Ready for your next adventure? Create your own 21” expedition pack basket, the largest and most versatile basket in our collection! Whether you’re planning a backcountry trek, a day of foraging, or simply want a functional and stylish pack for everyday use, this class is for you.

Using premium reed, your basket will feature a sturdy ash or oak handle, a durable base with protective feet, and comfortable pack straps in a variety of colors. To make your basket truly unique, we’ll also have colorful reeds available for decorative accents.

What to Expect

• Step-by-step guidance on weaving a large, durable pack basket.
• Learn techniques for shaping, securing, and finishing your basket.
• Tips for incorporating decorative accents using colored reeds.
• Insights into the craft and tradition of basket weaving.
• Each student will leave with a 21” expedition pack basket, completed and ready for use.

This class is designed for all skill levels, including beginners. No prior basket weaving experience is necessary!

Accessibility Information

We aim to make this class as inclusive as possible.

• Location: The venue is wheelchair acccessible, with accessible restrooms
• Seating and Workspace: Tables and chairs are provided
• Physical Effort: Participants will use their hands for weaving and light cutting. If you have mobility or dexterity concerns, please reach out to discuss more details.
• Visual Guidance: Instructions will be given verbally and demonstrated visually. Please let us know if additional support is needed.

About the Instructor

Wood Thrush Wilderness is an outdoor guiding and educational business that helps people connect more deeply with themselves and the natural world. As Licensed Recreation Maine Guides, we offer guided canoe expeditions throughout the state of Maine. We also offer classes and training in outdoor education, wilderness medicine, and traditional crafts such as basketry.

Website: https://www.woodthrushwilderness.com/

Discover engaging opportunities to explore seasonal recreational activities, learn about the historical connections to winter in the Kennebec region, develop new skills, and embrace the joy of the season. With interactive experiences for all ages, this celebration invites everyone to uncover new hobbies and enjoy the beauty of winter.

Winterfest comes to life through the creativity and enthusiasm of our community partners! Your engaging displays and demonstrations, hands-on activities or workshops make this event truly special for our community. By sharing your time and talents, you help create lasting memories and inspire visitors of all ages.

Join us in making Winterfest an unforgettable celebration of the season:

Engagement Station: Interactive stations can offer activities, games, or hands-on experiences for attendees, creating meaningful connections and opportunities to share expertise.

Demonstration: Demonstrations of skills, crafts, or techniques can inspire and educate attendees in a dynamic and memorable way.: Demonstrations of skills, crafts, or techniques can inspire and educate attendees in a dynamic and memorable way.

Entertainment: Live entertainment, such as music, storytelling, or performances, can add energy and excitement to the event atmosphere.

Host a Workshop or Class: Workshops or interactive classes create opportunities for attendees to engage deeply with topics or skills in an interactive setting.

Exhibit: Exhibits focused on art, nature, or conservation can enrich the event by promoting awareness, education, and appreciation for the natural world.

Outreach: Engaging in outreach allows organizations and groups to connect with attendees, share their mission, and foster meaningful community relationships.

Our goal is to make this event as accessible to every partipant as possible. Your participation in on a volunteer basis. If you will require registration or a fee, please provide those details when you sign up and a member of our team will connect with you.

Winterfest comes to life through the incredible dedication of our volunteers! Your time and effort make this event—and many others throughout the year—truly unforgettable. Join us in creating lasting memories and bringing our community together by volunteering today!

This basket will be the perfect addition to your basket collection or a great gift. Just add the bottle of wine and it will make the perfect gift for the holidays, birthday, wedding, or any occasion.

Even if you have never weaved before, fear not, as we will provide detailed step-by-step directions to guide you through the process. Crafted from quality reed both flat and half round, this basket displays durability and charm. Additionally, if desired, we can incorporate color reed into the design, offering a vibrant range of hues to choose from including blue, purple, red, green, and brown. Let your creativity soar as you infuse delightful pops of color into your very own one-of-a-kind basket.

Join us for a family literacy snowshoe adventure!

Wander through serence, snow-covered trails with ease using snowshoes and enjoy a story along the way! 

Perfect for the whole family! 

Sleds and snowshoes are available for use on a first come, first served basis. 

About the Instructor

Collaborative Outdoor Education is led by Kelli M Gilzow Stowell, Outdoor Educator from Augusta Adult & Community Education. Family Literacy is appropriate for all ages, abilities, and can usually be modified for inclusivity!

Experience the thrill of fishing at a frozen lake! Learn to use an auger, bait and set your trap! 

Ice fishing equipment is available for use. Stay for a short while, set your own trap, and enjoy some time on the pond! 

About the Instructor

Collaborative Outdoor Education is led by Kelli M Gilzow Stowell, Outdoor Educator from Augusta Adult & Community Education. Family Literacy is appropriate for all ages, abilities, and can usually be modified for inclusivity!

Have you admired the enchanting willow tunnel at Viles Arboretum and thought, I’d love to create something like that? Now’s your chance! Join us for one—or both—of our willow weaving sessions, where you’ll help weave last year’s growth back into the tunnel. It’s a hands-on way to learn the art of creating and maintaining a willow tunnel while supporting the Arboretum in preserving this unique feature.

What to Expect

This activity involves a variety of physical tasks, including:

• Being outside, in the cold, for extended periods
• Standing for extended periods
• Climbing on a ladder to reach higher sections of the tunnel
• Using pruners to cut branches, on a ladder and at ground level
• Weaving long branches into the structure, holding them, and tying them with rubber ties
• Reaching above the head

If you have any questions about accessibility, feel free to reach out! We're happy to provide more details and work with you to make this event as accessible as possible.

How to be prepared:

• Experience: No prior experience with willow weaving is required - all skill levels are welcome! This project is suitable for ages 12 and up, when accompanied by an adult.
• Tools: Bring pruners and stepladders if you have them (a limited number will be available to borrow).
• Clothing: Dress for outdoor work, wear sturdy footwear, and gloves.
• Location: We'll meet at the Willow Tunnel, located just behind the barn.
• Weather: This project takes place outdoors, so dress accordingly. In the event of rain or snow, we will reschedule to the next day.