The Uitwaaien Bushcraft Gathering has evolved this year. In years past it was structured with a schedule of classes you could choose to attend if you were interested in the topic of that class. This year there was none of that. It was a gathering of like minded folks for a weekend of making memories and sharing stories around the campfire. Don’t get me wrong, there was an abundance of knowledge to go around and “classes” were more like casual conversations to the curious mind about the gear you had with you.
Where is it held?
Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains of North Central Pennsylvania is the little town of North Bend at the West Clinton Sportsman Association (161 Sportsman Ln, North Bend, PA 17760). It has been held annually since 2017 during the last full weekend of September and more recently a spring gathering has been added in May.
What is Uitwaaien?
Uitwaaien is the Dutch practice of jogging or walking into the wind, especially in the winter, for the purpose of feeling invigorated while relieving stress and boosting one’s general health. In other words, to take a walkabout or hike in the outdoors.
For our purposes, Uitwaaien is a gathering outdoors to walk around and share knowledge. And at the Uitwaaien Bushcraft Gathering in PA, that is exactly what happens.
Final Thoughts
I have been going to Uitwaieen since the first gathering. For the main body of people that go, it no longer feels like an event but rather like a family reunion with family members I actually like and want to see again. And as I’ve said before, and I’ll keep saying, for as long as this gathering is held, I’ll keep going every chance I get. Hope to see you there next time.
LINKS
Remember, If I can do it, You can do it too!!!
Remember, if I can do it, You can do it too!!!
The Wandering Leatherneck 