Heritage Skills USA About Us Page
Heritage Skills USA Homesteading Summit Founders About Us Page And Origin Story
Heritage Skills USA organization was launched by homesteading families for homesteading families.
We know the joys and fulfillment of living a simple life and want to see all homesteaders thrive - regardless of the space they have to grow their own groceries, raise their own protein, and build something lasting with their bare hands.
We are a true family affair with a team of devoted behind the scenes crew of men and women and center stage folks who range in age from as young as 5 to as seasoned at 85!
Bobby and Tara Dodrill were driving back from their friend Rick Austin's self-reliance event in North Carolina in 2020 and began discussing how wonderful it would be to host a hands-on homesteading and survival skills family centered event in their beautiful region of Appalachia. Efforts to coerce Rick into traveling up to Ohio to put on a second event at a different time of year had failed. - After having hosted their first homesteading and survival skills event, Tara and Bobby quickly learned why Rick preferred to preserve some of his sanity and stick with hosting just one massive event per year!
Half of the land if the naturally beautiful Vinton County is owned by the state or federal government as parks, and forest preserves. That leaves little space for job creation and the good paying jobs folks in the most rural county in the Buckeye State need to continue living in this little slice of heaven on earth locale. Ecotourism is thankfully emerging as the best way to bring a economic stability to the county, as it has in the rest of the Hocking Hills region.
The very first event was hosted 2021 during the pandemic. They knew first thing it was going to be a sink or swim type of experience. Thankfully homesteaders, bushcrafters, and survivalists are a hardy bunch and were not deterred by gathering together to learn and soak up time with like-minded folks. "I found my people," quickly became the slogan that perfectly details the Heritage Skills USA brand story. So many people kept uttering that exact phrase that it became the slogan on the back of event T-shirts in the years going forward. The top-notch homesteading skills, bushcraft, and survival training drew in folks from 26 different states and Canada, but it was that atmosphere of togetherness that serves as a great example of why people fell in love with the event and keep coming back year after year.
Ecotourism Is At The Heart Of Our Core Values
Heritage Skills USA homesteading and survival skills events has become a passion project for Bobby, Tara, and a host of team members from around the county. In addition to the top homestead, bushcraft, and survival instructors from around the country that teach and Heritage Skills USA events, a group of local talents who are not YouTube stars, are beloved standout instructors at our self-reliance events for children and adults, as well.
These cottage industry and small business owners are all an integral part of our personal brand of homesteading education. The ecotourism sparked by the events we host in Vinton County has allowed the instructors to expand their nature-based, herbalism, farm, homestead, and related businesses. Some have even grown their business enough to create an online store and helped to form the Vinton County Farmer's Market to sell their wares and share their skills in mini-workshops throughout the year.
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Benefits of Ecotourism
Ecotourism has emerged as a powerful tool for revitalizing rural communities with limited industrial opportunities. In the United States, promoting ecotourism plays a crucial role in enhancing Americans' connection with nature and supporting local home and small businesses. Research has shown that ecotourism brings not only economic benefits but also social and environmental advantages to these communities.
One of the key economic benefits of ecotourism its ability to create jobs and stimulate local economies. By attracting visitors to explore natural landscapes, rural areas can diversify their sources of income beyond traditional industries. According to a study by the Center Responsible Travel, ecotourism in the US generates $77 billion in revenue annually and supports over 1 million jobs. This influx of tourism dollars boosts local businesses such as restaurants, accommodations, and tour operators, providing a much-needed economic boost to rural communities.
In addition to economic benefits, ecotourism also fosters a deeper connection with nature among Americans. By immersing themselves in the natural world, visitors gain a greater appreciation for the importance of conservation and environmental protection. This increased awareness can help preserve natural landscapes for future generations. Moreover, engaging in ecotourism activities such as hiking, foraging, and simply going fishing can improve visitors' physical and mental well-being, promoting a healthier lifestyle.
