by February
4.)
Q. How many people do you allow into each SKILLS QUEST program?
A. Each SKILLS QUEST group
will be limited to a maximum of 10 people. We
may decide to cap the programs at 6 or 8, but there will definitely NOT
be more than 10 Questers in either group!
Q. Do I have to choose one or the other, or can I take both SKILLS
QUEST programs?
A. Sure! If you have the time and desire
we would be more than happy to have you take BOTH programs. Remember, there's
NO OVERLAP in what you will learn; each program teaches different skills
so you'll learn twice as much! And we'll even give you a discount
on your tuition.
Q. Is there an age limit?
A. Yes, you must be at least 18 years
old to register for the programs. There is no upper age
limit and so long as you are physically able to complete the course-work
and participate in the weekend get-togethers we encourage you to apply!
Q. Where do the SKILLS QUEST weekends take place?
A. The SKILLS QUEST weekends
all take place at our main Pracitcal Primitive location near Great Meadows,
NJ. Check out our Locations page for more
detailed information and directions.
Q. Do you ever offer the SKILLS QUEST programs anywhere else?
A. No, at this time the SKILLS
QUEST experience is only offered at our New Jersey location. It is
our hope that by having the get-togethers every other month it will allow
folks from further away to make the jourey and participate in the program.
However, we are open to offering SKILLS QUESTS in other locations
in the future, so if you are interested, but unable to come to us in New
Jersey let
us know! If there is enough interest in your area of the country perhaps
we can arrange a program in a future year.
Q. What sort of skills / experience do I need to have to apply?
A. There are no minimum
or maximum skill-level requirements for the SKILLS QUEST programs! Whether
you are a skilled outdoorsperson, someone who has taken a few classes
over the years, or one who has to this point been only an armchair enthusiast,
we look forward to having you join us!
Q.What ARE you looking for in participants?
A. We are looking for people who
want to LEARN!!! This is not a "fill your notebook then leave
it on the shelf" type of program. We are seeking Questers
who have a passion for learning the ways of our ancestors, a
real desire to discover their perfection and simplicity, and how
those skills can be integrated into our modern world and passed
on to others. If you are dedicated, self-motivated, prepared to
learn and always ready to try, we want
you!
Q. What do you mean by "Homework"? Will I have to write
essays or something?
A. No written assignments, we promise!
The SKILLS QUEST Experience is a hands-on, project-based program
in which you will have the opportunity to learn a whole range of skills.
Each weekend we will cover the basics of certain skills and will
begin projects together. You will then be given "homework projects" to
complete on your own, at home in your own environment. Examples of
homework projects include finishing your Pack Basket, constructing
a Fire Kit, making cordage, coiling a clay pot,
identifying, collecting and preparing
edible and medicinal plants... fun stuff!
Q. I am really busy with family/work/life etc. Does it matter
if I won't have time to do all the homework projects?
A. This is your program. We hope
that you will be excited enough and passionate enough about learning
these skills to make them a priority. But we understand that "life"
sometimes happens and extra-curriculars sometimes have to get put
on the back burner. If you can't finish every assignment we won't
berate or look down on you, we will simply encourage to finish what
you can. We will, however, always ask you to remember that
you signed up to be a part of the SKILLS QUEST experience because
you wanted to KNOW these skills, and the only way to know
them is to DO them! At the very least you will be able to
learn from the successes and failures of your fellow Questers.
Q. Can I sign up for only specific weekends of the program?
A. Part of the SKILLS QUEST experience
is getting together with the same group of folks every time, working
together and learning from each other over the course of the year. If
you wish to learn only specific skills we encourage you instead to sign
up for those workshops as they come on to the schedule.
"It may seem like a small thing,
but through woodwork, stonework, pottery, netting, twining, basketry,
bonework,
and all the myriad skills developed in order to produce quality items for daily
survival,
you enter a new world of ability AND awareness.
— Jon T.
ABOUT THE SCHEDULE & WEEKEND INFO
Q. What is the schedule for the program?
A. Questers will gather for one 2-day
weekend every OTHER month for 2012. SKILLS
QUEST I begins
in January and ends in November, and SKILLS QUEST II begins in
February and finishes up in December. (See
below for
the scheduled weekends.) We will get started at 9am Saturday
morning and finish up around 4pm Sunday afternoon. Each weekend will be
filled with intense instruction in new skills, an outline of the homework
assignments for the upcoming month, as well as a debrief of the homework
and exercises from the previous month.
Q. I really want to apply but have a conflict for one of the
weekends listed on the schedule. What can I do?
A. The weekends currently listed
on the 2012 Workshop Schedule are the
ones we have set aside for each SKILLS QUEST program, however
it is possible variations can be made beginning in April, provided
it works for the folks who have already signed up.
"This program builds a strong
foundation in a much wider range of essential and useful skills than
you could ever imagine! Furthermore, the overall attitudes Eddie & Julie
engender in their students through this course wil be a blessing to your
life in ways that you will not at first see."
— Jon T.
Q. What if I will definitely not be able to make one of the weekends
no matter when it is rescheduled? Can I still register?
A. If you definitely won't be
able to make a weekend but still want to sign up we won't
stop you. Keep in mind
it will be up to you to get copies of notes, photos & recordings from
your fellow Questers, and get your projects done before
the next get-together.
