Wolf Den Bunkhouse and Cabins Blog

2009-11-06T09:30:00.000-08:00

Is anyone out there or have you all gone into hibernation yet?!

Well don’t go to sleep yet! With winter upon us that does not mean that we nod off here at the Wolf Den. Throughout the winter months we have a number of events and programs running.

“Gifts from Your Own Hands and an Evening with Kate Jones”
December 4-6, 2009
Coming up quickly is your opportunity to join us for a festive craft making weekend here at the Wolf Den. We will be running 4 workshops on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to help get you started on some homemade gifts. Workshops will include beading, wreath making, felting and potato stamp card making. Fees for each session will only amount to material costs and each is optional attendance. You may join a free Saturday morning guided walk before sessions begin. Saturday night we have a special guest, Singer Song writer Kate Jones, who will perform a by donation concert in our cozy lounge.
Accommodation rates for that weekend will be $25/person per night.
For more information call 1-866-271-9336 or email wden@wolfdenbunkhouse.com.

Chris Gilmour, founder of Earth Mentorship, has a number of programs running here through the winter and into the spring.

“At Home in Your Body, at Home in Nature”
Exact dates to be determined but to fall late February or early March.
This program intertwines yoga and a deeper connection to your body with wilderness awareness and a deeper connection to the natural world.

“A Retreat for Teachers, Parents and Other Educators.”
March 14-17, 2010
This course offers the opportunity to explore and learn more about the natural world through tracking, natural crafts, other naturalist studies while also learning how to mentor others in these ways. It is also a chance to deepen your connection with the natural world.

“Family Awareness & Nature Skills Retreat”
March 17- 20, 2010
A chance for the whole family to spend time learning more about the natural world through tracking, survival skills, naturalist studies, camp fires, storytelling and crafts.
For more information please see Chris’ website www.earthmentorhip.com or call him at 705-788-1210.

As the Holiday Season approaches we still have room for you and your family and/or friends join us. What better way to spend the festive season than in beautiful Algonquin Park!
Winter days of cross country skiing and snowshoeing are popular here in Algonquin Park and our weekends are booking quickly. Call or email us soon to ensure you have a chance to enjoy some of the beauty of the winter season in Algonquin. Weekends that still have space available are: all weekends in December, January 16/17 and any weekend including and after March 13-14. Weekdays throughout the winter are available and a perfect time to enjoy the peace of the Park.

Family Wilderness Skills Weekend

2009-09-21T13:19:00.000-07:00

Bring the whole family and join us at the Wolf Den for a weekend of wilderness and nature exploration. We will lean about the natural world first hand through the practice of ancient wilderness living skills
including: wilderness crafts, survival skills, and educational wilderness games.

When: The weekend of Nov 7 & 8, 2009. We will start at 10am Saturday and go till 4:30pm Sunday

Location: Wolf Den Bunkhouse, Oxtongue, ON. Hwy 60, 8 minutes west of Algonquin Park.

Accommodation: Each family will have their own room in a beautiful log cabin in the woods. All bedding material is provided.

Food: We will provide a pizza dinner Saturday night and snacks. Your family can cook lunch and dinner in the Wolf Dens communal kitchen.

Price: $120/person, $340 for a family of 3, $380 for a family of 4, $420 for a family of 5, 5 yrs old and under free.

Includes: 1 night accomodation at the Wolf Den, Saturday night dinner, all materials, and 2 mentors.

For more information or to reserve your spot please contact Chris at 705-788-1210 or email him at chris@earthmentorship.com

At Home in Your Body, At Home in the Nature

2009-09-20T14:10:00.000-07:00

This multi day retreat bridges two ancient paths, yoga and wilderness awareness. Join us for morning and evening yoga, intentional breath and meditation, interpretive nature walks, wilderness living skill workshops, nature crafts, and a chance to deepen your connection to the natural world, your understanding of your own body, and how the 2 fit together.

Dates: Oct 22 - 25, 2009 & Feb 25 - 28, 2010

Times: Program starts with dinner at 6pm on Thursday and will finish around 4pm the Sunday.

Location: Wolf Den Bunkhouse, Oxtongue, ON, 8 min West of Algonquin Park. Each participant will sleep in a beautful log cabin.

Cost: $380/person or $720 for 2
Includes: 3 nights accomadation, healthy food, snacks, materials, yoga and naturalist mentoring.

