About Knives at Camp

Some people ask us why we would ask kids to bring “weapons” to camp. We are very clear that knives are not weapons, they are tools. At Whole Earth Nature School we take knife safety very seriously. Carving is an important skill to learn and must be treated with respect. Any student who participates in knife work at Whole Earth Nature School must first participate in a discussion about knife safety. After that discussion there will be no more “warnings” about safe behavior. If a student behaves in an unsafe manner with a knife we will confiscate that knife until the end of the program day. Here is a brief overview of our basic knife safety rules:

• Knives are tools, they are not toys, weapons etc.
• If a knife is not in your hand and in use it must stay folded or in its sheath
• You must stay seated while using a knife
• A sharp knife is a safe knife. Dull knives are dangerous
• Always cut away from all body parts
• It is everyone’s responsibility to maintain a safe zone (“blood circle”) around any person using a knife

Here are some tips on choosing a safe knife: