Well, i thought it time to start one of these bloggy things; i've no idea how it will turn out, but hopefully will give some an indication of what i'm about, what i'm up to and let people know that Bushcraft is not just the reserve of well funded single people, families can enjoy it too and on a budget.

Before i go on, i'd better introduce myself and tell you a little about my circumstances. My name is Spencer, although i'm better known on the forum as 'Jedadiah'. I'm married to Sharon and have two sons, Jed (Yeah, i know) who is two years and five months and Lowan who is 8 weeks old today. The other two members of my family are Jack and Alfie, two chocolate Labradors and very much my other children. I was born in West Yorkshire but live in South Wales.

The 24th Feb 2009 is going to be a landmark in my life for two reasons. one, i turn 40 and two i will leave the Royal Air Force after 24 years service. I've made the decision to put myself through University on a three year Social Work Degree with a view (short term) to be come a Social Worker and eventually (Long Term) i intend to combine my Social Work qualifications and experience with my love of Bushcraft and start a Bushcraft Experience company primarily for Young offenders and disadvantaged minors.

I have been volunteering for my local Youth Offending Team since 2004 and, if i had to identify one commonality between all the offenders i have worked with irrespective of sex, age, ethnicity or social background, i would say that i fell the one problem the young offenders have is no sense of achievment.

You may think this is a sweeping statement; you may be right, but i feel quite strongly that disaffected youth have no self respect and therefore no respect for others. It is not their fault, thety are products of society. I want to give them a sense of achievment, a knowledge of their own capabilities and worth. When we achieve, our sense of worth is raised and therefore our perceptions of others worth. When you have nothing, you have nothing to lose. When you have realistic dreams and achievable goals, you have something to lose and risk your future if you offend.

Just as an example, i remember the feeling when i first created fire by friction. I'm sure you all do and are probably smiling as you read this; it was'nt easy was it? Hard work, effort and a helpful encouraging hand on your shoulder. Just imagine if you had no prospects. If nothing in your life meant anything to you. You have achieved nothing and if you want something you take it. Imagine the feeling of begrudingly learning to make fire by friction. You don't want to, but, you'll give it a go. The person showing you gives guidance and encouragement. You eventually create an ember and transfer it to your bundle. You see what i'm saying?

I feel that the youth of today should not be dismissed but should be nurtured and encouraged, after all, they are potentially future Bushcrafters. Even if they do not fully embrace the Bushcraft ethos, the lessons learn't can be transposed into real life; respect, tolerance, eductaion, self reliance and reliance on others. It can only be good for society, can't it?

The other thing is, i'd be doing what i love, Bushcrafting!

Anyway, enough for this entry, hope i have'nt bored you silly with my meanderings, i'll leave it there and next time, i intend to talk about Family Bushcraft. Till then, all the best.