For more info or to reserve your spot please contact Chris at 705-788-1210 or email him at chris@earthmentorship.com

Algonquin Outfitters - My Ultimate Canoe Trip Contest

2009-07-11T09:15:00.000-07:00

Our Friends and Neighbors over at Algonquin Outfitters are running the following contest:

Contest runs from June 24th until Sept 30th 2009
To celebrate the launch of our new website, Algonquin Outfitters and several key partners have came together to present you with the "My Ultimate Canoe Trip Contest".
Enter the contest by first visiting one of the locations listed below where you will need to find our Logo or obtain an access code (Cavalcade foto source) to be able to enter the contest. Each location will provide you a way that you can enter the contest, thus presenting you with multiple chances to enter the contest, enter more often to increase your chances of winning.
The Ultimate Prize:
An Ultimate Canoe Trip Adventure in Algonquin Park, for two people over three days, departing from our Oxtongue Lake outfitting base, near Algonquin Park's west gate, the trip must be taken in the summer or fall of 2010.
At the end of the trip, you will be presented with a new 2010 Swift Gold Fusion Kipawa canoe, 2 paddles, 2 PFD's and a safety kit. (Canoe provided by Swift Canoe & Kayak).
An Olympus Stylus Touch-6000, Waterproof digital camera, with case, floating strap and 2gb memory card, provided by Cavalcade Foto Source, Huntsville.
Ballistic Canoe Pack, Food Barren with Harness and Yoke Pad provided by Hooligan Gear.
Mountain Pass, 3 person dome tent provided by Eureka.
Two self-inflating air mattresses provided by Therm-a-rest.
LED head lamp for hands free light, provided by Petzl.
Dry Bags to keep your gear dry, provided by Sea to Summit.
We will be adding a few more items like Sleeping Bags, Camp Stove and a Camping Pots set.
Location
Find
Frequency
Huntsville Forester, Newspaper
Our Logo in the Paper
Weekly (15x)
Bracebridge Examiner, Newspaper
Our Logo in the Paper
Weekly (15x)
Swift Canoe & Kayak, Website
Our Logo in Website
Once
Cavalcade Foto Source, Huntsville
Ask for an Entry Code, in the store
Monthly (4x)
Algonquin Adventures, Website
Our Logo in Website
Once
Algonquin Outfitters, Website
Our Logo in Website
Once
AO Boatwerks, Website
Our Logo in Website
Once
* The above list presents you with 38 chances to enter the contest.
The Draw
A winner will be drawn on Oct 5th 2009.The contest winner will be announced on this webpage and in the Huntsville Forester before the end of October 2009. Winners must book their Ultimate Canoe Trip before Sept 1st 2010. If you can not book the trip before Sept 1st 2010 then a new winner will be announced from the remaining entries. No purchase necessary. Open to persons 18+ years of age.
First visit one or more of the locations above.
ENTER CONTEST

Kayak lessons at The Wolf Den

2009-06-23T14:47:00.000-07:00

Mondays and Tuesdays June - September

SK1 Flatwater Kayak Instruction - ORCKA and Paddle Canada Certified Instructor James Seabrook

Courses and Costs
Beginner - Intermediate - Advanced Levels

At the Wolf Den location - By Appointment
1 Person $120
2 Per. $110 Each
3 Per. $100 Each
4 Per. $90 Each
5 Per. $80 Each

Includes all paddling, safety equipment and kayaks

We meet your needs:
Every aspect of our kayaking school is a reflection of our commitment to put the student's needs first. No other kayak school combines the best in: ideal course locations, class size limits, instructor experience, and equipment selection.
Our kayaking lessons are designed to maximize your learning. We provide you with a kayak, paddle, PFD, spray skirt and all necessary safety equipment.

For more info or reservations please contact James at
416 576-7332
twocre8fun@hotmail.com

Family Wilderness Awareness & Skills Retreat - July 26 - 29

2009-06-19T08:45:00.000-07:00

- Yoga, Survival, Birds, Trees, Plants, Stories, Fire, Crafts, Family -

An exciting retreat to invigorate our connection with nature and to
inspire exciting new ways for us to nurture family relationships. Join
Chris Gilmour of Earth Mentorship Programs & Wendy Martin of Sacred
Breath Yoga for 3 days of family fun, relaxation, and education near
Algonquin Park.

