Homesteading Classes

[michiganmom]

Have any of you ever thought about giving homesteading classes in your area? I think it would be good to be able to do it, their is so much to learn and it would be very helpful to some people that do not know what to do because they havent had any one around to show them. What do you think?
michiganmom

[walls0stone]

Had some of that around here that got out of hand. Round table, workshop gatherings seem more productive. but I wish you total luck...

[michiganmom]

Thanks
I am just helping family out right now who want to know stuff, i for sure dont know enough but i wish some one around here would start some thing up.

[cabinman]

:) *If you are interested in homesteading you might want to check out a book titled "The Good Life" by Scott and Helen Nearing. *The book is very inspiring and full of all kinds of great information. *The Nearings were very controversial because of their political views, but if you put that aside, *the book is very informative. *They were true homesteaders - way back.

[momma_to_seven_chi]

You know these "do-it-yourself-sufficiency" type classes are really becoming popular. People love to come to classes for simple things like how to can, how to quilt, how to care for goats and other critters, how to sew, how to make cheese............
I have heard about lots of homeschooling moms doing classes on various and sundry self-sufficiency topics to teach other women simple how-to topics.

[TNDadx4]

I bet teaming up with the local Extension office would help get the class going. I know that there is a canning class here about once a month.

[michiganmom]

I really think classes on these things would really benafit a comunity, i had no one to teach me at first and most of the stuff i have learned was by web and books. It would give people a good start to a much better life.

[Anon001]

I think your idea is a good one. Right now the extension service has all types classes that are targeted toward the lady... such as was mentioned... canning, quilting, etc. But, I never see anything targeted toward the men and how they can make it work. The "inside" chores are covered, but very few of the "outside" chores. I think it would be great if a family taught a series of classes to involve men and women. Have him teach on implements, animal husbandry, soils, and more of the ag type stuff from a homesteading perspective while she is teaching the canning, quilting, cheesemaking, soapmaking. At the same time the children can share their experiences with the others about 4-H, caring for the animals from a minor's perspective, building the dream tree house, etc. LOL

They also need to learn about finances, how to find the right place, how to plan out what you want and find the place that fits the wants and needs. so many do it the other way around. They find what they can, settle for it, and then try to figure out just how much they can do....

Me,... I'm too introverted to do something like that. But, I would sure help.

[momma_to_seven_chi]

Here's a link to a family that does just these types of classes. You can get an idea of what they do and view the whole site for some pictures of past classes.
http://pgburrell.home.mindspring.com/id34.html

[tomato204]

I guess my first thought on classes for the newbie would be to make sure the teacher is well experienced. I mean have they had a going farm for several/many years or are they just trying to make a buck doing classes with stuff they read about yesterday?

[michiganmom]

Paul, you are right they do need more things geered for the guys and kids. I think it would be cool to get different people to share all of these things that have actually done it. People really do need this right now. I think it would be a great comfort for some in these hard times.

[cabinman]

Classes could be good, but most of the skills need to be learned "hands on". Reading will give you a starting point. Just about every homesteading topic has been addressed in BHM and other such publications. Then it's a matter of practice. Nothing willl teach you better than doing it yourself. Sure you'll make mistakes, but those are lessons learned. Lessons not soon forgotten.

You'll be fine. Like was said in an earlier post, if you find classes make sure the teachers are experienced. I'm skeptical about these types of classes unless I know the person teaching is the real deal. Too many posers and wanna be's! :)