13 - 19? This is for you.
Craft ~ make authentic tools of bone and flint. Cast metal, weave wool, shape clay & acquire new skills.
Construct ~ overcome challenges together, whether practical shelters, ancient music or assembling a hearty feast.
Create ~ build memories and friendships by the fire in ancient building reconstructions and out on the trail.
Based in an ancient setting, experience the past in a completely new way and join others to learn whether you have what it takes to survive or to thrive in the natural world.
Gain a 10% bundle discount when booking 4 days together.
Why join us?
A chance to get hands-on with more complex ancient skills
Book all 4 days or check the schedule to select the days which appeal to you
A unique combination of setting and skills
Something worth getting out of bed for
About the experience
A series of specialised day camps designed for 13 to 19-year-olds
9am – 5pm days absolutely packed with creative activities not usually available
Run by knowledgeable and experienced educators who are DBS checked and First Aid trained
A chance to experience the ancient buildings of Butser Ancient Farm in a whole new way
Please note participants on Thursday will be making and bringing home a small cutting tool (microlith blade).
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An adventure waiting to happen:
*indicates something to take home.
Monday:
*Spinning wool from our sheep on a drop spindle.
Seeing natural dyeing over a fire.
Using large ‘nature looms’ to weave natural mats.
*Carving and shaping a sewing needle from animal bone.
*Weaving a small woollen patch on a peg loom.
Making music the ancient way in an ancient dwelling.
*Learning to turn grass fibres into cord and making a tooth necklace.
*Mix pigments and paint a tiny fresco design.
Tuesday:
Chopping kindling and starting fires safely.
Trying different historic fire-starting methods.
Picking and preparing food, including fish (using a flint).
Cooking (and eating) your own feast.
Work together to complete site-wide team challenge.
*Make own leather game pouches and punch a wooden dice.
Wednesday:
*Making a basic ‘chainmail’ bracelet.
Hunting down and cracking code of wax tablets hidden around site.
*Using cuttlefish to design and cast tin ornament with a ground scrape furnace.
Trek offsite and practice tree identification / map reading.
*Weave a 7-braided bracelet Viking style.
Thursday:
Practicing basic knot tying.
Move heavy weights with ropes and rollers in a team.
Making shelter with wood and rope.
Archery at a target butt.
Flint knapping to gain a microlith sliver blade.
*Mixing glue by a fire to add a handle to microlith.
*Creating a pouch for tool - sewing leather and (if time) making cordage carry strap.
Orienteering around site using punches.
Developing the skill of slinging.
Every day:
Group games as well as a historic fireside tale. Ancient games available during breaks.
Please note: proposed activities are planned, but may be replaced or added to if necessary (dependant on circumstances). Asterisk indicates activity with something to take away.
More information
What should I wear?
Something practical! Comfortable shoes good for the outdoors, plenty of layers if it's cold, wet weather gear if it's rainy, and clothes you don't mind risking getting a little mucky. This workshop will likely be held both inside and outside, except in the case of extreme weather.
Should I bring anything to the day camp?
You will need to bring a packed lunch, snacks, and a water bottle (2 bottles on Wednesday for the hike).
Is there parking?
Yes! We have plenty of free and accessible parking. If you're worried about accessibility, please email hello@butserancientfarm.co.uk for advice.
Where should I go on the day?
Just head to the entrance kiosk and show us your ticket as normal. We'll help with where to go after that!