*Activities include:*

: sensory awareness games
: family and team building activities
: nature crafts: guided nature hikes
: learning about local wildlife, trees, and plants

: interpreting the sounds and signs of the forest

: music and stories around the camp fire

: wilderness survival skills
: yoga activities to explore balance, strength, the power of breath and
finesse vs. force
: empowerment and role playing games for kids that allow their own
unique voice to be spoken and heard.
: simple, quick and effective De-stress exercises, that connect body,
mind and breath

: free time to explore and relax

The program will begin with dinner Sunday night followed by an activity.
Monday and Tuesday will each have 3, 1-3 hour sessions: morning,
afternoon, and evening, with free time in-between. Some sessions we will
have separate youth and adult programming and in some we will all work
together. We will be done by 12 noon Wednesday.

When: July 26 - 29, 2009. We will meet for a 5pm dinner Sunday night and
finish around noon on Wed.

*Location:* Wolf Den Bunkhouse, Oxtongue, ON. Hwy 60, 8 minutes west of
Algonquin Park.

*Accommodation:* Each family will have their own room in a beautiful log
cabin in the woods. All bedding material is provided.

*Food:* We will provide dinner Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. Participants
bring and prepare their own breakfast and lunch in the Wolf Dens
communal kitchen. All cooking utensils, stoves, and refrigerators are
provided.

*Price:* $265/person, includes, accommodation, 3 dinners, 2 instructors,
all course materials.

Please contact Chris at chris@earthmentorship.com for more info or to reserve

Earth Based Mentoring - A Retreat for Teachers & Other Educators - August 3-6 at The Wolf Den

2009-06-17T08:11:00.000-07:00

This retreat will offer you a chance to rejuvenate in nature’s beauty,
deepening your connection and understanding of the natural world, while
exploring some of the many uses of nature’s gifts. Come learn new skills
to bring back to the classroom or integrate into your life outside of work.

Activities Include:

- Wildlife Tracking and Studies

- Edible and Medicinal Plants

- Hiking and Camp Fires

- Basket and Container Making

- Wilderness Awareness Games/Activities

- Story Telling

- Wilderness Crafts with Natural Materials

- Intro to Earth Based Mentoring (coyote mentoring)

- Good Food & Good Fun

- And Much Much More

When: Aug 3 - 6, 2009. We will meet at the Wolf Den Bunkhouse
<http://www.wolfdenbunkhouse.com/> for a 6pm dinner Monday night and
finish around 2pm Thursday.

Where: Wolf Den Bunkhouse, Oxtongue, ON, 8 min West of Algonquin Park.
Each participant will sleep in a beautful log cabin.

Food: We will provide healthy, wholesome dinners.
Participants bring & prepare thier own lunch & breakfast in the Wolf
Dens communal kitchen.

Price: $340/person - Includes 3 nights accomodations,
3 dinners, all course materials,

Please contact Chris at chris@earthmentorship.com for more info or to reserve.

Intro to Wilderness Survival & Ancient Living Skills

2009-06-16T07:16:00.000-07:00

Sun, July 12 – 9:30am – 4:30pm $50/person

Join Chris Gilmour of Earth Mentorship Programs for day of getting back to the land and reconnecting with the ancient ways of our ancestors.
Throughout the day we will touch on the essentials of survival and how to accommodate them without modern day implements in a wilderness setting.
Topics will include: natural shelter building, water purification, friction fire making with the bow and hand drill, and a introduction to local ecology and edible plants.

Please email Chris at chris@earthmentorship.com for more info or to reserve your spot.

Tale of the Track - Intro to Algonquin Park Wildlife Tracking & Studies

2009-06-16T06:59:00.000-07:00

Sat July, 11 - 5:30pm - 9:30pm

$25/person or 2 for $40

Join Chris Gilmour of Earth Mentorship Programs for an interactive evening of exploring the deep and ancient art of tracking. Come learn to turn lifeless depressions in the ground into living stories of the past, present, and future and interpret the many other signs left around Algonquin Park and your backyard.

This workshop will interest the novice outdoors enthusiast and the seasoned naturalist as we learn to deepen our understanding of the natural world and learn what the forest is doing when we are not watching!

Please email Chris at chris@earthmentorship.com for more info or to book your spot.

Kate Jones Live at The Wolf Den - July 18th, 8pm

2009-06-09T14:06:00.000-07:00

Come and enjoy an evening of original piano-folk and guitar songs with singer song writter Kate Jones.