Q. Where can I stay during the weekend?
A. Participants will camp on-site
at Practical Primitive over the weekends. You may either bring a tent
or stay in a shelters over nights once they are built, or inside if
the weather turns nasty. You'll have full access to facilities, and
meals will be provided over the weekend.
Q. I live far away & can not "commute". Do you
have a Residential option?
A. A limited number of Residential
spaces are available
for an additional fee. If you would like more information please e-mail
us for details. Alternatively, we live near a college town with many
reasonably-priced rooms for rent, as well as a couple of possible
rental options within walking distance of Practical Primitive. We would
be happy to provide you with local information to check out this more
private option.
"Anyone serious about survival
skills who feel paralyzed with the frustration caused by failure shoud
consider taking this course."
— Eric S.
SKILLS QUEST PROGRAM TUITION & ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
Q. How much is the tuition for the SKILLS QUEST
program?
A. Each year-long SKILL
QUEST program tuition runs at $1750, which includes all of
the project supplies and materials, all of your meals during your Quester weekends.
As an ADDED BONUS you will have
the opportunity to schedule up to 24
hours of one-on-one Mentoring time over the course of the
year to get extra assistance with any of the skills or projects covered.
OR, you can take both SKILLS QUEST I and SKILLS
QUEST II for the discounted tuition of just $3150!
Choose any of our 3 flexible payment options (see next question)
and spread your tuition over the entire year!
Q. How can I pay for the program?
A. We have 3 FLEXIBLE PAYMENT
OPTIONS for
your Skills Quest tuition so you can choose the one to best fit your
financial needs:
Traditional — $500
downpayment with registration, $1250 balance due on or before 1st day.
Quarterly — Break
your tuition into four
equal payments over the course of the year. $440 at registration,
with 3 other $440 charges automatically on that same card in April, July & October
Monthly — 11
equal monthly payments of $160 covers your full tuition!
The first $160 will be charged when you register, with equal payments
automatically charged each month, through November.
If you prefer, you can also choose to pay your full tuition when you register. (Quarterly & Monthly payment options include a $10 processing charge per single program. For both programs, the discount is reduced from 10% to 9%))
Q. Is there an application fee?
A. No, there is no application fee,
and we have 3 flexible payment options for your course tuition
Q. What is included in my tuition?
A. Your program tuition includes
all of the supplies
and materials for your projects, as well as all of your meals during SKILLS QUEST weekends. Plus, you will also have the option
to schedule up to 24 hours of individual mentoring to gain
additional instruction in or assistance with skills learned and projects
assigned during the course of your program —
a $450 value at
no additional cost to you!
Q. Are there any "Materials" fees on top
of the tuition?
A. No, there are not any additional
fees; we provide the materials for your projects at no
extra charge. We do give you a list of reference books we recommend
that you purchase for your "skills library", as well as a
few inexpensive tools you will need to complete your homework projects,
however these additional costs are minimal. Feel free to contact
us for more specific details.
Q. Do you offer any scholarships or tuition assistance?
A. We do not currently provide tuition
assistance or work-study programs for the SKILLS
QUEST Program, however our 3 Flexible
Payment Options allow
you to spread your tuition over the full year.
(For tuition assistance
with our regular workshops you may wish to consider applying for our Internship program.
Intern hours may not be used toward Intensive Skills or Skills Quest
Programs.)
I highly reccomend this course to anyone, period. But if
you are concerned with enhancing your skill at the survival arts,
or have an interest in primitive culture, this is a can't miss situation
for you!"
— Jon T.
SKILLS QUEST I |
SKILLS QUEST II |
SKILLS QUEST I & II |
|||
Program Begins: |
January
2012 |
|
February
2012 |
Program Begins: |
Jan
& Feb 2012 |
Program Dates: |
January 21-22 |
|
February 18-19 |
Program Dates: |
See dates as shown for both programs. |
$500 Deposit (Balance due by 1st day) |
Skills
Quest I has already begun. |
Skills
Quest II has already begun. |
$1000 Deposit (Balance due by 1st day) |
Skills
Quest I & II have already begun. |
|
$440 Quarterly (Pre-Authorized
payments in April, July & October) |
$795 Quarterly (Pre-Authorized
payments in April, July & October) |
||||
$160 per Month |
$290 per Month (Pre-Authorized payments monthly through November) |
||||
$1750 Full Tuition |
$3150 Full Tuition |
||||
$1250 Balance |
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NO PAYPAL
ACCOUNT required for Traditional Deposit or to Pay in Full!
You can register using any credit or
debit card.
PayPal is the Secure Server that processes the transactions,
but you don't
need to create an account!
Just click 'CONTINUE' in the Don't
have a PayPal Account? section of the Checkout page,
or select "No" when
asked if you would like to open a PayPal account.
Please note that while Monthly
or Quarterly payments require a PayPal account
you can still USE ANY CREDIT or DEBIT card!
If you have any questions regarding PayPal or the Monthly or Quarterly payment
plans
please don't hesitate to call!
If you have any questions about SKILLS QUEST feel free to give us a call,
or send an e-mail to info@practicalprimitive.com.
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Printable Registration Form
If you would prefer to mail in your registration with
a check you can download
a printable copy here. (This
is a PDF file. Acrobat Reader is required.) Simply click on the "Print" icon
at the top left of the form, or on Save to save a copy to your computer for printing
at a later time.
Please mail your completed registration and check made out to Practical
Primitive
to:
Skills Quest Experience
Practical Primitive
14 Sussex Lane
Great Meadows, NJ
07838