It Starts With A Spark.

The journey from boyhood to adolescence is a critical and transformative time. This season is marked by profound changes in their bodies and minds, coupled with the search for belonging and for some, meaning. Fire Tenders is dedicated to providing a nurturing space for boys aged 10-13, where they can navigate this transition in community with support from peers and guidance from men.

Fire Tenders creates an environment of acceptance and camaraderie, allowing boys to be themselves while growing into the men the world needs. Here, competition is channeled, and teamwork is encouraged. Boys are seen, honored, guided, and inspired to tend their inner fire.

Through the learning of essential wilderness skills—such as firebuilding, fire tending, stalking, and shelter building—boys are constantly reminded of the sacred question: "How are you tending your internal fire?" or "How are you tending your home fire?" This metaphorical approach connects their personal growth with the natural world, teaching them the importance of tracking their inner experience as nature reflects back lessons to them.

The natural world serves as a profound teacher, reflecting lessons through the mirror of its wildness. The natural world and the Firetenders classes give boys a unique opportunity to develop their sense of “me” in the context of the “we.”

Every class is led by experienced instructors committed to nurturing and guiding these young men. At Fire Tenders, boys find a community where they can explore, grow, and develop into the young men they are destined to be. They discover a place where their unique strengths are celebrated, and their journey towards manhood is honored and supported.

REGISTER FOR SPRING 2025!

FIRE TENDERS IS GROUNDED IN THESE GUIDING PRINCIPLES

ALL LIFE IS SACRED

Sacred (adjective)
holy; not to be violated, criticized, or tampered with
We believe that all life is SACRED. From the tiniest insect to the hunted rabbit - and from the tallest trees providing shade and shelter to the plants providing and receiving nourishment - we honor the intrinsic value of all living beings and the earth that sustains us. This profound respect for life guides our actions and interactions, fostering a deep connection with nature and a commitment to preserving its sanctity.
RECIPROSITY

Reciprocity (noun)
the quality or state of being reciprocal; mutual dependence, action, or influence
Through RECIPROSITY, we give before we take. We slow down to truly feel the essence of all that is alive, recognizing the interconnectedness of all things. By practicing giving and receiving we honor the inherent magic of what it means to be in “Right relationship” to all . This principle teaches boys the importance of sustainable living and the joy that comes from contributing positively to the environment, their family and community.
GRATITUDE

Gratitude (noun)
the state of being grateful; thankfulness

We live and orient our hearts around GRATITUDE. Each class begins with the boys expressing their gratitude, creating a ritual that celebrates the vibrancy of being human and the beauty of life. This practice anchors us in the present moment and cultivates an attitude of appreciation. By acknowledging the goodness in their lives, they learn to acknowledge both the small and significant blessings, fostering a mindset of thankfulness that enhances their overall well-being.

WHO IS FIRE TENDERS FOR?

Fire Tenders is a program created
for boys 10 to 13 years of age
in the West Michigan area.

Previous outdoor and fire skills are NOT required - that’s where we come in!

This program is ideal for boys with a desire for fun and adventure while learning about outdoor skills ranging from fire tending to shelter building.

While building their fire skills, they will also be building their confidence as well as their relationships to fire, themselves, and their community.

REGISTER FOR SPRING 2025!

WHERE ARE THE CLASSES?

Fire Tenders classes take place
at the Izaak Walton League
(Dwight Lydell Chapter)
in Belmont, Michigan.

These 39 acres of preserved land
feature fire circles, pavilions,
marked trails and abundant
plant and wildlife.

Address:
5641 Myers Lake Ave NE
Belmont, MI 49306

REGISTER FOR SPRING 2025!

WHEN ARE CLASSES?

Spring Session 2025 Dates:

*No class on 4/20 (Easter). Instead, we will gather for a family potluck and skill showcase on Wed, 4/23. Time TBD.

REGISTER FOR SPRING 2025!

CLASS OVERVIEW

The Spring 6-week program covers the fundamentals of fire building - from creating a spark and building it into a flame to tending it as a full-on fire. We will also learn to choose a campsite, set up a tarp shelter, and practice essential knots for survival camping.

From bushcraft and wilderness skills to games and community, we will foster a sense of belonging and teamwork helping your child feel more at home in the forest - and confident in their own self-reliance.

REGISTER FOR SPRING 2025!

MEET THE TEAM

ASHER MCLAUGHLIN

INSTRUCTOR
Asher is passionate about reconnecting kids and all people to the earth, community, and the ancient skills that are uniquely human. He has taught at Strong Roots Nature Academy since 2018 and has taught for several summer camps and forest schools in Michigan and North Carolina. He specializes in friction fire, shelter building, woodworking, hunting, and awareness skills.
NIC DESPRES

INSTRUCTOR
Nic is a rock climber, musician, and youth guide driven by the nourishing of right relationship between ourselves, each other, and the greater world around us. Through music, games, and learning engaging skills, his goal is to support kids in finding their unique gifts they can bring to the world.
MATT FOWLER

INSTRUCTOR
Matt is an artist, teacher, and father of two who is deeply passionate about working with children. For over 14 years, he has dedicated himself to various educational roles, fostering growth and learning in young minds. Since 2021, Matthew has been a guide at Strong Roots Nature Academy, offering his background in arts and theater to bring a playful and dynamic energy..
JASE DEBOER

FIELD DIRECTOR
Jase is passionate about regenerative community development and building a relationship with the wild. He is a business professional, homestead farmer, musician, and men’s community leader. As a father of three, Jase is working to rebuild the village; to bring generations together, to share skills and knowledge, and to revitalize boys rites of passage as a cornerstone for community development.