Furthermore, ecotourism has positive social impacts by fostering community resilience and cultural preservation. By promoting local traditions, crafts, and cuisine, ecotourism helps preserve the unique identity of rural communities. This not only provides a source of pride for residents but also attracts visitors who are eager to experience authentic cultural experiences. Ecotourism initiatives often involve collaboration with local communities, empowering residents to take ownership of their natural resources and share their knowledge with visitors.
In conclusion, ecotourism is a valuable tool for revitalizing rural communities, connecting Americans with nature, and supporting local economies. By promoting sustainable tourism practices, we can strike a balance between economic growth and environmental conservation. Let us all embrace the importance of ecotourism in fostering community resilience and conservation efforts for a brighter, more sustainable future.
Our Homesteading And Self-Reliance Showcases And Timeline
The Heritage Skills USA 3-day event each May offering over 100 hands-on and interactive classes for youth and adults, the Heritage Explorers Fest for homeschool children and now the Lady 'Steaders homesteading weekend intensive for ladies only are a great way to not only bring tourists into Vinton County that help all local businesses, but also offer an exciting, fun, and memory making experiences that leave a lasting impression for all who attend each event.
Heritage Skills USA also hosts the Ohio Homeschool Science Fair each May with a focus on agricultural and nature science. In the fall, the American History Fair is a part of the Heritage Explorers Fest.
The May 3-day Heritage Skills USA event is the largest hands-on event in the United States for homesteading, bushcraft, and self-reliance enthusiasts.
The Heritage Skills USA Personal Touch
Far more than half of the Heritage Skills USA event attendees travel back to Vinton County each year to attend the event and reconnect with not only nature but the many friends and favorite instructors they have come to know and love. Attendees stay in touch with each other and instructors via the social media platforms of the event and through the Heritage Skills USA Network.
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Heritage Skills USA Network
The Heritage Skills Network is a fee-based annual membership with auto-renewal or recurring fees. For $25 a year (a full 12 months from membership start date) the member family can download all of The Homestead Homeschool curriculum which was created specifically with homesteading and self-reliance families in mind. The growing digital library of homeschool theme units is keenly focused both on American history, life skills, vocational skills, and homesteading.
Network members also can enjoy downloading all of our equally growing library of homesteading books, survival guides, cookbooks, log books, and journals free of charge. Members always have access to special discount codes on tickets to our events, first access to on-site camping reservations and class registrations - as well as deals on event T-shirts.
Take the next step in your homesteading and survival skills journey and consider becoming a part of our network today!
Mission Statement
Mission Statement
Heritage Skills USA is committed to providing evidence-based blog, book, homesteaders in America, hands-on survival training class content that has been successfully practiced professionals in the survival, bushcraft, and homesteading fields.
We are dedicated to offering hands-on homesteading, bushcraft, and survival skills events for youth and adults at events throughout the year. We prioritize hosting homeschool events and creating The Homestead Homeschool curriculum, as well as providing homesteading books and survival guides. Our mission is to boost ecotism in rural Appalachia, Ohio, and promote nature learning and local self-reliance through skilled instructors. Join us in our commitment to fostering a sense of connection to the natural world and empowering individuals to thrive any environment.
Heritage Skills USA Founders: About US
Tara Dodrill's Personal Story
Building a Homestead Life (and Teaching the Next Generation Along the Way)
If you’ve spent more than five minutes around me — whether at a co-op meeting, a homeschool history fair, or standing next to my goat barn while the rooster crows right in your ear — you know I’m a firm believer in two things:
- Kids are far more capable than folks give them credit for, and
- Homesteading skills are just plain good for the soul.
Whether it’s foraging for wild violets, starting a fire with nothing but a tinder bundle and a bit of determination, or putting up jars of jam like our Appalachian great-grandmothers, these skills connect us to something real. Something grounding. Something that makes us feel like, “Yep, no matter what comes our way — we've got this.”
Over the last few years, I’ve poured that belief into everything I create — homeschool units, printable board games, STEM projects, readers theater scripts, jam cookbooks, heritage-skills lessons, and hands-on workshops. And as this homestead-loving, coffee-powered mama builds this ever-growing ecosystem of practical learning, I’ve realized something important:
Homesteading and homeschooling were always meant to go together.