Kate is a solo piano-folk artist who began her song writing career at the age of fourteen. Kate's third and most recent cd, Her Seasons, was released in December 2008. The album is a collection of guitar and piano songs that explore the rhythmic, brave journey of a relationship through its cycle of bliss, traum, and renewal. Kate's music is lyrical and heart-felt, and her sweet angelic voice penetrates to the heart of her listeners. Her sensitive piano and guitar playing coupled with her honest vocal emotionality bring a sense of calmness to her listeners. Kate's lyrics are thoughtful and rich, with the theme of nature recurring throughout. Also a talented painter and drawer, Kate sets out original art pieces to decorate her stage.

Blessed with an angelic voice and a love of performing, Kate began her music career at the age of fifteen by playing at local talent shows and cofeee houses in Newmarket, Ontario. She has continued to perform locally in Ontario as well as in Quebec, and internationall in France and Germany.

Kate has several shows and performances lined up for the summer of 2009, including the annual ASK Soiree in King City, Renees Cafe in South River, The Wolf Den Hostel in Oxtongue Lake, the Round House in Caledon, and the Lyric Pond Festival in Honeywood, Ontario. She is also currently working on her next cd, to be released in early 2010.

Please visit http://www.katejones.ca/ for updates and information about upcoming performances.

Make sure to reseve your spot for this lovely evening at The Wolf Den

Empowering Ancient Ways - Wilderness Living Skills Course

2009-03-31T07:19:00.000-07:00

"Growing our relationship with nature through Ancient Wilderness Living Skills"

The core skills of this course have been brought together after much preparation and introspection as to how to incorporate the most well-rounded and universal wilderness wisdom and teachings into one week-long experience. This course provides the ingredients to enrich the life of anyone who lives on planet Earth, from the most seasoned wilderness guides to wildlife biologists, busy professionals who yearn for the sanctity of the wild, or anybody interested in being thoroughly introduced to wilderness living skills.

Our Passion to teach has evolved from our experience as passionate students, learning to integrate the wisdom found in pure wilderness, and emulating that firm sense of connection. Our approach has evolved out of learning to help our students to create intentful routines from the skills that have lasted through all time. We set students up for success by helping them to become aware of the wilderness that surrounds them all the time. Here begins the journey to understanding the difference between Wilderness Survival & Wilderness Living. The choice is yours, when you make it.

Course Topics Include:
Shelter, Water, Fire, Food
Wildlife Tracking
Bird language, concentric rings and base line symphony
Stone, bone, and antler tools and usage
Tree and Plant Fibers- Harvesting, Processing and Preserving
Tanning and Preserving Hides and Animal Skins in various ways
Wild Edible, Medicinal and Utilitarian applications
Traditional Hunting and Trapping methods
Stalking, Natural Movement, and Camouflage
Stewardship and Caretaker Ethics Emphasized
Empowering our ecological footprint (your tracks)
Traditional cooking and food preservation
Container making, and More!

Student Testimonial
“My experience at Empowering Ancient Ways really helped to clarify the direction I want to take in my life. The awareness skills and sit spot exercise helped me acquire my summer job last year and reinvigorated my interest in pursuing post-graduate studies at university. The teaching and support given by Skeet and the rest of the crew was incredible and really helps you strive for success. The bow drill was personally the most difficult skill that I succeeded in performing and gave me the greatest sense of accomplishment I’ve had as far back as I can remember. The people that you meet there are great and the sense of community that develops exceeds the duration of the courses. I would highly recommend Sticks and Stones Wilderness School to anyone who loves the outdoors, wants a challenge or wishes to experience something new. I am definitely looking to take more classes.” ~ Chris Deduke, student

There are two courses scheduled for this year.

When: Sunday April 26, to Saturday May 2, 2009

Where: Wolf Den Bunkhouse-Hwy 60 West of Algonquin Park, Huntsville For Directions to the Wolf Den Hostel click on the link below: http://www.wolfdenbunkhouse.com/

When: Sunday August 23, 2009 to Saturday August 29, 2009

Where:Sticks and Stones Workshop- Caledon, ON

Cost: $650, $300 Deposit
Includes: Instruction, 3 hearty meals/day, dorm style accommodation and materials for duration of the course.

To register and reserve your space click here.
Please send check or money order, payable to Sticks and Stones Wilderness School, after sending your online registration. You will be sent a confirmation package via email unless otherwise noted. It will contain a list of what to bring and travel directions. Please notify us of any changes and inform us that Payment has been sent via email, Thank You.

