Welcome to the annual Uitwaaien Bushcraft Gathering in North Central PA. I look forward to this event every year. As it was described by a few in attendance, it feels more like a family reunion than anything else. And it’s a family reunion where I like all my relatives and look forward to seeing them.
This year made for a “fun” drive down. Rain made for some flooded roads and some questionable water crossings. At one point, I was forced to detour from my set route because the road was so far under water it was impassible. Due to my Durango and experience, I was able to make it safely to the Gathering grounds.
This event is currently held on the pristine property of Western Clinton Sportsmen Associates in Hyner, PA. It typically runs the last weekend in September. Thursday is registration and camp setup, most of the vendors and instructors show up to get setup before the official start of the event on Friday.
Friday kicks off the gathering with classes and clinics all day long. You are free to wander the grounds, shop the vendors, sit in on the classes that interest you, or just hang out and socialize with others. Saturday is much of the same while Sunday is clean up, breaking camp, packing your vehicle, and getting ready to head home.
You have vendors with outdoor related items to buy throughout the day. Instructors have classes or clinics scheduled from about 9am till dinner. At any point during the gathering, you can approach any instructor with questions and they will be more than happy to answer if they’re not busy. Everyone is friendly and down to earth.
This year my best friend, Andrew, and I went to the lookout point in Hyner View State Park. Oh My God was the view absolutely amazing!!! I don’t know why I’ve not gone to see see the view from the lookout, which you can see from the gathering.
This year Beth Hoy, who goes under the name Blankets and Baubles, normally has blankets for sale, had a variety of delectable freeze dried candies to peddle. I was lucky enough to sample every confection she had available. I can not find a single thing I didn’t like. 🤞🤞🤞 Here’s to hoping she’s back in 2022 with more delicious candies to tease my taste buds with.
Also there, where the guys from Ruck Rabbit Outdoors. Ruck Rabbit Outdoors specializes in vintage outdoor wares. They carry a variety of items including some military surplus items. I picked up a USMC ILBE pack that I’ve been looking for, for a very reasonable price.
It was good seeing familiar faces from years past. And there were quite a few new faces seen for the first time. Uitwaaien has become a family reunion in which I actually WANT to see my relatives and look forward to seeing them. This year I planned on sitting in on as many classes as possible. Well I had way too much fun catching up with old friends that I didn’t get in on as many classes as planned. This did not detract from the immense amount of fun I had.
Sunday is always a sad day as everyone is packing up to go home. This year, due to an unfortunate situation, I had company on my drive home. For their privacy, no information will be given as to who or the situation. I will say they happen to live near me and I am grateful to be able to lend a hand in getting them home.
Special thanks has to go out to Art Dawes and his wife for putting Uitwaaien together every year. Without their efforts, this event would not take place each year.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, the Uitwaaien Bushcraft Gathering is an absolute blast to attend. The instructors are absolutely amazing at their craft. Every class is easy enough that kids as well as adults can learn and follow along. The founder, Art, has a number of activities for the kids to do throughout each day of the weekend. I highly recommend anyone to attend at least one year. I’m excited for next year, have already begun planning for my annual pilgrimage.
Links
- Uitwaaien Bushcraft Gathering
- Uitwaain Bushcraft Gathering Facebook
- Ruck Rabbit Outdoors Etsy
- Ruck Rabbit Outdoors Facebook
- Pa Wilderness Skills
The Wandering Leatherneck 