Upcoming Events

2nd Annual Natural Skills Weekend

September 20-21, 2008

Join us for our second annual natural skills weekend and learn from a variety of offerings, including basket making, fire making, leather working, map and compass, emergency shelters, natural dyeing, making wooden spoons and bowl from coal burning and more!

Your presenters are Darrel Birchenough, highly skilled and experienced in teaching natural skills and various board menmbers and volunteer at Sanctuary: Chris Arthur, Karen Waldron- Johnson, Mary Aman, EW Quimbaya-Winship, Karl Mink and Steve Aman.

Accommodations are simple. Bring your own tent, sleeping bag and whatever you need to be comfortable on the land. We will provide drinking water, wash water and porta johns. Bring your own table fare( fork, Knife, spoon, bowl,, plate and cup).

We will be providing lunch and dinner on Saturday, breakfast on Sunday. Vegetarian options will be available.

Saturday evening will offer down time for socializing and community building as well as entertainment. David Doktor will share a piece on whimsical gardening and his quest for sustainabilityon his quater acre homestead in Phelps, NY. EW Quimbaya Winship will provide storytelling. And we will have a drumming around the campfire! Bring your drums, rattles and camp chairs.

Early Bird (by 9/1)

           Sat & Sun     Sat Only    Sun Only

Family        200           150                75

Adult 17 +   75             50                 35

Kids 9-16   40              25                20

Under 8      Free--------------------------

Registration after 9/1

            Sat & Sun       Sat only     Sun only

Family        225              180            90

Adults 17+  95                 75            50

Kids 9-16    50                 35            25

Under 8   Free------------------------------

All registrations must be received by September 15th.

Contact Steve at 315-331-8128 or at m1bobcat@msn.com

Come join for another fun packed weekend at Sanctuary

Course description:

Natural Dyeing: Natural plants and weeds can yield amazing colors for dyeing wool for yarn. Join Mary Aman for an informative hands on demonstration and be able to go home and experiment on your own. Additional material fee of $5.00 per person.

Nature and Your 5 Senses: Learn to enhance your five senses through fox walking, deer ears, owl eyes and more methods that have been handed down for millennia. Practicing these skill sets becomes like a walking meditation, and also expands our senses peripherally in a tremendous way. We will also explore benefits of using a sit spot in nature for greater awareness inside and all around. Teachers: Chris Arthur and Steve Aman

Cordage 101: From snares and fishing line, to bow strings and shelter lashings, cordage is an important primitive living/survival skill. In this session, participants will work with natural materials to create basic cordage. Teacher: EW Quimbaya-Winship

Coal Burning: Using coal from a fire to shape a piece of wood is a means by which many different types of articles can be made. In this session, participants will have the opportunity to create a bowl or spoon from wood. Teacher EW Quimbaya- Winship.

Map and Compass: Come and have some fun on this introductory course on the use of map and compass. First learn about how to read a map, what information is on it, and what all those squiggly lines mean. Next we will teach about the parts of the compass, how it works, how to use it to take a bearing. Finally, we will put them together and fiqure out how to travel using them together. In order to learn all this we will be making mountains and drawing them, doing ridge aerobics and walking in the woods.

Teacher: Chris Arthur

Emergency Shelters: Learn the when, what, where and why about emergency shelters. Short bits of teaching intermingled with group discussion and idea generating will lead us into the woods and build some shelters. Teacher: Chris Arthur

Friction Fire: Learn to make fire with flint and steel, bow drill and various means other than matches.  Teacher: Steve Aman

Advanced Bow Drill: For those who want a more in depth and practice with the bow drill. We will also explore the woods, looking to gather bow drill materials from the land. Teacher: Steve Aman

Leatherwork: Join us for an introduction into working with leather and make a small bag or pouch. You will get a chance to try lacing, sewing, fringe and different styles of closures. Teacher: Darrel Birchenough

Rattles: In this class you will get a chance to make a rawhide rattle with lots of room for creativity. Learn how to sew or lace it together, dry it and add a handle. Feel free to bring your favorite beads or use the ones provided. Teacher: Darrel Birchenough

Net Bags: Learn the principles of net weaving, including how to make your own basic tools! The finished project can be used as a simple water bottle holder depending on the size you make. Teacher: Darrel Birchenough

Solo Quest

October 17-19, 2008

It's time to focus on You!

It's time to take charge of the direction of your life!

It's time to take three days to go quietly within.

Sound appealing?

Then it's time for SoloQuest., a three Day, two night event offering  an opportunity for introspection, stretching your personal limits and connecting with spirit.

