Bushcraft UK Bushcraft Challenge

[Chris]

What is the Bushcraft UK (BCUK) Bushcraft Challenge?​

The BCUK Bushcraft Challenge is a tiered set of challenges for members of the Bushcraft UK forum, allowing members to develop, practice and showcase their skills in a way which encourages learning and progression within the community. It is accessible to people new to the craft and those who have 'been there and done that', with the three levels of difficulty providing a challenge dependent on your current level of ability.

Most importantly, it is a fun way to get involved in the craft we all love, as part of a community

How do I participate in the Bushcraft UK Bushcraft Challenge?​

1. Create a new thread with the title "<your forum name> Challenge Thread", for example "Chris Challenge Thread"
2. Select the correct prefix for your challenge. Most people will start with 'Preparing for Challenge'
3. Copy and paste the latest version of the Challenge from this thread into your first post. It will be the latest post in this thread, showing the most recent version number and date.
4. When you're ready to go, change your prefix to "Getting stuck in!"
5. For each task you complete, please post photographs/videos where possible or give a detailed written experience of what you did, challenges faced and then the outcome where videos/photos are not possible
6. When you have completed the tier you are currently working on, post up and ask one of the challenge staff to verify your challenge status. Please make sure that your challenge version is the most up-to-date one at the time of posting this request. They will then update your thread prefix to show your current completion status, either Basic, Intermediate or Master Complete

What do I need to know before I start?​

BCUK Bushcraft Challenge Code of Conduct

This is very important, as the reputation of both the forum and the craft as a whole relies on people acting safely and responsibly when participating in it.

Example challenge thread

This is an example post showing what your individual challenge thread should look like and how to format it.

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Is there a prize or a badge or something?​

Once we reach v1.0 and onwards there may be something... who doesn't love a shiny thing to show off?!

 

[Chris]

Please note that this is not yet ready. We are aiming for the first 'usable' version of v0.1 to be ready by the end of March 2025.​

Challenge version 0.0.1 (v0.0.1) - 28/02/2025​

Fire​

Challenges pertaining to the construction, maintenance and ignition of fires.

Beginner​

1. Light a sustainable fire using only a lighter and natural materials (No modified natural materials such as firelighters)
2. Light a sustainable fire using a ferro rod, steel and natural materials
3. Light a sustainable fire using a piece of natural flint, a steel and natural materials

Intermediate​

1. Light a fire using a firebow and natural materials

Water collection​

Challenges pertaining to the collection of water both for utility and drinking.

Beginner​

1. Create a solar still and use it to collect drinking water

Intermediate​

1. Create a filtration system which can be used to purify drinking water prior to boiling

Knots and lashing​

Beginner

1. Learn to tie a bowline knot

Shelter​

Challenges pertaining to the construction of shelter from the elements using both man-made and natural materials.

Beginner​

1. Set up a tarp shelter using man-made materials, which will keep you dry in the rain

Intermediate​

1. Create a shelter from natural materials which will keep you dry in the rain

Cooking​

Challenges pertaining to the cooking of both purchased and foraged foodstuffs on a campfire or stove.

Beginner​

1. Use a stove or campfire to cook up a hot meal of any kind

Intermediate​

1. Use a campfire to cook up a simple meal using only the raw ingredients. This must be a full meal.

Knife skills​

Challenges based on the safe and skillful use of a knife as a bushcraft tool.

Beginner​

1. Display the ability to sharpen a knife to a shaving edge
2. Create your own Try Stick, in the style of Mors Kochanski

Intermediate​

Axe Skills​

Challenges based on the safe and skillful use of an axe as a bushcraft tool.

Beginner​

1. Safely chop enough firewood to sustain a fire for 2 hours

Intermediate​

1. Rough carve a spoon blank from a piece of wood

Crafting​

Challenges pertaining to the crafting of material, tools and items which can be used in a bushcraft setting.

Beginner​

1. Build your own firebow
2. Knap a piece of flint which can be used with a fire steel to create sparks

Intermediate​

1. Carve yourself a reusable drinking vessel out of natural materials

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