Friction & Fire: The Bow Drill & Survival Fire Methods— May 22, 2027

$160.00

Saturday, May 22, 2027
10:00am - 4:00pm

Location:
Port Townsend, WA

Instructor:
Ramzy Berbawy

Practice the art of fire-making and hand-carve a functioning bow drill kit to take home!

In this immersive, 6-hour class, we will learn to identify and harvest the best local woods for starting a fire by friction—including the hearth board, spindle, and tinder bundle.

Under expert guidance, you will carve a complete, working bow drill kit. We will deeply focus on the physics and anatomy of fire (tinder nests, coal management, and wood species), ensuring you can successfully coax a glowing ember into an open flame.

While our primary focus is carving and mastering the bow drill, we will also explore the broader spectrum of survival fire. You will get hands-on demonstrations with other traditional and modern tools—such as flint and steel, ferro rods, and foul-weather modern adaptions—giving you the skills to craft a fire in even the harshest wilderness survival conditions.

This is a great activity for parent and child!

What to Bring:

A fixed-blade or locking carving knife
Durable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear (we will be working outdoors).
Water bottle and a packed lunch.

Tuition:
$160 (Includes materials & WA sales tax)

Ages:

12 + (minors must be accompanied by a registered adult)

Saturday, May 22, 2027
10:00am - 4:00pm

Location:
Port Townsend, WA

Instructor:
Ramzy Berbawy

Practice the art of fire-making and hand-carve a functioning bow drill kit to take home!

In this immersive, 6-hour class, we will learn to identify and harvest the best local woods for starting a fire by friction—including the hearth board, spindle, and tinder bundle.

Under expert guidance, you will carve a complete, working bow drill kit. We will deeply focus on the physics and anatomy of fire (tinder nests, coal management, and wood species), ensuring you can successfully coax a glowing ember into an open flame.

While our primary focus is carving and mastering the bow drill, we will also explore the broader spectrum of survival fire. You will get hands-on demonstrations with other traditional and modern tools—such as flint and steel, ferro rods, and foul-weather modern adaptions—giving you the skills to craft a fire in even the harshest wilderness survival conditions.

This is a great activity for parent and child!

What to Bring:

A fixed-blade or locking carving knife
Durable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear (we will be working outdoors).
Water bottle and a packed lunch.

Tuition:
$160 (Includes materials & WA sales tax)

Ages:

12 + (minors must be accompanied by a registered adult)

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Ramzy Berbawy

Ramzy’s naturalist journey began stargazing on a football field, sparking a deep passion for the outdoors. He’s since worked on small farms across the Olympic Peninsula and Methow Valley, where he deepened his connection to the land. Ramzy has completed the Wildlife Tracking Intensive with the Wilderness Awareness School and is currently continuing his studies through CedarRoot’s Wildlife Tracking Immersion.

Ramzy is now in his fourth year as a youth nature studies instructor with CedarRoot and is also involved in adult programming. This year, he will co-lead CedarRoot’s new multi-month Wilderness Skills Immersion, sharing his extensive knowledge and mastery with those eager to dive deeper into learning these ancient and essential practices. His hands-on approach and passion for nature inspire his students, equipping them with practical skills and a lasting connection to the wild world around them.