Welcome fellow outdoor enthusiasts!
I am Chad, founder of Bushcrafting For Beginners website and experience. For the past 40 years, or so, I have had a passion for being in the wild places and learning useful “bushcraft” skills. Through this website, I would like to pass on to you much of what I’ve learned. To begin I’d like to briefly give you a bit of background on who I am, and what my story is.
My Story
I would say my “bushcraft” journey began when I was 11 years old. Our family had frequently gone camping around the various lakes and campgrounds of Oklahoma; so, I already had a love for the great outdoors for as far back as I can remember. When I was 11, I discovered a thick book that was all about wilderness survival skills at our local library where we lived in the suburbs of Oklahoma City (I’m also a bookworm, one of my other passions). I cannot remember the author’s name to this day, but the lessons contained within it stuck with me. It covered a variety of topics, from finding and purifying water, to using natural resources to build shelters, make tools and even camp furniture. I must have checked that book out at least 50 times over the next few years; I read and referenced it every chance I could get. I would also look for opportunities to practice the skills I’d learned anytime we’d go on a camping or hiking trip as a family.
I’ve since acquired my own large and comprehensive library of books pertaining to the bushcraft and wilderness survival fields, and I’ve had a number of teachers that provided hands on instruction as well. Over the years my outdoor adventures evolved into backpacking and venturing into the deeper wilderness areas of Arkansas and Oklahoma.
My Dad, my brother and I would often go into those wild places together to share what we’d each learned and practice our skills. Our range of bushcraft studies included but was not limited to building shelters and bedding out of natural materials, animal tracking, foraging for edible and medicinal plants, and honing our awareness levels in nature. My Dad is a master woodworker and taught me cabinet making and other woodworking skills from a young age, so that naturally fed into my interest in bushcrafting.
I have a family of my own now, and currently reside on a wooded acreage in northeast Oklahoma. My home grants me continuous opportunities to experiment with a wide variety of bushcraft skills and ideas. Even though I’m getting older now, I still venture into the wild places every chance I get, usually with my son and occasionally solo.
My Bushcraft Journey Involves Helping Others
My passion derives from a deep love for nature, and from wanting to live in harmony with it. I also greatly enjoy sharing what I know with others, and I know that I can help you find peace of mind and confidence in the “bush” through learning a wide range of creative skills and mindsets. I’ll also be trying out and recommending products, to help you find the best gear for your own outdoor adventures.
My Goal Is to Inspire You
My ultimate goal is to inspire you to get out into the beautiful wild places, and to build and expand a progressive skillset of your own so that you can venture off the beaten path with confidence. I am constantly researching both old and new concepts within the bushcraft field. As I continue to learn, I want in turn to share it with you! I do have to say that this is not a ‘hardcore, go into the bush with nothing but a loincloth and dull pocketknife” kind of place. You can get there from here though, if that’s what you’re looking for. 😉
Regardless of your age, experience level, interest, or circumstance, my hope is that there will be something here for everyone. My goal is to present information that ranges from beginner to intermediate, as well as some that is more advanced in a simple and easy to understand manner. If you’re just beginning on your own bushcraft journey, then this is an excellent place to start.
If you ever need a hand or have any questions, feel free to leave them below and I will be more than happy to help you out. Or just drop me a comment to say Hi, that’s cool too!
Anyway, that’s my story, and why I want to help. Nice to meet you and I sincerely hope you enjoy your experience here with Bushcrafting For Beginners!
All the best,
Chad Potts
w. bushcraftpath.com
One response to “About Chad-The Founder”
Hi ?