A small teepee brush shelter. On this particular day it was pouring rain. But Allan reports that it worked very well. Spruce shed rain very efficiently if the branches are pointed downward.

An inside view of the same shelter.

With care, a small fire can be lit inside, for extra warmth -- you definitely don't want to be caught inside one of these if it goes up in flames!!

Another shelter in the winter. Note the frame holding the brush up, creating a door frame.

A much larger brush shelter.

"Teepee"-style brush shelters

In spite of appearances, brush shelters can be amazing durable. This shelter is four years old.

Another one. This is good for camouflage, in this case for hunting.

Brush shelters can have less of a distinct form. They don't need to be in a teepee shape.

This shelter was still very good and serviceable two years after it was first built.

A good shelter can be made using a fallen tree as a framework.

Obviously there are many factors which determine what form this type of shelter would take, such as tree branches, height from the ground, type of tree, type of ground surface, location, etc.

Also, you want to be sure that the tree will not give way and collapse on you!

A great stump shelter. Bow says this was a cozy and easy shelter, made partially from a tree stump.

Children love making brush shelters.

A bush shelter is a great way to introduce children to the skills of wilderness shelter-building. It can be a lot of fun for them, especially if the shelter is roomy enough to play in.

So...a compromise is made. Normally, shelters are made just big enough for their purpose, which is usually to keep you warm at night. But, a kid's shelter needs to be a lot bigger so they can play in it. If they can't play, it won't be fun for them, and they won't enjoy the experience, and won't be as likely to do it again!

"Here is my son Nicholas, and he's happy once our shelter is done -- he knows the coco is on its way!"

--Bow

"Here is my little girl, Jessica, learning skills for winter shelters."

--Bow

A semi-lean-to type of bush shelter

If you notice the kids inside, they are sitting by a fire stone pit. Bow says that this shelter turned out really good: a big shelter with an "over head rain collector" added. When it rained the bark sent the water to a waiting basket. So, as a standalone brush shelter it seems to have it all!

Survival Shelter Cordage Furniture

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