Let me explain.
Heritage Skills Are More Than “Extras” — They’re Life Skills
When we teach a child to identify dandelions, build a debris shelter, or bake bread from scratch, we’re doing far more than filling a quiet afternoon.
We’re teaching:
- Problem-solving
- Observation skills
- Patience
- Self-reliance
- Confidence
- Resourcefulness
These aren’t just “survival skills.” These are life skills — and kids love learning them because it feels real. Tangible. Useful. They walk away feeling strong and proud, not bored and disconnected.
If you give a kid a screen, you’ve got maybe 20 minutes of focus.
But hand that same kid a compass and a map?
Suddenly you’ve raised an explorer.
Survival Skills for Kids: Yes, Even Your 7-Year-Old Can Do This
A huge part of my mission has been creating age-appropriate survival and bushcraft content for kids — real skills broken down into safe, digestible steps.
Kids ages 7–14 can learn:
- How to start a fire safely
- How to build a simple shelter
- How to forage common edible plants
- How to treat scrapes and stings with gentle herbal remedies
- How to navigate using maps, compasses, and landmarks
- How to practice survival skills in the backyard or during family weekends
And they love it.
Give a kid permission to use real-world tools and suddenly they grow 3 inches taller from pride alone.
From Pantry Shelves to Forest Floors — It All Connects
One day I’m writing a kid-friendly guide to edible plants…
The next I’m testing Appalachian jam recipes from honeysuckle to crabapple…
And then I’m knee-deep in designing a printable board game where players “forage,” “explore,” and “craft remedies” as they race across a watercolor map.
Why? Because it all weaves together.
When kids understand where food, medicine, safety, and shelter really come from, their whole worldview shifts.
They become…
- Curious
- Capable
- Creative
- Confident
- And surprisingly prepared for the real world
And honestly? Most adults could use a refresher right along with them.
Bringing the Old Ways Back (Without the Overwhelm)
Homesteading isn’t about perfection.
It’s about practice.
It’s about learning one new thing this month — and another next month — and eventually realizing you’ve built a whole skillset that your great-grandparents would nod at in approval.
Maybe it's:
- Making old-fashioned jam like an Appalachian grandma
- Learning about apothecaries and their remedies
- Building a pioneer wagon model for a STEM project
- Exploring the 15 inventions that changed early America
- Hosting a backyard survival challenge for your kids
- Or just teaching your child how to milk a goat without getting kicked (don’t worry — we’ve all been there)
Little by little, it adds up.
Why I Build Curriculum, Printables, Cookbooks, and More
Because families keep telling me:
“We want our kids to know this stuff — but we don’t know where to start.”
So I build the starting points.
- Homestead Homeschool curriculum
- Heritage Skills USA Magazine
- Printable games
- Science units with real-world applications
- Readers theater scripts that make history fun
- Colonial America STEM bundles
- Foraging lessons
- Herbalism basics
- And a whole library of heritage-skills resources for families who want education to feel alive again
Homesteading is more than a lifestyle.
It’s a legacy.
And it’s one worth passing on.
The Heart of It All
Every jam recipe, scavenger hunt, STEM challenge, history unit, and bushcraft lesson I create comes down to this:
✨ Kids thrive when they get to learn by doing.
✨ Families thrive when they learn together.
✨ Heritage skills make everyday life richer, calmer, and more confident.
Whether you’re in the deep woods, the suburbs, or a two-bedroom apartment — these skills can fit your life.
And I’m here to keep creating resources to help you live them out, one adventure at a time.
Because at the end of the day?
We’re all capable of far more than the modern world gives us credit for. Sometimes it just takes a little homestead wisdom to bring it back out.
Tara is a homesteading expert with over 15 years of journalism experience, author of 10 homesteading, herbalism, and survival skills books. She is also the creator of The Homestead Homeschool curriculum and Heritage Explorers Homeschool co-op, a comprehensive learning resource for young survivalists and homesteaders. Along with her husband Bobby, she also host the Heritage Explorers Fest for kids and the Lady 'Steaders hands-on learning events. Tara also organizes the Ohio Homeschool Science Fair.
