About the Gathering
In 2005, BOSS created a primitive skills rendezvous called the Slickrock Gathering at its field school in Boulder, Utah. The 4th Annual Slickrock Gathering takes place on BOSS’s 41 acres of land in beautiful Boulder, Utah from May 11 - 17, 2008.

Course Content - Slickrock Pathways
At the Slickrock Gathering, BOSS offers distinct "Pathways" for learning, giving you the opportunity to focus on a specific interest under the guidance of expert instruction. Our hope is that this makes your time with us more valuable, as you can truly learn something in depth during your week. Pathways are "A to Z" in nature, offering a complete course in each subject from start to finish. So each student will be able to collect the raw materials (when feasible), process them into finished materials and then produce usable tools, clothing or food by the end of the Pathway.

Throughout the process, each student will be producing tools pertinent to his or her particular pathway. For example, a student in the Pottery will begin with harvesting the clay, then learning about shape and design, finally moving on to firing their creation. It's a complete lesson in the skill, requiring no prerequisite other than the desire to be completely immersed in the process during the Gathering.

Pathways will change with each Gathering, offering you the opportunity to refine and build on your skills each year – so we hope you will keep coming back for this event :

2008 PATHWAYS INCLUDE

Code: G4-FN
 FLINTKNAPPING
  Instructor: Greg Nunn + 2 Apprentices
  Class Limit: 10 Students

The Flintknapping Pathway explores the making of cutting edges from stone.  Students will learn how to find quality usable stone, how to treat the stone, how to knap the stone and finally how to haft the blade.  Students will also make their own set of tools necessary for flintknapping.  Once useable tools have been made, we will see how these blades work and the different ways of using these tools when compared to steel blades.
 
Code: G4-MP
 MEDICINAL USES OF PLANTS
  Instructor: Cat Farneman + 2 Apprentices
  Class Limit: 10 Students

The Medicinal Plants Pathway explores both the medicinal and spiritual uses of plants.  There will be an emphasis on using medicinal plants on the spot for first aid, as well as medicinal preparations that can be made ahead of time and carried with you. Students will make their own plant press, first aid topical salves, herbal tinctures, herbal poultice powders, and will learn other useful medicinal remedies. At the end of the Pathway, you will take with you the completed herbal products, recipes for herbal remedies and instructions for producing and using them, as well as the full plant press as a record of each plant.
 
Code: G4-TX
 TEXTILES
  Instructor: Patrick & Kamber Farneman
  Class Limit: 10 Students

The Textiles Pathway explores the various methods of making fabric that often helped define cultures.  This pathway teaches how to make fabric from raw materials and how to make useful items from the fabric.  The students will start at the beginning with a discussion of gathering of fibers, both plant and animal. Participants will then process raw wool, learning how to produce yarn or thread. This yarn will be made into useable fabric using weaving and needework processes. Felting will also be explored, allowing the students to produce cloth items using different methods.  Students will have finished projects by the end of the week as well as a textile kit to take home.
   
Code: G4-PG
 PRIMITIVE GOURDWORKS
  Instructor: Hawk Clinton
  Class Limit: 10 Students

The Primitive Gourdworks Pathway explores one of the most versatile containers of primitive technologies: the gourd.  From tools to cooking or storage vessels, from transportation containers to cultural items like musical instruments or masks, gourds were instrumental in primitive cultures.  This Pathway teaches how to process gourds and produce these utility and cultural items and how to decorate them to meet your sense of aesthetics.

 
Code: G4-PP
 PRIMITIVE POTTERY
  Instructor: John Olsen
  Class Limit: 10 Students

The Primitive Pottery Pathway explores the methods that changed the way cultures were able to cook.  This Pathway teaches the various aspects of pottery, from collecting the raw clay, to processing the clay, to making clay vessels, to firing them in an open fire. Pre-processed clay will be available for each student to work while the raw clay is being prepared for use. Two firings will be done, one instructor-guided and one student-guided. Each student will complete the Pathway with the tools necessary for producing pottery and products from the two firings.
 

Registration

If you are interested in joining us for the 4th Annnual Slickrock Gathering, or you would like more information sent to you via e-mail, please contact Jenny Stein or call (800) 335-7404 / (303) 444-9779.

Evening Entertainment

Evenings will provide many opportunities for music, storytelling, trade-blankets, games and other activities. We encourage people to bring instruments, trade items, and unique talents to the Gathering.

2008 Dates & Prices

4th Annnual
Slickrock Gathering
G-4
 May 11 - 17, 2008 Utah

$375

Tuition includes all instruction and materials, camping on property (bring your own tent), and two meals per day (breakfast and dinner). No RV campers are allowed on the property, water & electricity hook-ups are available at an RV parking lot just a few minutes walk from the property (additional fee required).

Course dates and prices are subject to change. Space is limited on each course, and registrations are made on a first-come, first-served basis. Please go to the Registration page for more information.