Outdoor Learning Retreat

Dates

About

Bring yourselves and/or your kids along to expand your knowledge of the great outdoors with Eco Elsa and master herbalist, LuAnn Raadt! Pick and choose what classes you take while staying in a cozy cabin on the lake at Campfire Bay Resort in the Brainerd Lakes Area of north central Minnesota! Check out the awesome classes --

Survival Intro & Shelters
Get into the survival mindset with team challenges and mental warm-ups—then learn how to build a sturdy shelter using only what nature provides. Can you construct one in under an hour?

Fire & Water Essentials
Master two of the most crucial survival priorities: safely starting a fire and purifying water. Learn reliable methods to meet your basic needs no matter where you are.

Foraging 101
Explore the wild world of edible plants! Foraging is perfect for nature lovers, foodies, and anyone wanting to boost their self-reliance in the outdoors.

Orienteering & Navigation
Learn to read a map and use a compass like a pro. Build confidence navigating trails and terrain—even when technology fails you.

Ethnoastronomy for Survival
Discover how Indigenous knowledge of the stars helped communities navigate, track time, and survive. A fascinating mix of science, culture, and storytelling.

Campfire Cooking
Take your outdoor cooking to the next level! Learn how to cook over an open flame, explore different methods, and understand the science behind campfire cuisine.

Knot Tying & What to Pack
From tying tarps to building shelters, knots can be lifesavers. Learn four essential knots and test your skills through interactive games—plus pack smarter with our must-have daypack tips.

Bushcraft Survival Tools
Turn sticks and stones into survival essentials. Discover how to make basic tools that can help you secure food, start fires, or collect water in a wilderness emergency.

Hunting Tools & Skills
Learn about primitive hunting tools and how they work, then put your stealth and aim to the test with fun, hands-on games designed to mimic real survival scenarios.

Night Hike
Step into the wild after dark! Experience the woods in a whole new way as you sharpen your senses, play night-themed games, and enjoy the magic of nature at night.

Survival First Aid
Accidents happen. Learn how to treat injuries with limited resources and what essentials to carry in a survival first aid kit—because knowing what to do can make all the difference.

Survival Challenge
Put everything you’ve learned to the test! Teams must tackle a variety of survival stations—from fire and shelter to water, food, and navigation—while working together to "survive" the scenario. Guided and safe, but full of adventure and surprises.

Herbology

Herbology is a class focused on the study of plants and their traditional uses for food, wellness, and daily life. Learn about how herbs have supported human health and traditions for centuries!

The Malignated Dandelion

Did you know that the yellow-headed flowers you see all over your yard are actually beneficial? Learn about one of the most misunderstood plants around–the Dandelion! Dandelion greens are most of the most nutritionally dense greens, and every part of the plant can be utilized. We’ll chat about the plant and how to best use it!

Plant Walk and Talk

Walk with Luann as she identifies and discusses the benefits and uses of plants, and which things to stay away from.

Fermenting Veggies

Learn about the art and science of fermenting vegetables. You will learn the basics of safe fermentations, preparation methods, and common vegetables. A jar of fermented vegetables will be included in the class.

Making Herbal Remedies

Making herbal remedies isn’t rocket science! Come explore the various methods of making herbal remedies, such as tinctures, infusions, and salves.

Backyard Apothecary

Learn about how basic backyard plants can be transformed into simple, useful herbal preparations.

Herbal Medicine Roundtable

An open discussion about questions, concerns, and personal experiences using herbal medicine.

Kombucha Tea

Bubbly, tangy, and great for the gut–that’s kombucha! Come learn about the natural fermentation process that creates kombucha, as well as its health benefits.

View the class schedule, prices