In a past thread, I toyed with the idea of a ETS forum members get-together here in the Mid-Atlantic States, to socialize, exchange ideas, explore and practice some of our skills. I believe in that same thread I mentioned reading in our local paper that one of the primitive skills group had an annual meeting nearby.

In doing some web surfing, I came across the web site of both the national group as well as the Mid-Atlantic group (MAPS) and yes they do have a monthly and annual meeting in nearby Thurmont, MD. I contacted the MAPS representative regarding membership and if the meetings were open to others. He said there is really no membership, that they keep in contact via e-mail and that he would add me to their distribution. He also said most of their meetings are open to any interested person, occasionally having to limit the number of participants due to space restrictions. It sounds like a really great group and I plan on attending some of the meetings and workshops.

I am listing some of the web site links for your convenience. The web sites have a lot of valuable information and are definitely worth visiting. He also told me that their annual meeting would be June 8-12, 2005 at the Catoctin Quaker Camp in Thurmont, MD. With that in mind, maybe those ETS forum members in the general area who can attend the meeting could also have an additional get-together. Pete

Society of Primitive Technology: http://www.primitive.org/
Mid-Atlantic Primitive Skills: http://www.mapsgroup.org/
Frederick News Post on Friday, June 13, 2003: http://www.mapsgroup.org/meetarticle.htm