SOLO QUEST, is offered through Sanctuary at Crowfield Farm in Newark, NY. Your guides on this journey inward are Steve Aman and Chris Arthur. Steve and Chris are offering this training because of their own profound, life changing experiences in events similar to this, and a recognition there are many others seeking similar results

SOLO QUEST

October 17-19, 2008

Fee: $ 175.

A $75 dollar non-refundable deposit  holds your spot. This class will be limited in size. Fill out the application and waiver on this website and send it in now. IT'S TIME!

Contact: Steve Aman @ 315-331-8128 or Chris Arthur @ 315-783230 with any questions. Limited to ten participants ages 17  and older.

Ongoing

Hiking the Earth at Sanctuary

Each second Tuesday and fourth Thursday of the month, join Steve Aman for a walk on the earth for an hour or two of exploration of what this space has to offer. We will meet behind the Aman's house at 2480 Arcadia Zurich Rd., just down from the gray barn, at 6:30 p.m.. From there, we will go off exploring woods, field, ponds, stream, buffalo herd, meadow, wetlands... wherever our spirit takes us. Informal, come prepared for weather, bugs, sun, etc. If in doubt of weather or with questions, call Steve at 315-331-8128.  Note: our first walk of the 2007 season will be on Tuesday, April 10.

Past Events

Wilderness Skills Practice Days

Sanctuary at Crowfield Farm is happy to announce Wilderness Skills Practice Days!

We currently have two dates scheduled for anyone who wants to come together to practice the skills: bow drill fire making, debris hut shelter making, stone age cooking, basketmaking, cordage making, tracking skills, making spoon or bowls with coals, and any other wilderness skills that folks may want to play with. These days are a great opportunity to come and spend time on the land, check out the new trail system, and form community for the day.

Dates: Saturday May 31 from 1:00-4:30 PM

             Saturday July 12th from 1:00-4:30 PM

More dates will be added if there is enough interest. Let us know what you would like to work on , when you would like to do it  and we will see what we can do to accommodate your wishes!

There are no set fees for these sessions, and donations to Sanctuary are GREATLY appreciated!

Park in the ususal area, meet at the new pavilion! It's way cool!!!!

Questions? Call Steve at 315-331-8128 0r go to m1bobcat@msn.com

First Annual Sanctuary Drumming

When: Friday June 6th at 7:00 PM

Where: Sanctuary at Crowfield Farm, Arcadia , NY

Who: Anyone who would like to be a part of a fantastic drumming experience and come together as a community for the evening and/or night and next morning

What: Bring drums, rattles, anything that makes a percussion noise, and see, and feel what it is like to be a part of 100 folks carrying a rythm together around the campfire!

Why: Because it's fun! Peaceful! Joyful!

We are inviting those who would like to plan on caqmping out on the land.

We may even take a midnight walk on the trails, and we will offer a light breakfast on Saturday morning.

There is no charge for this event, and donations to Sanctuary are always gratefully accepted. We are a 501c3 not for profit, offering workshops around community and nature, bringing people and Mother Earth together.

Contact: Steve Aman 315-331-8128 or m1bobcat@msn.com

                Chris Arthur 315-789-3230

                  Raising The Roof

                  Saturday May 3,2008

(Rain Date May 10)

Join us for a day reminscent of the old barn raisings as we "raise the roof"  on our new pavilion at Sanctuary!

All are welcome! If you can pound, saw, cook, lift, support, joke, nail or just lend your energy, we want you to come and be a part of this community for a day.

We begin at 9 am and will finish with a potluck dinner at the new pavilion!

Call Steve at 315-331-8128 for more info.

     2nd Annual Winter Wilderness Skills Day

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Come join the group at Sanctuary for a day in the woods and field, learning and furthering skills around all kinds of fire making, from simple tipi fires to 5 minute fire drill, concept of bow drill fire making, and starting a fire with flint and steel. We will also explore various ways to cook over an open fire using simple tools, and various ways of remaining comfortable while in the woods and field, near or far from home.

Taught by the board and volunteers of Sanctuary, cost: $15

Time: 10:30 to 4:30, bring a brown bag lunch, bring a dish or item to cook over the fire for late afternoon dinner.

Location: meet behind the Aman's house, 2480 Arcadia Zurich Rd., Newark, N.Y. 14513

For more information, call Steve at 315-331-8128 or email m1bobcat@msn.com

RSVP's appreciated!