For further details or questions we can be reached via email at:
sswsinfo@gmail.com or by phone at: 519-216-6842

Great Wilderness Clean up

2009-03-26T05:56:00.001-07:00

Spring has sprung and it’s that time again, yes that’s right, The Great Wilderness Clean-Up! On Saturday May 9th, groups from North and South America, as well as the UK will be going out in their natural areas and cleaning up garbage! To join a group in your area or to form your own group please visit Great Wilderness Clean Up.

The Wolf Den Hostel & Nature Retreat in partnership with Algonquin Outfitters will once again join forces to form The Wolf Pack to beautify interior sites in Algonquin Park.
Participants will receive free day passes from Algonquin Park, free canoe rentals from Algonquin Outfitters, and ½ price accommodation from the Wolf Den. The event will begin on Friday night with organizing into groups and the distribution of gloves and bags. We will clean up all day Saturday, returning to the Wolf Den for a potluck supper and prizes provided by Algonquin Outfitters. Last year’s event was fun, social and extremely successful.We will be keeping The Wolf Den group to a 30 person maximum for simplicity and effectiveness. Please contact The Wolf Den for further details.

Edible and Medicinal Plants Class

2009-02-08T09:24:00.000-08:00

June 4th-7th

Presented by Earth Tracks

The plant world provides many gifts for us; Nutrition, Medicine, Utilitarian Uses, Natural Beauty & Guidance among others. It can be hard to know where to start when first learning how to work with the plants that surround us. In this class the student will learn how to penetrate the ‘wall of green’ and begin their own journey with the plants that surround us. We will focus on proper identification techniques, the use of field guides, drying, storing and preparation of these plants, medicinal properties as well as herbal tea making. The participant will gain practical hands on experience and come away from the program with an understanding of how to pursue future studies of wild edible and medicinal plants. These skills and techniques will help to deepen your relationship with the plant nation and provide a solid foundation on which to increase your knowledge.

This class will take place at the Wolf Den Hostel and Nature Retreat
near Oxtongue lake next to Algonquin Park The cost of the program is $350 and includes 3 nights lodging, 3 dinners*, instruction and all materials.

Registration for this program will be done through Earth Tracks. We require a $100 deposit in order to secure your spot in the program. For more information please visit our website at http://www.earthtracks.ca/

For information on the Wolf Den and their facilities please visit their website at
http://www.wolfdenbunkhouse.com/

* We will supply 3 dinners. Participants are responsible for their own breakfast, lunch and snacks. Full kitchen facilities are available.

Winter Fun Weekend

2009-02-02T18:03:00.000-08:00

Winter seems to be flying past us here, but it has been a beautiful season with a great amount of snow for all sorts of winter activity and fun! Our friends at Algonquin Outfitters will be contributing to it by hosting “Winter Fun Day” on February 21. Saturday will be full of all sorts of free winter activities for the whole family and there is a guided hike on Sunday. There’s still room left at the Wolf Den to make it into a “Winter Fun Weekend”, so give us a call soon to make sure you get a space.
Check out Algonquin Outfitters website for more information on the day. Algonquin Outfitters

March Break Nature Retreat for Teachers

2009-01-11T07:38:00.000-08:00

Relaxation, Exploration, Celebration, and Nature Education

March 15 – 18, 2009

Come join us for 3 days and 3 nights in the beautiful wilderness surrounding Algonquin Park, .

This retreat will be catered to the busy teacher looking to rejuvenate in Nature's Beauty, learn more about the natural world, and explore some of the many uses of natures gifts. Naturalist and Outdoor Educator Chris Gilmour along with guest instructors will be leading the group through fun and educational activities that could be brought back to the classroom or used as hobbies away from your work!

Activities will include:
- Pine needle basket making
- Felting Project
- Winter Ecology
- Snowshoeing or hiking
- Wild edible and medicinal plants
- Wildlife Tracking
- Kids Games
- Fire Making
- Warm delicious dinners
- Free Time
- And More!

The cost of this program is $260* and it includes: 3 nights accommodation at the Wolf Den Hostel and Nature Retreat, 3 nights and 2 ½ days of programming, craft and other coarse materials, 3 instructors, and 3
dinners**

Day care may be available for parents at no additional cost. Please inquire.

