Rangers, Ghosts14thApril
You might hear us say we cover four "guilds" of learning: Rangers, Wilders, Artisans and Mariners.
The Wilders tend the land, reviving it and helping us remember what once was and could be.
The Artisans carry our culture in their stories, asking us questions that hold us true to our responsibilities.
The Mariners fish.
What are Rangers? They're ghosts. One might call them awesome Trackers, knowing about wildlife and sign. But really they simply flow through the trail, moving by bear, deer and mouse. That's the best way to track: to let what's wild compel you.
Like the Artisans, the Rangers are masters of craft but more directly hewn in conversation with the Wilderness. Their bow and arrow more resembles a growing branch, but it does not serve any less a purpose. In fact it blends and bends so well their bent stick is invisible, a part of the forest.
Fire to a Ranger ties them to two things: the family hearth and the quiet wild that guides them. They revel in this contrast, Protectors to the last
A Ranger's silent movement is born from more than stealth and guile, it bleeds from practiced stillness. They need the stillness to flow, they need flow to move, and they move to care for the village.
I know a couple of Rangers. The stillness doesn't let most people see them very well. But they're always watching. As you search for them, follow them, you take the first step toward becoming one.
Reminders...
Two new Taster Days Come check out the program. Join us at the Trackers Homestead for a day of skills and community in the wild. Upcoming taster days...
May 22, 2010 9am-5pm
June 19, 2010 9am-5pm
Fall is our Ranger Term We focus on bushcraft, wilderness survival and wild harvest. You can also take the full year of our Wilderness Immersion Course.
Questions about the program...
Are there places to live at the program?
There are several houses available for students operated by community members. While you do have to cover the cost of your own rent, these houses are often operated like a co-op. Their room rates are much more reasonable than the Portland average. Another bonus is that these options connect you to more of the Trackers community, a key feature of our program. You find yourself working on skills with peers as part of your day to day life. Also, many of these houses are located within walking or biking distance to our location in Portland. Thus making living without a car a viable option for participants of our program.
-Tony Deis, Program Founder
