Fern + Roe
Hide Camps:

Expectations | Code of Conduct

A hide tanning course, affectionately known as a hide camp, is bite-sized foray into hide tanning.

Our goal is to provide you with an epic experience that is far too rare in modern society: an embodied immersion in a hands-on craft.

Read on to get a sense of our expectations of hide camp attendees and what you can expect from us.

What our hide tanning course provides:

  • A prepared hide, ready for you to take it through the next steps of tanning and finishing

  • Our tannery tools and equipment for you to use

  • A morning circle each day with an overview of that day’s hide tanning steps

  • Instruction within a group context

  • A “learning by doing” container: one in which your hands do the work

  • A decolonizing pedagogy: one in which the learning is embodied

What our hide tanning course does not provide:

  • Instruction on hunting, farming, harvesting animals, skinning hides, or processing hides prior to tanning

  • 1:1 mentorship

  • In-depth theory and methodology

  • Written resources

  • Instruction on hide tanning methods not applicable to the hide in hand

What to expect and what this container expects of you:

  • Hide tanning is a rigorous undertaking - physically, mentally, and emotionally

    • It is expected that attendees be aware that hide tanning may activate physical, mental, and emotional wounds; it is each attendee’s responsibility to tend to these if this occurs and to take breaks when needed

  • It is expected attendees arrive on time and stay for the duration of the day

  • It is expected that any accessibility needs of an attendee (such as those that require alteration to hide camp equipment) be communicated to Fern + Roe at least one week in advance of hide camp

  • Hide camp requires attendees to spend most of their time actively learning and doing, applying verbal instructions onto the hide they work and patiently stewarding the outcome

    • Hide camp requires a reasonable capacity to absorb details and focus while working

  • Hide camp is hosted in a rural setting and presupposes a high level of personal responsibility and maturity from each attendee

  • Being part of a group requires one to be aware of the material and energetic space of oneself, and be a beneficial contributor to the social dynamics of a group

    • Being part of a group requires one to refrain from expressing bias or prejudice towards other members of the group

  • Learning a skill such as hide tanning takes repetition and devotion.

    • Attendees are expected to understand they will not be professional hide tanners after tanning only one hide.

What happens if expectations are not met:

  • If you as an attendee feel you are not receiving the instruction you need, you are welcome to stop participating in hide camp at any time

    • You will receive your partially-tanned hide with written resources to finish the hide at home and a partial refund

  • If you as an attendee feel you are being bullied or harassed during hide camp, please email hello@fernandroe.com to arrange a private time to meet and discuss and respond to the issues

  • If you as an attendee are noticeably bullying or harassing other attendees, instructors, farm residents, or farm animals; or if you decline to be part of a group learning container nor follow instructions, you will be required to leave.

    • You may take your partially-tanned hide with you; you will not receive a refund

  • If you as an attendee are more than 20 minutes late for the day without cause, you may be asked to forfeit the remainder of hide camp

    • You may take your partially-tanned hide with you; you will not receive a refund

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