Snowshoe Day February 16th 9:30 am

It's time for the annual snowshoe day at Sanctuary.   Date: Saturday, February 16   Time: 9:30 a.m. to about noon, then hotdogs by the fire   Where: meet at the Aman's house, 2480 Arcadia Zurich Rd., Newark, N.Y. Then we will go out on the trails.   Conditions: if there is no snow, we will go for a hike, exploring, looking for animal sign and interesting things along the trails   Snowshoes: bring your own snowshoes or cross country skis; also some rentals available, but you must reserve these in advance, as we get them from a rental place in the city.   Who: all are welcome! Newbies, experienced shoers, kids of all ages!   Cost: no cost for the day, but donations to Sanctuary welcome!   RSVP's welcome and useful, but if it is a last minute thing for you, just show up!   For more information, call Steve at 315-331-8128 or email m1bobcat@msn.com.

October 20-21, 2007

Family Wilderness Weekend

A Family Wilderness Weekend

(but not just for families!)

October 20-21, 2007

 Want to discover how much  fun simplicity can be? Your grandparents knew more than you think! Release your inner caveman (or cavewoman)!

 Join us for a weekend of camping on the land and learning skills like…

making cordage from available plants

making a friction fire

building a survival shelter

coal burning bowls and spoons

basket making

flint knapping

how to be comfortable in the wilderness

See how it feels to be a part of a village that comes together for work, play and community for a weekend. Explore, expand, create awareness!

VIEW/PRINT REGISTRATION FORM

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Meet Our Dynamic Staff!

Ricardo Sierra, from Hawk Circle, has taught primitive skills at Sanctuary in the past, and always receives rave reviews. His teaching of these skills spans two decades, and he brings a humorous, energetic slant to his presentations.

Denise Ashman is the founder of Heartwood Wilderness Skills School in East Aurora, New York. She has been working with folks in the natural environment for 24 years, and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, including much time spent with the indigenous people of Australia.

Darrel Birchenough has brought his own variety of skills and expertise to Sanctuary in the past (drum making, Native American philosophy), and his many years of practicing and teaching primitive and survival skills has prepared him to bring a dynamic and valued flavor to the weekend.

Accommodations are simple. Bring your own tent, sleeping bag and whatever you need to be comfortable on the land. We will provide drinking water, wash water and porta johns. Bring your own table fare (fork, knife, spoon, bowl, plate, cup).

We will be providing lunch and dinner on Saturday, breakfast on Sunday. Vegetarian options will be available.

Saturday night will offer down time for socializing and community building, as well as entertainment. Laura Jean Castelluzzo will be performing original music with a few good friends. Ricardo will be telling some of his wonderful fireside stories. David Doktor will share a bit about his own quest for sustainability on his quarter acre homestead in Phelps, N.Y. And Denise Ashman will offer a slide presentation of photos taken in Australia. We may even find ourselves in the midst of a drumming circle around the campfire!

April 29, 2007

May Day Celebration - Co-sponsored by Sanctuary and PeaceWork Organic Farm

Join us for a fun filled and connecting day at Sanctuary and at PeaceWork Farm. We will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a wildflower walk on the land at Sanctuary, exploring drumlins, marsh, pond and field for the many wildflowers that grow in this area. Bring a bag lunch and we will share community and lunch by the pond.

 For those interested, there will be signup time to join Peacework farm at 1 p.m. The farm is located just around the bend from Sanctuary. At 2 p.m. there will be a May Pole ceremony, followed by another walk on the land at Peacework Farm. We will wrap up the day with a potluck dinner at Peacework around 4-4:30.

Februray 24, 2007

Winter Primitive Skills Day with Ricardo

Sanctuary is very pleased to announce the return of Ricardo Sierra!  We will be building snow shelters (debris huts in the event of no snow), and practice the art of fire making in winter, as well as spend time on story telling, tracking and other primitive skills. Cost for the day is $25, with a ceiling of $90 per family of 4 or more. See description below from Sept. of '06 to learn more about Ricardo.

SPECIAL BONUS EVENT!

THE ART OF STORY TELLING

WITH RICARDO SIERRA

We will be holding a special event the evening of February 24 with Ricardo Sierra. Ric is an accomplished story teller, and by popular request, we will offer this two hour workshop in what it takes to become a good story teller.

Saturday, February 24 from 6:30 to 8:30 - Join us in The Art of Story Telling. We will spend time with Ricardo, making our own personal medicine pouches while we listen and participate in how to become storytellers that hold the audiences interest and offer lessons in the story. Cost for the evening is $12. Please rsvp and pre-register by Feb. 20. Contact Steve Aman at 315-331-8128 or m1bobcat@msn.com . We will be meeting at the Aman's house, 2480 Arcadia Zurich Rd., Newark, N.Y. Limited to 25 registrants. Not recommended for young kids, but teenagers who have an interest are welcome.