* Snowshoes will likely be needed for outdoor activities (weather permitting). Please bring your own if you have them. Snowshoes can be rented for you at Algonquin Outfitters for the 16th & 17th at an additional cost of $40. Please let us know a.s.a.p. if you will need them.

** Participants are responsible for their own breakfast, lunch, and snacks. They can be prepared and stored in a fully equipped communal kitchen.

The program will begin with dinner at 5:30pm Sunday evening and finish at roughly 1pm Wednesday. Additional nights accommodation can be booked at the Wolf Den by visiting: Wolf Den Hostel and Nature Retreat or calling:
1-866-271-9336

Photo Contest

2009-01-08T06:43:00.000-08:00

ONLINE PHOTO CONTEST

WILDLIFE OF ALGONQUIN PARK

http://www.algonquinoutfitters.com/contest

The contest has been running over at Algonquin Outfitter's website for over a month now and we've received 44 great entries thus far. The third photo contest of 2008 (or the first one of 2009, all depends on how you look at it), features "Wildlife and People". So keep digging through your photos for those great pictures showing the wildlife of Algonquin Park (moose, deer, loons, raccoons or even chipmunks, oh and don't forget blackbears), bonus points will be awarded if your photo also include people watching the wildlife.

There are great prizes to be had. The contest closes on January 15th so please visit the above link to enter.

2008-12-05T12:47:00.000-08:00

Did someone say snow? If anyone put an order in, it has been delivered! It is an absolute winter wonderland here in Algonquin Park.

Christmas is fast approaching and the surroundings have certainly contributed to that “Christmas Feeling.” There's so much to do here whether it be hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, dog sledding, or just relaxing by a fire. We are also hoping to have a skating area ready in the next week or so (weather dependent.) Through the holidays we are excited to be offering nature programs for children and youth with Chris Gilmour of Earthmentorship on Dec 28th and 29th. Four different sessions will be run (2 a day) with a cost of $10/session. You can find out more information on Chris Gilmour’s website http://www.earthmentorship.com. We will also be running similar programs with Chris through the March break and will provide more information pertaining to the programs soon.

With plenty of room here at the Wolf Den for individuals, couples, families/ groups, feel free to give us a call or email to spend some time with us through the holidays. If we don’t see you here, have a wonderful holiday season and best wishes for 2009!

November Algonquin

2008-11-04T18:57:00.000-08:00

We don’t always fully realize when in the midst of it.
All morning the tasks tromped through my head with a few bucking up just to make sure I wouldn’t let dust settle on them. Winter door installed...check, rooms cleaned...check, laundry folded...check. My companion for the day, Jasmine, a wonderfully spirited dog, was prancing around playfully which she rarely does inside the main lodge. Finally, I realize she wants to take me outside for Frisbee or ball fetch. We step outside and, as soon as we do, I feel my mind chug to a full stop and my senses step forward for their time to frolic.
It is a grey, November, autumn day here in Algonquin Park, and like any of the other three seasons it has its own beauty that evokes a sense of awe within me. As I hit the dampish, cool air, I am overwhelmed by how everything around touches and plays with my senses. I feel as if I have been given smelling salts to awaken me from my sleep of busyness. The misty air dances around the pines and other naked deciduous trees that have lived here far longer than I. Tree branches seem so delicate as they reach far above me. I think of a ballet or classical Thai or Indian dancer who is particular with the movement of their fingers, it seems as if each tiny branch is holding its pose with this same grace and intent. I take some deep breaths and feel the cool, damp air travel through my nasal and other passages rushing into my lungs as if it were on a mission to remind every part it touches how vibrant and full of life it is. The scent of the earth and the leaves that are starting to break down into the soil drift past my olfactory senses in subtle presentation. Some birds go on as if in conversation and I stand still happy to listen to their voices instead of those in my head which kept me marching all morning.
Sometimes I find myself getting lost in “busy” , but such a magnificent setting as Algonquin Park has a way of grabbing hold of me and in a most loving way says “Wake up! Step outside of the “To Do” list and breathe....feel, receive the gifts that surround you.”

Blog....check. Hmmmm, well at least I was able to linger in those sensory experiences a little longer while writing this.

Kayak Lessons

2008-05-18T11:13:00.000-07:00

Wilderness Skills Workshops

2008-05-18T09:22:00.000-07:00

The Wolf Den Hostel and Nature Retreat is very proud to be working with Skeet Sutherland of Sticks and Stones Wilderness School and Chris Gilmour of Chris Gilmour's Earth Mentorship Programs to bring high quality Wilderness Skills Courses and Workshops throughout the Summer. These programs deepen participant's connection with the wilderness while empowering a new perspective and set of skills.

