Mossy Bog (Rat Root) Rendezvous
Mossy Bog Rendezvous (Formally Rat Root Rendezvous)
A Gathering for Wilderness Living, Traditional Skills & Community
Hosted at Nature Alive Adventure Centre
Reconnect With the Wild
Join us for a weekend of bushcraft, canoeing, primitive skills, storytelling, music, and campfire community in the heart of Alberta's boreal wilderness.
Whether you are a seasoned outdoorsperson or just beginning your wilderness journey, Mossy Bog Rendezvous is a place to learn, share, and belong.
Apply to Teach at Mossy Bog Rendezvous
Welcome to Mossy Bog Rendezvous
Formerly known as Rat Root Rendezvous, this new chapter continues the tradition of wilderness learning, friendship, and outdoor living — now hosted at Nature Alive Adventure Centre.
For one unforgettable weekend, instructors, craftspeople, paddlers, woodsfolk, families, and adventurers gather together to celebrate traditional outdoor knowledge and hands-on learning.
Spend your days learning practical wilderness skills, exploring the land, and sharing stories around the fire late into the evening.
This is more than an event.
It is a community built around connection, simplicity, and respect for the natural world.
What You'll Experience
Bushcraft & Survival Skills
Learn practical wilderness skills including firecraft, shelter building, knife and axe skills, tracking, campcraft, plant ID, mushroom ID, and outdoor living.
Primitive Skills & Traditional Crafting
Explore carving, natural basket making, blacksmithing, herbal knowledge, and traditional outdoor crafts.
Family & Youth Activities
Hands-on outdoor learning experiences designed for children, youth, and families.
Evening Campfire Gatherings
Trade blankets, storytelling, music, campfire-lit conversations, and community around the fire.
Wilderness Community
Meet instructors, adventurers, homesteaders, woodsfolk, and outdoor enthusiasts from across Canada.
Event Information
Dates
August 21-23, 2026
Location
Nature Alive Adventure Centre
Alberta, Canada — View on Google Maps
Camping, RV & Trailer Parking - Pay for camping/RV & day pass upon arrival - please bring cash
- 3 nights - tenting - $60 (so $20 per night)
- 3 nights - RV - $90 (so $30 per night)(no hookups)
- Just come for one day - $20 | Family with kids $35
- Open grassy area for RVs, open grass and treed spots for tents, and hammock spots in the forest
- Instructors offering sessions do not pay for camping, RVs, or day rate.
Meals
- You are responsible for all your own meals at your own camp spot
- Saturday evening community potluck supper
Parking
On-site parking available. Limited RV spots.
Quiet Hours
Quiet hours begin at 11:00 PM.
Pets
Sorry, no pets. No Dogs. Our facility receives guests year round, and we have had too many problems with dog poop and unruly dogs and unruly pet owners.
Vendors Are Welcome - Cash is preffered
On Site Amenities
- 6 km of forest and open meadow trails
- Two creeks and a beaver pond
- Main campfire pit (no random open fires allowed)
- Outhouses, shower house, and outdoor shower
- Water from our well is available. Most guests bring drinking water.
- Parachute over campfire
- Some chairs and tables
Fire Regulations
All fires subject to local fire restrictions and weather conditions.
Weekend Schedule - Some courses have fees - cash only please
Full instructor schedule coming soon. Sessions will be added as instructors are confirmed. Sign up for sessions by clicking on the appropriate link. Check back regularly!
