MEN’S NATURE CONNECTION CAMP
This event is being held on the lands of the Gulli-Bul people and we wish to acknowledge them as Traditional Custodians. We would also like to pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging.
We recognise that sovereignty over these lands was never ceded, no treaties were signed and that the struggle for lands and rights of Indigenous peoples around Australia is ongoing.
This three day Nature Connection Camp is tailored to impart a deep knowledge of natural living to each participant. You will learn many practical bushcraft skills such as making fire, shelter building, making hunting tools including stone knapping and wood craft.
Participants (Tribe) will be introduced to Shamanism, the oldest religion of the human race. One which acknowledges our place, living in harmony and deep reverence for nature. Nature provides everything we need to thrive. We will all learn and share techniques and observations which empower your innate drive to connect to country.
We acknowledge and will share wisdom of the first Australians. Tribe will develop personal tools which can be used to strengthen your journey by knowing the true spiritual history of this beautiful ancient land and its people.
We will learn how to sustain Tribe life without the modern luxuries which we have become so reliant on. Tribe life is within us all, an ancient calling to the fire. A familiar vibration which grounds us and connects each individual person to our collective soul tribe.
We shall all participate in a ‘Rites of Passage’ ceremony which will acknowledge each Tribe member’s individual and unique skill set and character. We will identify our power animals and learn techniques to carry the wisdom of nature with us, always.
PROGRAM
Day 1 - Session 1 - 9am to 12pm
Group bonding and introduction
Each member of the Tribe will be encouraged and supported to connect with their heart, feel their spirit and speak their mind. We shall face our fears, share our vulnerabilities and learn to love who we are by knowing our truth is supported. We are not alone, in fact we are all in this together.
Day 1 - Session 2 - 1pm to 4pm
The Dreaming and who we are
Tribe is powerful. Each of us has something very important to contribute. In this session we will find ourselves. Find the diamond within and break through fears and boundaries with the collective support of the Tribe. We will learn and begin to embody our own full potential.
Day 2 - Session 1 - 9am to 12pm
Building a Bush Camp
We shall go through all aspects of establishing a Bush Camp including site, resources, materials, elements, fire pit / cooking area, shelter and living space. We shall be guided into the bush to select the best area to establish our camp. We shall review what makes a good place, what isn’t suitable and why.
Tribe will work as a team to source, prepare and establish our bush camp. We shall each be delegated various roles and use primitive techniques to establish a comfortable and safe bush camp home. The goal is for us to all participate to support the collective group so that everyone will gain all the skills required to create a primitive bush camp for a small family.
Day 2 - Session 2 - 1pm to 4pm
Making stone and wood tools
We shall all get hands on with stone tool making (knapping) with the goal to make 3 stone tools - a knife, a scraper and a spear point using locally sourced stones. We’ll also make some digging sticks or hunting spears, and a woomera to use as a throwing stick which propels the spear.
The tools and skills we share are both of Australian and ancient European heritage. These skills emerged in the stone age, a period of history all of our ancestors lived through. We shall also look at tracking, applying skills to identify animal paths and habitat. Suitable for successful hunting styles.
Day 3 - Session 1 - 9am to 12pm
Rising together as One Tribe
We shall explore the harmony we are creating. We shall acknowledge each other’s power and influence on the tribe by sharing the Talking Stick.
Tribe shall be painted with ochre and adorn themselves with tribal markings and regalia. We shall each have an opportunity to present a skill or talent which compliments our tribe.
Day 3 - Session 2 - 1pm to 4pm
Program close
Tribe shall review all aspects of the program. We will work on finishing any Tribe tasks. We shall make sure everyone has received the most possible guidance and support in a way that they take the experience with them and continue to hold space for great things to happen in their life for their Tribe family.
We shall conclude by sitting in a circle and sharing the Talking Stick to set our future intensions. Offerings shall be made to the Earth and Sky and we shall depart the program rich in Spirit.
