9 New Things You Can't Miss at the Georgia Bushcraft Gathering

The Georgia Bushcraft Fall Gathering & Adventure Expo gets bigger every year, and for 2026, we're adding even more classes, activities, instructors, and new ways to experience the weekend.

Of course, you can still expect the great instructors, vendors, camping, demonstrations, and community that make the Fall Gathering what it is. However, we've added quite a few new things this year that we're especially excited about. From international instructors and new hands-on workshops to gem mining, metal detecting, and even a brand-new app, there's going to be plenty to check out.

Here's a quick look at some of what's new for 2026.

Meet Waypoint: The New Georgia Bushcraft Event App

There's a lot happening during the Fall Gathering. Classes, workshops, demonstrations, activities, and special events run throughout the weekend, and deciding what to do next can sometimes be the hardest part.

That's where Waypoint comes in.

The new Georgia Bushcraft event app makes it easier to explore what's happening and build your own personalized schedule. Find the classes and demonstrations you don't want to miss, add them to your weekend, and keep track of what's coming up next.

Whether you're planning out every hour or just looking for something interesting nearby, Waypoint will make navigating the Gathering easier than ever.

Field Sharpening with Joe Flowers and Lansky

A sharp knife is one of the most useful tools you can have in the woods, but keeping that edge sharp in the field is a skill all its own.

Joe Flowers will be teaming up with Lansky to cover a variety of field sharpening techniques. As a knife designer and expedition leader, Joe has plenty of real-world experience using and maintaining blades in some pretty interesting places.

You'll learn ways to maintain your edge while you're away from the workbench and why a sharp knife isn't just more effective, it's also safer to use.

Georgia Bushcraft Goes International

We're fortunate to bring together instructors from across the country every year, but for 2026, Georgia Bushcraft is going beyond the States.

Andrew Price of Dryad Bushcraft is coming over to teach Survival Coracle Building. Andrew was also a participant on Season 13 of Alone, and his class will explore the traditional skills behind building this simple watercraft.

Naomi Allsworth, The Rambler's Mistress, will present From Bushcraft to the Bottom of the World, bringing her own adventures and experiences to the Gathering.

And Sanne Giesen of The Wild Roots Guide will teach Nature's First Aid Kit, offering another perspective on understanding and using the natural resources around us.

We're excited to welcome all three instructors and add even more knowledge from around the world to the weekend.

Metal Detecting with Dave Canterbury

Here's one we haven't done before.

Dave Canterbury will be leading a Metal Detector Hunt that gives attendees a chance to get some real in-the-field experience with metal detecting.

It's an interesting hobby that combines outdoor skills, exploration, and a little bit of treasure hunting. You never know what might be hiding underneath a patch of ground, and who knows, you might even find something valuable.

Sourdough Weekend Workshop with Jessica Deming

Sourdough might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of bushcraft, but traditional food skills fit right in with the self-reliance side of Georgia Bushcraft.

Jessica Deming of Beechwood Cottage Bakery will lead a two-part, hands-on workshop that takes you through the entire sourdough process.

You'll mix, strengthen, shape, and prepare your dough during the first session, then return the next morning to score and bake your loaf.

You'll leave with your finished loaf, an active starter, Jessica's recipe and baking guide, a mixing bowl, and your own scoring tool. More importantly, you'll leave with the knowledge to do it all again at home.

Learn About Off-Grid Living with John Kernohan

There's plenty of interest in off-grid living and homesteading in the Georgia Bushcraft community, and John Kernohan of Beloved Cabin Homestead is bringing 15 years of firsthand experience to this year's Gathering.

John will be teaching three classes: 15 Years Off-Grid: How We Started With Only $1K, Water Matters: The Number One Consideration for Your Homestead and When Going Off-Grid, and Zoning: Live Your Off-Grid and Homestead Life by Your Terms — and Legally!

If you've ever thought about starting a homestead or simply becoming a little more self-reliant, these are definitely worth adding to your Waypoint schedule.

Zachary Fowler: ALONE vs. Naked and Afraid

Here's another one that should be a lot of fun.

Zachary Fowler of Fowler's Makery & Mischief will be joining us for a special fireside chat covering ALONE vs. Naked and Afraid.

Fowler has firsthand experience with both shows, and this Q&A will give attendees a chance to hear about the differences, challenges, and realities of two very different survival experiences.

Pull up a chair for this one.

Go Gem Mining

We're adding something new for the whole family, too.

Demo Family Mining is bringing its mobile gem mining experience to the Fall Gathering. Kids and adults can use a working sluice to sift through mining rough and uncover real gemstones, fossils, and other surprises.

Best of all, whatever you find is yours to take home.

It's an easy activity to fit between classes, and we're guessing this one will be especially popular with our younger attendees.

BONUS: The Fall Gathering Is Going Live!

Can't make it to the Gathering this year? We're working on something for you, too.

For 2026, the Fall Gathering is going live!

You'll be able to tune in for select classes, demonstrations, interviews, and behind-the-scenes moments from around the property. It's a chance to learn from some incredible instructors, meet interesting people from throughout the outdoor community, and get a look at what's happening even if you can't join us in person.

Stay tuned for more information about the live schedule and how to watch.

And That's Just the New Stuff

The best part is that everything above is being added to an already jam-packed Fall Gathering weekend.

There will still be plenty of bushcraft, survival, homesteading, self-reliance, vendors, camping, demonstrations, and time around the fire with the Georgia Bushcraft community.

Start planning your weekend, keep an eye out for more updates, and we'll see you at the 2026 Fall Gathering & Adventure Expo!