The Earth Skills Semester Program starts next week, and I’ve been busy getting prepared. This morning I put a coat of varnish on four canoe paddles, set up a new composting bin, and laid out where several new shelters will go. I’ve also rewritten our nature knowledge curriculum and have included common species of plants, birds, mammals and fish of the area. The period leading up to a long course is always a bit hectic for me as there is a lot to do and I’m the one to do it all. But as the ESSP has grown, progressed, and matured, I’m increasingly enthusiastic about it. Dan Fisher and I started the ESSP based on one guiding principle; To create a course that, If we were to start learning bush lore from scratch, would be the ideal course we’d like to take. As the new additions to this year’s course come together, I’m convinced that it will be the best yet, and will go a long way toward fulfilling that original guiding principle.