Note: Each of these workshops is "stand alone", and you are welcome to register for both, or either one. You need not be present for one to attend the other. If you are planning on coming to both events, you are encouraged to bring a place setting and a dish to pass, and we will share a dinner in the rec room at the Aman's house. RSVP's for dinner appreciated.

Please rsvp and pre-register by Feb. 20. Contact Steve Aman at 315-331-8128 or email m1bobcat@msn.com.

February 10, 2007

Second Annual Snowshoeing Day

Join us for an afternoon of snowhsoeing on the land and in the woods + field at Sanctuary. We will provide snowshoe rentals for those wanting to try snowshoeing for the first time, and experienced shoers will be on hand for instruction and guidance. We will cap off the afternoon with a roaring campfire and roast some marshmallows and hot dogs. In teh event of no snow, we will hike the area. You must contact us ahead of time if you wish to rent snowshoes.

September 16, 2006

Primitive Skills Day with Ricardo Sierra

We are very pleased to announce that on Saturday, September 16, 2006, Sanctuary at Crowfield Farm will be welcoming Ricardo Sierra of Hawk Circle for a day of primitive skills workshops and story telling. Activities begin at 11 a.m. and run until 7 p.m., concluding with a pot luck dinner at fireside. Ric and his staff from the Earth Mentoring Institute will be presenting sessions in bow drill fire making, coal burning of a spoon and a bowl, throwing sticks, flint knapping, brain tanning, emergency shelter, story telling and more! Cost for the day is $25, benefits go to both Hawk Circle and Sanctuary at Crowfield Farm for facilities improvements. Be prepared to spend the day on the land, in woods, the meadow and near the pond.

Please rsvp and pre-register by September 12! Contact Steve Aman at 315-331-8128 or email m1bobcat@msn.com .We ask that you bring a dish to pass (cold or ready to cook on the open fire) for the fireside dinner. Also, bring a brown bag lunch if you want lunch. Other items to bring are: water bottle, insect repellent, drums, something to sit on and your enthusiasm to learn from this dynamic teacher!

This is a family event! Boy scouts, girl scouts, kids of all ages welcome!

Ricardo Sierra : Is creator of the Hawk Circle Summer Camps, and co-director of the Earth Mentoring Institute, Ric has led workshops, camps, school programs and Audubon Outings for over 19 years. He specializes in leading transformative programs using the skills and philosophy of wilderness to awaken our senses and our connection to the Earth. Ric is also the originator of the Hawk Circle Instructor Training Program, a former assistant instructor at Tom Brown's Tracking and Survival School and he has had many wilderness forays where he put the skills he teaches into practice. Ricardo Sierra is a member of the Tracking Projects’ Community Mentoring Program in New Mexico. He is also an artist, writer, craftsperson and a father.

“When I was growing up, the mountains, the rivers, the trees and the birds were all there for me. They allowed me to feel that anything was possible. Now, in the midst of the digital revolution, I see many people who are lonely, lost and searching for an inner connection, one that is real and strong. I really enjoy teaching and watching people grow, re-discover who they are, as children of the earth.”

June 25, 2006

Orienteering

Join us for a day of orienteering co-sponsored by Sanctuary and The Rochester Orienteering Club.  We will be navigating courses (easy, medium, experienced), using compass and topographical maps to find various "stations" placed by members of the ROC. Instruction offered to beginners. Course will be laid out at The Apple Shed in Newark. Beginning times from noon to 2 p.m. Allow approximately 2 hours to navigate course. Take Rt. 31 east into Newark, then Rt. 88 north into Fairville. Turn left on Maple Ridge Rd., go about a mile to The Apple Shed on the left. Or, take Rt. 104 east to Sodus, then Rt. 88 south into Fairville, turn right on Maple Ridge Rd., go about a mile to Apple Shed. Cost of maps is $6.00

Summer '06

Rattle Making Workshop with Darrel Birchenough

Dates and time to be announced. Darrel is one of our favorite teachers here at Sanctuary. His skills are many and varied and always bring a delight to his classes.

August 19, 2006

Medicinal Herbs Walk

Join us for a walk on the land at Sanctuary as we explore areas by Garanagua Creek, seeking mediinal plants and discussing practical ways in which they can be used for good health. Katie Mae Lavin, a partner in Peacework Organic Farm and board member of Sanctuary at Crowfield Farm, will be leading the walk and teaching identification and practical means of using these plants in our lives. $5.00 donation is requested to help Sanctuary improvements. . Meet at the Peacework Barns on Arcadia Zurich Rd. at Welcher Rd. at 9:30 a.m. Goes until 12:30, bring a bag lunch, salad and beverages provided . For further info, call Katie at 315-331-5286.

