Challenge: Bush cup

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Challenge: Bush cup [∞]

Survival Challenge: Make a Bush Cup

Objective

Students will craft a functional bush cup (a small, natural drinking vessel) using only natural or limited materials, emphasizing creativity, resourcefulness, and bushcraft skills.

Materials Needed

Natural Materials:

  • Wood: A log or large branch from a softwood tree (e.g., willow, birch, or poplar).
  • Bark: Large, flexible pieces of bark (birch works best).
  • Leaves: Large, non-toxic leaves for lining (optional).

Tools:

  • Knife or small axe for carving.
  • Spoon gouge or improvised scraping tool (e.g., a rock or shell).
  • Fire and coals (optional, for hollowing).

Safety Gear:

Gloves, safety goggles, and first aid supplies.

Preparation

  1. Set Up Workspace:
    • Choose a safe carving area with clear boundaries and instructions for handling tools.
    • Have water buckets available if using fire for hollowing.
  2. Teach Skills:
    • Carving Basics: Demonstrate safe knife and axe techniques.
    • Material Selection: Show students how to identify and select suitable wood or bark.
  3. Examples:
    • Provide examples of simple bush cups, both carved and bark-based.

Challenge Instructions

Option 1: Carved Wooden Cup

  1. Choose a Log:
    • Select a softwood log or branch at least 4–6 inches in diameter.
  2. Shape the Cup:
    • Use a knife or axe to carve the exterior shape of the cup.
    • Smooth the surface with finer carving or scraping.
  3. Hollow the Interior:
    • Knife/Gouge Method: Use a spoon gouge or knife to scrape out the center.
    • Burning Method: Use a hot coal placed in the center to char the wood. Blow gently to control the burn, then scrape out the charred wood.
  4. Smooth and Finish:
    • Sand the edges if tools are available, or use a smooth rock.
    • Ensure the interior is smooth enough to hold liquid.

Option 2: Bark-Based Cup

  1. Harvest Bark:
    • Carefully remove a sheet of bark from a suitable tree (e.g., birch) without damaging the tree's core.
  2. Shape the Cup:
    • Fold the bark into a cone or cylindrical shape.
    • Secure the edges with natural cordage, thin vines, or small wooden pegs.
  3. Seal the Cup:
    • If available, use sap or resin to seal seams.
    • Line the interior with large, non-toxic leaves if necessary.

Step 3: Test the Cup

  • Pour water into the cup to check for leaks and usability.
  • Make adjustments as needed to improve functionality.

Challenge Variations

  1. Speed Challenge: Who can craft a usable cup the fastest?
  2. Natural-Only: Restrict tools to natural materials like rocks or shells.
  3. Aesthetic Bonus: Award points for the most creative or beautifully crafted cup.
  4. Utility Test: Use the cups to collect water or drink from a natural source.

Debrief and Reflection

  1. What Worked Well:
    • Discuss successful techniques and materials.
  2. Challenges Faced:
    • Reflect on difficulties encountered, like shaping or sealing the cup.
  3. Application of Skills:
    • Explore how these skills could be useful in survival situations or historical contexts.
This bushcraft challenge is ideal for Acton Academy’s hands-on, learner-driven approach. It fosters creativity, patience, and problem-solving, all while building a tangible and functional product.

Survival Challenge: Make a Bush Cup (Including Split Log Cup)

Objective

Students will craft a functional bush cup using either carved wood, bark, or a split log method. This challenge encourages creativity, adaptability, and hands-on bushcraft skills while exploring different techniques to achieve the same goal.

Materials Needed

Natural Materials:

  • Wood: A softwood log or large branch (willow, birch, or poplar are ideal).
  • Bark: Large, flexible sheets of bark (e.g., birch).
  • Leaves: Large, non-toxic leaves for lining (optional).

Tools:

  • Knife, axe, or small saw (for splitting and carving).
  • Spoon gouge or improvised scraping tools (e.g., a rock or shell).
  • Cordage or vines (for binding).

Safety Gear:

Gloves, safety goggles, and a first aid kit.

Preparation

  1. Set Up Workspace:
    • Choose a safe carving area with enough space for students to work with tools.
    • Provide clear safety instructions for handling knives, axes, and saws.
  2. Skill Introduction:
    • Demonstrate basic carving, splitting, and safe use of tools.
    • Show students how to identify and select suitable wood or bark.
  3. Examples:
    • Provide examples of wooden, bark, and split-log cups to inspire students.

Challenge Instructions

Option 1: Split Log Cup

  1. Choose and Prepare the Log:
    • Select a small log or thick branch (4–6 inches in diameter).
    • Cut the log to the desired cup height (6–8 inches is a good starting point).
  2. Split the Log:
    • Use an axe or sturdy knife with a mallet to split the log in half.
  3. Hollow Out the Center:
    • Carve out a hollow section in the flat face of one half.
    • Use a knife, spoon gouge, or improvised tool (e.g., a sharp rock) to scrape the wood, creating a shallow basin.
  4. Seal the Edges (Optional):
    • Use resin, sap, or plant-based adhesive to make the cup more water-resistant.
  5. Secure the Cup (Optional):
    • Bind the split log back together with cordage, vines, or twine if you want to enclose the hollowed-out area.

Option 2: Carved Wooden Cup

(Refer to the original carved wooden cup instructions).

Option 3: Bark-Based Cup

(Refer to the original bark-based cup instructions).

Step 4: Test the Cups

  • Pour water into the cups to check for leaks and functionality.
  • Make adjustments as necessary, like deepening the hollow or sealing gaps.

Challenge Variations

  1. Speed Test: Who can create the most functional cup in a set time?
  2. Multi-Material: Combine methods, such as lining a split log cup with bark for added durability.
  3. Weight Test: Test cups by holding progressively heavier amounts of water.
  4. Creativity Points: Reward students for unique designs or decorative elements.

Debrief and Reflection

  1. What Worked Best?
    • Discuss the pros and cons of each method.
  2. Challenges:
    • Reflect on issues like splitting the log cleanly or creating a leak-proof design.
  3. Real-World Application:
    • Explore how these methods could be used in survival scenarios or historical bushcraft.
Adding the split log method introduces a practical, low-effort option for students, broadening the range of skills they can develop while maintaining the challenge’s focus on survival and resourcefulness. This variation encourages experimentation and adaptability, core values of Acton Academy's learning philosophy.
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