Workshops: Needles and Knots 1
Level up your camping with practical skills. Needles and Knots 1 is a chance to build a few of those skills in an afternoon, alongside people who are curious about the same things you are. Come for the workshops. Stay for the company. If this sounds interesting to you, join as a member, to join Needles and Knots in Algonquin Park, August 28th to 30th, 2026.
Tie It, Trust It: Knots and Tarp Skills
By: Bitty Parsons
Level: Beginner Friendly
Two hours, and you'll walk away able to pitch your own shelter with confidence. The first hour is knots, just the handful you actually need, tied enough times that your hands remember them.
The second hour is tarps, where those knots go to work. We'll set up a few different configurations so you can see what changes with the weather and the site you've got.
Bring some cordage if you have a favourite, otherwise we'll have what you need.
What’s in your first aid kit?
By: Andrea Ross
Level: Beginner Friendly
There's no single right first aid kit, just the right one for the trip you're on. We'll look at three: a minimalist setup for backpacking, a portable kit sized for a canoe trip, and a full trauma kit you might keep at home or in the car. Come see what's actually worth carrying, and why.
Hands On Map and Compass Skills
By: Andrea Ross
Level: Beginner Friendly
Navigation doesn't have to be intimidating. We'll start with the anatomy of a baseplate compass and how to read a topographic map, then get into the basics of orienting yourself in the wild.
From there, we'll practice matching what's on the paper to the terrain in front of us and walk through taking your first bearing.
No prior experience needed. Bring your own compass if you have one, or borrow one of ours.
