What Constitutes Bushcraft?

Bushcraft is without doubt the oldest form of sport/entertainment/profession of humans and pre-humans.  Even non human animals such as birds and monkeys make tools to be used in the wild.  Out of necessity, skills for the outdoors were developed and honed by our forefathers.  Some of the greatest outdoorsmen/women were those who were born and raised steeped into this tradition centuries and millenium ago all over the world, from the steppes of Asia to South America.  Even now, the profound knowledge is carried on by gifted Native American, Inuit, Australian aboriginal friends among others.  Some of these skills and knowledge have fortunately been codified into books and more recently, electronic format for anyone to learn and practice.  Not only does this lead to self satisfaction gained from study, but also appreciation for what has been learned through sometimes thousands of years of practice.  One of the most important aspects in the process is hopefully a deeper respect for the individuals who lives depended on these skills in the past.  Our brethrens from all over the world who have survived in extreme conditions using very primitive equipment, but who possess a profound knowledge of their land and water, are of all colors and races.  In no other sphere of human activity does the actions we take are as universal and go back in history as far back as bushcrafting. 

In modern times, our survival takes place for most of us in a much different environment.  Our day to day activities, how we are raised, what we consider important do not necessarily align with the ways of our forefathers. Yet when we go out to the wilderness, the timelessness, the beauty, the satisfaction of being able to be comfortable in harsh environment still ring in our genes and intellect.  This may manifest nowadays in a way no more than a pot of plant on the window sill or a patch of grass in the backyard.  Whatever the trigger, it conjures in our minds what are true basic abilities of a person and what are the natural wonders of the wilderness.

The fish laboriously formed from rubbing a piece of wood against a brick by a 6 year old.

A working can stove made in the kitchen (9 year old).

Therefore, I propose that bushcrafting is really an art that is a state of mind with a long, universal and distinguished history. There is very little requirement in forms of equipment and even the outdoors if we are so unfortunately constrained.  A young boy who makes a woodstove out of a finished can of beans in a kitchen is performing bushcraft.  Sleeping outside even if it is just the porch (especially in 5 degree F or -15 degree C weather) increases an enormous amount one's understanding of sleeping bags, heat conservation, head coverage, water content in one's breath, etc.  I suggest that these little steps are what form the foundation for bushcraft and link us to skills honed perhaps a million years ago.