Apply to Teach at Mossy Bog Rendezvous
Friday, August 21 — Opening Day
| Time | Session | Instructor | Location | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:30pm | Opening Gathering | Dale & Colleen Kiselyk | Main Campfire | — |
| 3:00pm |
Grounding Candles |
Jolene Kison |
Main Campfire | Info/Book |
| 3:00pm |
Make a Leather Pouch- Kids only session |
Alissa McRae |
Main Campfire | Info/Book |
| 3:00pm |
Canoe Basics & Tour Goose Lake |
Sheena Melin |
Start at main, drive to Goose Lake | Info/Book |
| Evening | Campfire Social | Everyone | Main Campfire | — |
Saturday, August 22 — Full Day of Sessions
| Time | Session | Instructor | Location | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9am | Bookbinding - make a Leatherbound Journal - 3 hrs | Alissa McRae | Near Main Campfire | Info/Book |
|
10:30am |
Survival Snaring - 1.5hrs |
Ross Hinter |
Main Campfire |
|
|
10:30am |
Care and Feeding of Cast Iron |
David Delafield |
David's Camp |
|
|
10:30 |
Grounding Candles - 1.5hrs |
Jolene Kison |
Main Campfire |
|
| 1:30pm | Session Coming Soon | TBD | TBD | Coming Soon |
| 3pm | Session Coming Soon | TBD | TBD | Coming Soon |
| Evening | Community Potluck & Announcements | Everyone | Main Campfire | — |
Sunday, August 23 — Closing Day
| Time | Session | Instructor | Location | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9am | Wetlands Classification Walk - 1.5hrs or so | Dale Kiselyk | Main Campfire | Info/Book |
| 10:30am | Session Coming Soon | TBD | TBD | Coming Soon |
| Late Morning | Closing Gathering & Farewell | Main Campfire | — |
Meet the Instructors
Dale Kiselyk
Wilderness guide, educator, and founder of Nature Alive Adventures with decades of experience teaching canoeing, bushcraft, and outdoor leadership.
Colleen Kiselyk
Outdoor educator and wilderness skills instructor specializing in nature connection, traditional skills, and family outdoor learning.
Guest Instructors
Additional instructors and presenters will be announced soon.
Apply to Teach at Mossy Bog Rendezvous
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need outdoor experience?
No. Beginners are welcome.
Can I bring my children?
Absolutely. Family-friendly activities will be available throughout the weekend.
What should I bring?
Everything you need for camping or RVing for the weekend.
Can I camp onsite?
Yes. Tent sites and RV sites will be in close proximity to one another.
Are pets allowed?
Sorry, no pets. No Dogs.
Will food be available?
Participants should bring their own meals, with the exception of the Saturday evening community potluck.
Can I teach or present?
Yes. We welcome instructor applications and workshop ideas. Apply here.
Come Learn. Come Teach. Come Reconnect With the Wild.
Join a growing community dedicated to wilderness skills, traditional knowledge, and meaningful outdoor experiences.
Honouring the Legacy
Mossy Bog Rendezvous proudly continues the tradition and spirit of Rat Root Rendezvous — a gathering built through years of dedication, wilderness knowledge, friendship, and community.
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Randy and Lori Breeuwsma of Karamat Wilderness Ways for their vision, hard work, and commitment to creating a wilderness gathering that has inspired so many people over the years.
Their passion for traditional outdoor skills, wilderness living, and community connection helped build something truly meaningful, and it is an honour for Nature Alive Adventures to carry this tradition forward into its next chapter.
Thank you for passing the torch and trusting us to continue the journey.
The History of Rat Root Rendezvous
Rat Root Rendezvous began more than 25 years ago as a gathering of wilderness enthusiasts, bushcrafters, outdoor educators, craftspeople, and families brought together by a shared passion for traditional outdoor living and wilderness skills.
Founded and hosted by Randy and Lori Breeuwsma of Karamat Wilderness Ways, the Rendezvous grew from a small community gathering into one of Canada's most respected wilderness and bushcraft events.
Deeply influenced by the teachings and philosophy of legendary Canadian bushcraft instructor Mors Kochanski, Karamat Wilderness Ways built the event around practical wilderness education, mentorship, and community connection.
In 2025, the event celebrated its 25th anniversary under the theme: WILD 25 — Wilderness, Instruction, Legacy, Developing Skills & Friendships
This milestone gathering marked the final Rat Root Rendezvous hosted by Lori and Randy Breeuwsma. During the event, they officially passed the torch to Dale and Colleen Kiselyk of Nature Alive Adventures to continue the tradition into the future.
Today, the spirit of Rat Root Rendezvous lives on through Mossy Bog Rendezvous — honouring the legacy, community, and wilderness traditions that Randy and Lori spent decades building while opening a new chapter for future generations of outdoor learners and adventurers.
