On a recent drizzly Tuesday afternoon, a troupe of XTRATUF rubber boot–wearing elementary school kids gathered around Sitka Seafood Market Vice President Marsh Skeele to listen to him explain the importance of dry kindling.
The demonstration was part of an afternoon spent teaching how to cook a simple meal over campfire coals as part of The Alaska Way of Life’s 4-H “Fire Skills Series.” Students learned fire basics and fire safety before cooking and enjoying locally-harvested wild salmon and potatoes provided by Marsh.
The Alaska Way of Life 4-H project focuses on teaching youth aged 5 to 18 how to live with the land and sea the Alaskan way, through a learning teaching model that facilitates leadership development as youth learn skills from community members, then pass on those skills to their peers and families. Local adults, committed to Sitka’s youth development, volunteer to teach valuable life skills such as how to build a fire, harvest wild foods, and navigate in the wilderness.
The goal of the program, says Sitka Conservation Society’s Sitka Youth Community Development Catalyst Maury Hackett, is for youth to “learn how to live respectfully and healthily on the land here in the Tongass National Forest.”
Maury, who co-led the fire skills session, feels it’s important that students understand the joys of Alaskan outdoor activities as well as their responsibilities, stating that, “By participating in activities like filleting and smoking fish, building fires, harvesting berries, and traveling safely by kayak, 4-H’ers learn about and apply values like reciprocity and respect for the environment.”
“Together we are stewarding a future of engaged and responsible community members!”
The Alaska Way of Life 4-H project is part of the Sitka Spruce Tips 4-H Club, and is a partnership between the Sitka Conservation Society (SCS) and UAF Cooperative Extension Service.
SCS works to protect the natural environment of the Tongass National Forest and supports the development of environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable communities in Southeast Alaska. This includes work protecting and restoring wild salmon habitat and supporting sustainable fisheries for thriving future generations.
This year’s 4-H club was made possible by support from Sitka Seafood Market’s 1% For the Wild Fund.