Conclusion
I hope every participant leaves the program feeling confident in themselves, resilient to life’s demands, focused on genuine sustainability with a passion for life and Tribe community.
DETAILS
When: TBA
Arrival: Thursday 4pm
Finish: Sunday 4pm
Accomodation: This course is run entirely outdoors from a base camp. You will need to bring your own tent, swag or camping hammock and bedding.
Toilets and Showers: There will be access to warm showers and compost toilets.
Catering and Food: We will not be living from the land during this foundational camp, that is an advanced skill that you will develop as you progress through future camps. All meals will be provided and communally prepared around the fire. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, fresh water and a fruit bowl will be available at the base camp.
What to bring: Tent/swag/hammock, bedding, warm & cool layers, walking shoes, torch, sun hat, raincoat, water bottle, notepad. Please be prepared for colder nights.
Cost: $500 + Booking fee (As with all Arcoora programs we don’t want funds to be a limiting factor that prevents participation - please get in touch if things are tight and we’ll see if we can arrange something)
JAMIE SIMPSON
Jamie Simpson aka Jah Love was born in the lands of the Kulin. On the country of the Boninyong Bulluk clan of the Boonerwrung Tribe. Born to an American father and Irish colonial Mother. Growing up barefoot in the bush between coasts.
In the late 80's Jamie spent 3 months with an African Traditional Healer Shakasi from Zambia. This time with a true Rastafarian left a deep impression on Jamie which resonates to this day.
In the mid 90's Jamie was introduced to Tony 'Ghost Hawk' a Lakota Spirit man, Pipe Carrier and Heyoka. After sharing stories and visions Ghost Hawk recognised Jamie as a Heyoka and gave him permission to be a Pipe Carrier.
In the late 90's Jamie spent time with Clive McKenzie, Adnyamathanha Yura from Gammon Ranges in South Australia. Sharing cultural experiences Clive gave Jamie the Adnyamathanha name Uradoo.
In the year 2000 Jamie spent time with Yulngu Lawman Alex Namirja and was recognised as 'Yittitja' totem and skin.
Around 2015 Jamie repatriated a sacred object back to its traditional owners the Cookatha people of South Australia. This item was a missing piece of a set, once together it helped in a very positive result for Native land title.
In 2016 Jamie was invited to be a Non-member Director of the Bunurong Land Council. He held this position and consulted directly with the Bunurong community until he could pass the position on to a Bunurong person a year later.
In 2017 Jamie published his book 'Bushfoods & Survival Plants of South-East Australia' based on 20 years of research into native plant uses. Most of the 1000 books in the first print were gifted directly to Aboriginal people throughout South-East Australia.
In 2018 Jamie spent time with Central Australian Elders including Ned Hargraves 'Jampijinpa’, head Lawman of the Warlpiri. After days of Rites of Passage Ceremony Jamie became Wadi Tjukupa Cooloo and carries the skin name Jappanunka.
In 2020 Jamie turned 50 and relocated to Northern NSW Bundjalung country. Consulting with local Aboriginal Elders Jamie is now offering 'Rites of Passage' Ceremonies and is expanding the opportunity to spiritually empower all Australians. With particular outcomes of addressing some of societies biggest issues including assault, domestic violence, suicide and depression.
FEEDBACK
“By far the most life-changing and life-affirming experience in my 38 years. I am at the beginning of something very special for both myself and my wife, who has appreciated every moment we’ve spent together since getting home.
Thanks for setting such a high standard of commitment to the space and the group and for providing me the catalyst and the tools to begin my warrior journey and open up doors to a greater understanding and deep experience of the First Nations connection to nature and the true underlying meaning of their stories and cultural protocols.
Thanks also for your broader wisdom and experience, imparted with passion, dedication and confidence in both the process and the outcome. You’re working on another level and that’s exactly what I needed to drop the boy, pick up the stones of responsibility and become a warrior”