All weekend workshops will be offered at the Wolf Den Bunkhouse and Cabins, Algonquin area.
Cost $350, Includes dorm style accommodation, dinner and workshop materials.

Keeper of the Flame
July 11, 12, 13, 2008

Wilderness Food Skills
July 18, 19, 20, 2008

Wildlife Tracking Skills
July 25, 26, 27, 2008

Sacred Awareness
August 1, 2, 3, 2008

Empowering Ancient Ways
August 30, Sept. 6, 2008
Wolf Den Bunkhouse and Cabins, Algonquin area
Cost $750, $300 Deposit due by July 31, 2008
Includes 3 meals/day, dorm style accommodation and materials for course.

Empowering Ancient Ways- Advanced Skills
September 7 - 13, 2008
Wolf Den Bunkhouse and Cabins, Algonquin Area
Cost $750, $300 Deposit due by August, 7, 2008
Includes 3 meals/day, dorm style accommodation and materials for course.

Please contact Skeet through Sticks and Stones Wilderness School or Chris through Chris Gilmour's Earth Mentorship Programs for further details or to reserve your spot.

Bow Making Workshop

2008-05-05T18:22:00.000-07:00

When: June 19 - 22, 2008

Where: The Wolf Den Hostel in Oxtongue, ON. (Hwy 60, west side of Algonquin Park)

With Who: This program will be run by Sticks & Stones Wilderness School and led by seasoned bow maker Skeet, a former Instructor at Tom Brown Jr’s Tracker School, now teaching classes through his Ontario based company Sticks and Stones Wilderness School (SSWS).

For Who: Anyone interested in archery, hunting, woodworking, and/or deepening their connection to the land that supports us. No experience is required.

Price: $400 includes:

All course materials, wood and tools (bring your own tools if you have them.)
• 3 nights cabin corm style accommodation at the Wolf Den Hostel.• Dinner is provided on the 19th, 20th, & 21st,
• Bring your own Breakfast, Lunch and Snacks, Full Kitchen facilities available at the hostel, fridge/stove/wares.-Coffee/tea provided.
• $150 NON REFUNDEBLE deposit required with application by June 5th, 2008, space is limited to 10 students, apply soon.

This 4 day course will start at the very beggining, learning to harvest a stave from the woods in a sacred manner and continue right through to the completion of a wooden bow ready to release its first arrow.

Each student will be given a wooden stave to carve, instructions, and be leant tools to make thier own bow. Space is limited so book soon by contacting Skeet Sutherland @ skeetsutherland@hotmail.com or calling: 519-216-6842

Great Wilderness Clean up

2008-04-25T08:50:00.000-07:00

The Wolf Den Hostel and Nature Retreat is proud to announce that once again we will be participating in the Great Wilderness Clean up. On Saturday May 9th groups from North and South America, and now this year, the UK will be going out into nature and cleaning up garbage! To join a group in your area or to form your own group please visit Great Wilderness Clean Up

The Wolf Den, in partnership with Algonquin Outfitters will once again be forming The Wolf Pack to beautify interior sites in Algonquin Park. Participants will receive free day passes from Algonquin Park, free canoe rentals from Algonquin Outfitters, and ½ price accommodation from the Wolf Den. The event will begin on Friday night with organizing into groups and the distribution of gloves and bags. We will clean up all day Saturday, returning to the Wolf Den for a potluck supper and prizes provided by Algonquin Outfitters. Last year’s event was fun, social and extremely successful.

We will be keeping The Wolf Den group to a 30 person maximum for simplicity and effectiveness. Please contact The Wolf Den for further details.

Algonquin Outfitters - Photo Contest

2008-03-14T06:34:00.000-07:00

Got some great shots? Want some great gear?
Our Friends over at Algonquin Outfitters are running a Photo Contest this spring.

Algonquin Outfitters Photo Contest Rules and Regulations
Algonquin Outfitters is holding a photo contest from March 15th to May 31st, 2008. Upload your favorite photo(s) taken in Algonquin Park or showing Algonquin Outfitters canoes or events, to enter to win prizes. A winner will be chosen June 2nd, 2008. Photos need to be at least 1024x768 in low compression JPG format and should not be any larger than 2mb each, if higher resolution.

