Day 1 | Become a skill Collector

We’re going to kick off our 5-Day Bootcamp by talking about something you can start doing right NOW! 

It’s amazing to me how many people in our modern society don’t know how to do anything. Only a few short generations ago, the average person was quite capable without even really trying to be. Interestingly, the modern homesteader has a genuine need for many “old-time” skills, not necessarily for nostalgia’s sake, but rather for everyday living.

One of the most exhilarating parts of homesteading is learning new trades, crafts, and skills you previously never would have imagined trying. Don’t be afraid to be a beginner for a while and tackle something new. You’ll be whipping up cheese, and cutting bars of soap before you know it.

Here are a few ideas to get you started.  Keep in mind that no one person will likely master all of these skills. And some just aren’t applicable to certain situations. But hopefully you can pick and choose some ideas to inspire you!

1. Composting
2. Make the perfect pie crust
3. Learn how to cook a whole chicken
4. Prune and graft fruit trees
5. Dehydrate food
6. How to safely cut down a tree
7. Change a tire and oil
8. Master basic mechanic skills so you can fix your tractors and vehicles
9. Know how to drive a manual transmission and/or tractor
10. Know how to build a fire
11. Learn how to make yogurt
12. Make your own jellies and jams
13. Mend damaged clothes so they don’t have to be thrown away
14. Master basic carpentry skills so you can repair outbuildings or even build basic furniture pieces
15. Forage for wild edibles in your area

There are so many more skills that will come in handy when homesteading. And as a bonus if you get really good at something you can sell your services or extras.