Camp-Fire Club of America Hallowed Ground

By Christian Noble on June 7, 2015 in Classic Camping, Master Woodsman

Steve Watts and I were the fortunate guests of Shawn Orbanic and Camp-Fire Club of America (CFC) for their June Outing these last four days. On this hallowed ground where the likes of Ernest Thompson Seton, Daniel Carter Beard, Warren Miller, Gifford Pinchot and many other Master Woodsmen of yesterday walked, we enjoyed the best of fellowship and witnessed the CFC Master Woodsmen of today practice their craft.

In addition to Steve being the guest speaker Friday night, we took the time to fulfill Steve’s longtime desire to visit Medicine Rock in what was once Ernest Thompson Seton’s Wyndygoul estate in Cos Cob, CT. There, we toured Standing Rock Village and grounds, and in a special tribute (and moment), Steve made fire with a bow drill in the very spot where Seton started the Woodcraft Indians (the start of youth Scouting) and what was the early site of the Camp-Fire Club of America Outings.

We also explored the Daniel Carter Beard exhibit at Bear Mountain State Park and paid a visit to Beard’s grave where Steve paid homage to “Uncle Dan” by doing a traditional flint & steel fire.

Please enjoy these first couple of early photos to set the stage to our trip. I can’t express enough gratitude to Shawn, Jeff, and the members and staff of the Camp-Fire Club for their tremendous hospitality.

Ernest Thompson Seton and his Woodcraft Indians perform a council and war dance at Medicine Rock circa 1905.

CFCA 1910 Outing at Wyndygoul. Seton is on Medicine Rock with Dan Beard just below.

Steve walking up to Medicine Rock at Wyndygoul.

Steve Watts walking up to Medicine Rock at Wyndygoul for the first time. He later told me he had been walking this trail his whole life.

Watt Bow Drill at Medicine Rock. Homage to Seton who introduced and taught the technique to the Boy Scouts and more.

Watts doing the bow drill at Medicine Rock. Homage to Seton who introduced and taught the technique to the Boy Scouts and one could could argue, the world.

Steve Watts (left) with our friend and Camp-Fire Club host, Shawn Orbanic.

Pipestave Lake at Wyndygoul.

What's left of Seton's house at Wyndygoul feels like ruins. The City of Greenwich did an excellent job.

The ‘shell’ of Seton’s house at Wyndygoul feels like ruins. The City of Greenwich did an excellent job.

Steve Watts presenting a "Frontier Connection" to Classic Camping of which many CFCA member were instrumental.

Steve Watts presenting a “Frontier Connection” to Classic Camping of which many early CFCA members were instrumental.

Main cabin fireplace at the Camp-Fire Club.

Daniel Carter Beard original Buckskin Men flag at the Camp-Fire Club of America.

Going through some of the many archives at the Camp-Fire Club of America. (Thank you Jeff!)

Daniel Carter Bear grave in Spring Valley, NY.

Daniel Carter Beard grave in Spring Valley, NY.

Homage to “Uncle Dan” with the Flint & Steel.

About Christian Noble

Chris Noble is the founder of MasterWoodsman.com and Woodsmoke Camping Company. A Master Naturalist, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Forestry and has worked as a Registered Forester and Certified Burn Manager in several states. Chris is also a Wilderness First Responder and since the late 90’s has been “practicing primitive” skills and taking lessons from numerous Master Woodsmen throughout North America. An advocate for Conservation, teacher of Wilderness Living Skills, and happily married, he enjoys passing what he has learned thus far to others, especially his 2 children, Emerson and Duncan.

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