September, '06

Trail Blazing Day

We will spend a day clearing trails in the woods at Sanctuary, creating community and safe and enjoyable space in nature. We will finish off the day with a shared meal prepared fireside, music and story telling. Dates and time to be announced.

February, 2006

Snowshoeing Day

Join us for an afternoon of snowshoeing on the farmland and woods of The Apple Shed in Newark, N.Y. We will provide snowshoe rentals for those wanting to try snowshoeing for the first time, and experienced shoers will be on hand for instruction and guidance. We will cap off the afternoon with a roaring campfire and roast some marshmallows and hot dogs. In the event of no snow, we will hike the area.

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June 2005

Drum Making  June 11,2005

Join Darryl  for a day of drum making

Frame will be made from recycled pallets. Drum head and lacing are deer hide. Finished drum will be 8 sided and measure 12 inches. Cost is $95.00 per person. Class is limited to 7 people.

May 2005

Join Sanctuary and Peacework Farm for a May day Celebration

Sunday May 1

Join us for a day of celebration, blesssings, food and fun at Sanctuary and Peacework Farm in Newark NY.

12 Noon: Dedication of  the new tipi. We will hold a drumming, smudging and dedication of the new tipi behind Aman's at 2480 Arcadia Zurich Rd. Bring rattles and drums.

1-2 p.m.: Sign up for shares to be part of the CSA this year, located by CSA barn.

2-2:30 : Maypole celebration by the CSA barn.

2:30-3:30: Nature Walk to drink in the May flowers emerging at the" Woods by the Creek"

Leaves from CSA barn

3:45-4:30 : Concert by Marley Hornik. Marley is a singer/songwriter whose focus is on unaltered foods.

4:45: potluck dinner

Everyone is welcome

October

Peace Pilgrim
Monday, October 4th, 6 p.m. -
Nearly a year in the planning, the Peace Festival at Onondaga Lake on October 11 will be prefaced by Peace Pilgrims walking and canoeing from the various points of the compass.

Please join us on October 4 as Tahwehdahqui, a Tuscarora man who has walked a powerful journey of teaching inner peace for many years, stops at Sanctuary at Crowfield Farm for a potluck dinner, talking circle and more. Tahwehdahqui will be leaving
his home at Tuscarora Reservation on September 29 to journey eastward, walking and canoeing, to Onondaga Lake for the Peace Festival. His life wisdom and speaking ability are amazing, and not to be missed.

We will also be joined on that day by Marcine Quenzer, artist and story teller, who will be displaying her series of paintings depicting the story of The Great Law of Peace, legacy of the Haudenosaunee people. Marcine will also be sharing the story orally of the Great Law.  Don't miss out on Marcine's fabulous work. Potluck begins at 6 p.m., with talks and artwork immediately afterward. Donations will be used to help facilitate the Peace Festival.  RSVP's by October 27 are appreciated.


Pumpkin Toss / Apple Bobbing / Halloween Fun
Saturday, October 30, 4 p.m. -
Come join us for a day of fun and frolic to wrap up the fall season! We will be tossing pumpkins from a giant catapult, bobbing for apples, face painting, sharing a potluck dinner and dancing to great tunes at "The Gray Barn"! Costumes encouraged (it is
Halloween, after all!)!! How creative can you be with food dishes.Ghoul Pie, Creepy Cake, Monster Mash Potatoes, Litterbox Cake? 

Pumpkin toss begins at 4 p.m., potluck dinner at 6. Donations will be used to improve the facilities at Sanctuary.  RSVP's by October 1 are appreciated. 

November

Full Day Survival Skills

November 20

June

JUNE 12: Sanctuary's Second Annual FUN-Raiser!

6 – 10 p.m.
More delicious food, live music, dancing, and a silent auction of FANTASTIC donated gifts make this an evening of connection, community, laughs and smiles. Come early, stay late, bring your checkbook and a favorite snack or dish to share. This event is not only a fun-raiser and a funds-raiser, but also a community builder. Sharing in each others talents and offerings can help us feel inter-connected, strengthening the threads of community. Suggested donation: $4 per person, $10 per family. RSVP's are appreciated, 315-331-8128, m1bobcat@msn.com.

We are still accepting donations for the silent auction. Please consider what you may have in the way of a personal skill or some gift that you would be willing to send towards the success of the auction. Last year yielded more than 60 donated gifts, and Sanctuary was able to raise $1400 towards facilities improvements. If interested, please respond to Corrie at cmkraai@yahoo.com or call 315-331-6890.