Fourteen months ago, we set out to prove that the “old ways” still have a vital place in a fast-paced world. Today, Teaching Our Traditions (TOT) is thriving. We’ve spent the last year watching young people trade screen time for “stand time,” discovering that self-reliance is the greatest gift we can give the next generation.

Our Philosophy: Start-to-Table

We believe in a “Start-to-Table” approach that connects youth to the origins of their sustenance and the mechanics of their world. Our programs go far beyond basic instruction:

• Archery & Ethics: In our archery-only programs, we teach more than marksmanship—we instill patience, discipline, and a deep respect for the land.
• Craftsmanship & Trades: We bridge the gap between curiosity and capability through hands-on training in the essential trades.
• Culinary & Outdoor Mastery: We foster the confidence that comes from mastering both the great outdoors and the kitchen, ensuring every harvest is respected and utilized.

Our Programs

Our fully insured, bow-only guided experiences are inclusive, catering to youth, individuals with disabilities, and new adult hunters. We operate with full transparency, respecting landowner schedules and maintaining meticulous post-season cleanup. For peace of mind, all guides are BCI/FBI background-checked and certified.

Our fishing programs mirror this discipline, offering everything from local “pond hopping” and trips to the Pine Lakes Trout Club to professional charters. This spring, our members are eagerly preparing for a season of archery and angling.

Expanding into the Classroom

We recently launched our After-School Enrichment Program, open to students in the West Geauga School District, surrounding Geauga County districts, and the home-school community. Our curriculum blends STEM with creative expression—covering everything from architectural design and electric circuits to concrete work and landscaping.

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Join the Tradition: How You Can Help

As a nonprofit, TOT’s success is a testament to the power of community synergy. We are always searching for new opportunities to get our members outdoors, and we currently need:

• Land Access: Use of property, 5 acres or more for guided, low-impact archery hunts and pond access for fishing.
• Donations: Funds or equipment to keep our programs accessible to all.

Whether we are teaching a student to thread a needle or track a deer, our goal is to provide a compass for the modern world using the map of our ancestors. As Field Guide Jeff Martin puts it: ‘It’s important to remember the past while pursuing the future.'”