Tara Dodrill's journey in the survival and homesteading world is rooted in her passion for self-reliance. She has been a survival and homesteading journalist for nearly 15 years, providing valuable insights through platforms like the Survival Blog, Homesteading.com, and New Life On A Homestead. Her family's 56-acre homestead in Appalachia stands testament to her dedication to the self-reliant lifestyle. Tara is the website builder and web design creator for Heritage Skills USA.
Beyond her writings, she's an avid herbalist, empowering many through her workshops to harness the healing power of nature. She's a regular guest on renowned survival podcasts, sharing her expertise and experiences, and has been notably inspired by interactions with industry legends like her preparedness mentor Rick Austin - the Survivalist Gardener, and One Second After author, Dr. William Forstchen.
Tara earned her background in journalism from Ohio University. This formal education, combined with her hands-on experience in the world of survival and homesteading, makes her a trusted voice in the self-reliance community. Her educator role further underlines her commitment to hands-on learning, equipping many to lead a life connected with nature and self-sufficiency.
Bobby Dodrill's Personal Story
Bobby Dodrill is the co-owner and operator of Heritage Skills USA. Prior to becoming a semi-retired small business owner who enjoys spending his free time on a tractor in a field on his survival homestead, he had a long history of community service and survival training.
Dodrill is a retired McArthur Volunteer Fire Department Captain, a former village councilman, and previous mayor. He has been a member of a civilian volunteer militia, Free Mason, Shepherds's House Domestic Violence board member, founding member of the Vinton County Kiwanis club and past president.
Bobby is "go to" behind the scenes guru at Heritage Skills USA events and does a great job of making sure everything always runs as smoothly as possible. He maps out all of the event tent and learning spaces, makes sure electricity, water access, overhead projectors, and fire pits are ready to go when needed to teach classes, creates the event schedule and maps the event. Without Bobby, the trains surely would not be running on time!
Heritage Skills USA Responsibilities, Principles, and Ethics
Brand Values
We believe that high-quality skill building should be accessible to everyone. This value proposition is the guiding force behind the pricing of all our events and online digital content throughout the company's history. We strive to put in the hard work necessary to continually find new ways to reach and educate adults and youth interested in homesteading, bushcraft, and survival skills.
Best Practices and Transparency
The testimonials shared on our website and social media are a statement to our goals of transparency that showcases all Heritage Skills USA has to offer for homesteading families.
We offer a vast array of both online and in person survival training and hands-on homesteading learning opportunities for the entire family. flexible You can choose the format that works best for you and your learning style to achieve the best user experience.
By purchasing a Heritage Skills USA membership, you can download all of our homesteaders in America books, survival training books, cookbooks, livestock keeping logs, and homesteading homeschool curriculum for free for an entire 12 months for just $25 per family. Network members also enjoy Heritage Skills USA first access to camping and class registration, among other discounts.
We never share your contact information with marketers or any type of third party entity.
Personalized Support and Our Blog
We're committed to your success. That's why we offer personalized support and guidance throughout your homesteading, homeschool, and survival self-reliance journey. Whether you need help with event questions or homesteading and survival planning, we're here to help.
If you join our newsletter you will receive timely notices about events, deals, and tips approximately once per week. In the newsletter and through the Heritage Skills USA blog you will receive your digital welcome packet at least one week prior to any event. You will also see event notices and some special deals promotions through our social media profiles. A blog subscription tab is visible at the bottom of the page on every page of our website. At the top of the page you will find the website menu bar if you are on a laptop of desktop computer. If you are on a mobile device the menu is beneath the Heritage Skills USA logo typically on the upper left or right hand corner of the homepage - three drop down lines are visible until you click to reveal the page menu.
Please fill out the contact form in the pop up box on our home page that is viewable by all potential customers if you need website navigation assistance or have other questions. We will receive an email with your question and always respond as quickly as possible.