Prizes: 1st place $100 Gift Certificate for Algonquin Outfitters
2nd place $75 Gift Certificate for Algonquin Outfitters
3rd place $50 Gift Certificate for Algonquin Outfitters

Gift cards can be picked up at any of the Algonquin Outfitters (Bracebridge, Huntsville, Oxtongue Lake or Opeongo Lake) or at Boatwerks in Haliburton or Minden. Any additional shipping (above the cost of shipping a gift card) will be the responsibility of the winner if arrangements for a product to be shipped are agreed upon.

Disclaimer
By uploading a picture, you hereby grant Algonquin Outfitters the right to publish, display, post and otherwise use the photo for their websites and other media. You agree that the photo may be cropped, edited, electronically manipulated or otherwise altered, and that whether or how the photograph is used is entirely for Algonquin Outfitters to decide.

You certify that you are the photographer and sole copyright owner of this photo, and have obtained the consent of all identifiable persons shown in it for these uses. Algonquin Outfitters has the sole discretion to use or not use any photo. You also understand that all photos are subjected to a moderation process before being posted in the gallery.

To submit a photo to the contest visit the website at Photo Contest , fill out the form and email us your photo.
Winners will be announced on June 2nd.

March Break Special and Events at the Wolf Den, Algonquin Park

2008-02-27T08:58:00.000-08:00

10% off Accommodation from Sunday March 9th – Friday March 14th

Monday at 10am: Trees of Our Forest (approx. 1.5hrs) A short talk on the function and importance of trees plus a beginner’s ID lesson on 11 local species.
Followed by a walk and look at the trees of our forest.
Monday at 7pm: Campfire. Grab a hot chocolate and gather around the fire for free marshmallows and swap your adventure stories.

Tuesday at 10am: Kids Craft Corner (approx. 1.5hrs) Learn the art of beading and make your own bracelet. For both boys and girls! $5 charge to cover supplies
Tuesday at 7pm: Nature Video Night. Grab a spot on the couch and watch a nature video. Free popcorn!

Wednesday at 10am: Animal Tracks and Signs (approx. 1.5hrs) Introduction lesson on marks left by local wildlife followed by a walk in the forest looking for animal signs
Wednesday at 7pm: Wolf Howl. There is a pack in our area we’ll try and make them talk. Short night walk included.

Thursday at 10am: Shelter Building. Learn about different types of natural shelters and what a shelter really is, followed by building a real shelter.
Thursday at 7pm: Campfire. Grab a hot chocolate and gather around the fire for free marshmallows and swap your adventure stories

All activities except for the Kids Craft Corner are free of charge. Activities are aimed at a general audience (Kids and Adults). Children must be accompanied by an adult for all activities except for the Kids Craft Corner. Activities are for Wolf Den guests only. Please indicate interest at time of booking.

Empowering Ancient Ways - Deepening our connection with nature through Ancient Wilderness Living Skills

2008-02-26T14:43:00.000-08:00

The Wolf Den has proudly teamed up with Wilderness Educator Chris Gilmour to bring you a Traditional Skills and Bush Craft course.

When: April 27 - May 2, 2008
Where: The Wolf Den Hostel in Dwight, ON. (west side of Algonquin Park on highway 60)
With Who: Wilderness Guide and Outdoor Educator Chris Gilmour & Skeet Sutherland a former Instructor at Tom Brown Jr’s Tracker School, now teaching classes through his Ontario based company Sticks and Stones
Wilderness School (SSWS)
For Who: The core skills of this course are sure to enrich the lives of the most seasoned wilderness guide to the novice nature enthusiast
Price: $ 500 before March 31st
$ 560 after March 31st
* Price includes meals and 5 nights accommodation

Course Topics Include:
● Shelter, Water, Fire, Food
● Wildlife Tracking
● The language of nature
○ concentric rings
○ base line symphony
● Stone, bone, and antler tools and usage
● World of Natural Fiber- Harvesting, Processing and Preserving,
○ Trees and plants
○ Animal skins and sinew
○ Wild Edible, Medicinal and Utilitarian applications
● Traditional hunting and trapping methods
● Stalking, Natural Movement, and Camouflage
● Caretaker Ethics Emphasized
● Empowering our ecological footprint
● Traditional cooking and food preservation
● Container making

For registration and more information please visit http://www.chris.earthmentorship.com/
Via e-mail at: chris@earthmentorship.com or by Telephone at: 705-788-1210